Is Cape Verde safe? Yes, especially on Sal
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Yes, Cape Verde is safe, and Sal in particular is very safe. Sal is the most touristic island of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde): the country welcomes around a million tourists a year and most of them come to Sal. Outside the resorts you can also move around safely and freely.
Sun, sea and beach under the palms
Sal is the island for a true sun, sea and beach holiday. You get more than 350 days of sunshine a year, miles of white sandy beaches lined with beach bars, and at Santa Maria you simply walk into the calm, clear sea for a swim. Lying under the palms, a drink on the beach and watching the sun set over the sea: that is a holiday on Sal.
The sea water is around 25 °C on average, and from August to October it is often 28 °C and up to 29 °C. Because it hardly ever rains, the heat is dry: the cooling trade wind keeps it pleasant, never too hot and never cold, and in the evening it cools down a few degrees.
Friendly people and a real no stress feeling
Cape Verdeans are very friendly, open and always up for a chat. As a tourist you are warmly welcomed, also because tourism is the main source of income for the islanders. Everywhere you get the famous no stress experience: a lovely relaxed vibe.
Quiet roads and freedom to explore
There are no traffic lights on Sal and you never pay for parking. There is little traffic on the whole island; most cars are taxis. Do rent a car, bike or scooter for a day, or book a ride in the back of a pick-up for an island tour. You can also spend a day on a sailing boat or rent a jet ski. See excursions on Sal.
Nightlife in Santa Maria
In the evening Santa Maria has good nightlife: plenty of bars, restaurants and cafés with terraces on the main street to keep you entertained night after night. Live music and the Cape Verdean sense of rhythm mean there is a lot of dancing.
Common sense, just like at home
There is crime everywhere, also in your own country, and Cape Verde is no different. Use your common sense as you would at home and keep an eye on your belongings when you go out. Apart from that there is nothing to worry about. That also goes for women travelling alone and for families with children: the sheltered beaches of Santa Maria are ideal for swimming.
Can you eat anywhere without getting ill?
Yes. Kitchens are hygienic and the food is fresh. Even deeper into Santa Maria, away from the main street, you can eat without worries, and prices are lower than on the main strip or on the beach. Local dishes or the dish of the day (prato do dia) are well worth it, usually under 10 euros for a main course. See also restaurants in Santa Maria.
You cannot drink the tap water, just as in many European countries; buy bottled water. Most tourists have no problems at all with the food.
Questions?
The Huefter Group lives and works on Sal and is happy to help with tips for your holiday. Read also about the weather on Sal and flights to Sal. Send us a message on WhatsApp: +238 597 56 78.