Things to do on Sal, Cape Verde

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The best things to do on Sal, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde): swim on the beach of Santa Maria, float in the salt lake of Pedra de Lume, see lemon sharks at Shark Bay and watch the kitesurfers at Kite Beach. Sal is flat, sunny and small enough to see most of it in a few days. Huefter lives on the island; these are our tips.

Colourful fishing boats on the beach of Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde

Beaches on Sal

The beach of Santa Maria, Sal runs for kilometres along the south coast, with soft white sand and calm, clear water near the town. On the wooden pier (Pontão) fishermen bring in tuna and wahoo in the morning. Ponta Preta, west of Santa Maria, is wilder and famous for its waves. The bay of Murdeira, Sal on the west coast is calm and good for snorkelling.

Excursions and sights

  • Pedra de Lume: salt pans in an old volcanic crater, where you float as in the Dead Sea.
  • Buracona and the Blue Eye: natural pools in black lava on the north west coast, with a cave where sunlight turns the water bright blue around midday.
  • Shark Bay: wade in shallow water among young lemon sharks.
  • Terra Boa: the desert plain in the middle of the island, where a mirage appears on hot days.
  • Espargos and Palmeira, Sal: the capital with its local market and the harbour village on the west coast.
  • Island tour: by quad, buggy or 4x4 you see the whole of Sal in one day.
  • Turtles: in summer sea turtles nest on the beaches of Sal. Only go with an official guide.

Kitesurfing, windsurfing and diving

Kitesurfing on Sal, Cape Verde

Thanks to the steady trade winds, Sal is one of the world's top spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Kite Beach on the east coast and Ponta Preta are the best known, with schools for beginners and rental for experienced riders. Under water there are reefs, caves and wrecks; dive centres in Santa Maria take you out by boat.

Eating out in Santa Maria

End the day in the colourful streets of Santa Maria, Sal. Try cachupa, the national dish of slow cooked corn and beans, fresh tuna and grilled fish, with a grogue (local sugar cane rum) and live morna music.

Want to stay longer?

Many visitors fall in love with Sal. Read about moving to Sal, the Huefter Resort or ask us anything on WhatsApp: +238 597 56 78.

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