Santa Maria, Sal Cape Verde: the town on the beach

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Santa Maria is the beach town in the south of Sal, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde): a long white beach, the historic wooden pier, colourful streets with restaurants and bars, and most of the hotels and holiday homes on the island. The town grew in the 19th century around the salt trade; today it lives from tourism, fishing and water sports.

Things to do in Santa Maria, Sal

• Watch the fishermen land tuna and wahoo on the pier (Pontão) in the morning.
• Swim and relax on the beach of Santa Maria.
• Try kitesurfing, diving or a boat trip: most schools and centres are here.
• Eat fresh fish and cachupa in the restaurants of Santa Maria, with live morna in the evening.

Weather in Santa Maria, Sal

Santa Maria is sunny and dry all year. Daytime temperatures are usually between about 24 and 30 °C, with a cooling trade wind. Rain is rare and falls mostly in late summer and early autumn.

Living in Santa Maria

Santa Maria is the most popular place for foreigners to live and buy: lively, close to the beach and good for rental. Prices for houses and rent are the highest on the island. Read moving to Sal and buying a house on Sal.

Getting around

The airport near Espargos is about 20 minutes away by car or taxi. Shared minibuses (aluguer) run between Santa Maria and Espargos.

Huefter is based in Santa Maria, Sal. Questions? WhatsApp: +238 597 56 78.