The best beaches on Sal, Cape Verde

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The best beaches on Sal, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) are the long beach of Santa Maria for swimming, Ponta Preta for waves, Kite Beach for kitesurfing and the bay of Murdeira for peace and snorkelling. Sal has white sand, clear turquoise water and sun all year. Here is which beach suits what.

White sand beach and turquoise sea on Sal, Cape Verde

Santa Maria beach

The beach of Santa Maria, Sal stretches for kilometres along the sheltered south coast. In front of the town the water is usually calm and good for swimming, also for children. Sun loungers, beach bars and water sports are right there, and the wooden pier is the heart of the town.

Ponta Preta

West of Santa Maria lies Ponta Preta, wide and wild, with powerful waves that attract surfers and wave kiters. Beautiful for a walk, but swim only when the sea is calm.

Kite Beach

On the east coast, Kite Beach catches the full trade wind. Perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing, less so for a quiet day on a towel. More on kitesurfing on Sal.

Igrejinha

At the eastern end of Santa Maria, Igrejinha is a smaller beach that is popular with local families at the weekend.

Murdeira bay

On the west coast between Santa Maria and Palmeira lies the bay of Murdeira, Sal, with calm water, rocks for snorkelling and Monte Leão on the horizon. Ideal if you want peace.

Tips for the beaches of Sal

  • The sun is strong all year: use sunscreen and seek shade around midday.
  • The wind blows from the north east: the south and west coasts are the most sheltered.
  • Watch the flags and the current, especially at Ponta Preta and on the east coast.

Back to things to do on Sal. Questions about the island? Send Huefter a message on WhatsApp: +238 597 56 78.

Written by Tom Wegter of Huefter, Santa Maria, Sal (Cape Verde) · last updated: 2 November 2026