Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde from US$576

price per person From

US$576

Based on 2 adults

Created: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

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About the destination

Sal Island (Ilha do Sal), part of Cape Verde’s sun‑drenched archipelago, is a compact blend of pristine beaches, lunar landscapes and laid‑back Creole culture. Blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year and constant trade winds, it is a favorite for European travelers seeking winter warmth and relaxed island life. The main resort town of Santa Maria, at the island’s southern tip, is the hub of activity, with a lively beachfront, pastel‑colored buildings and a long wooden pier where fishermen unload their daily catch. The coastline is Sal’s biggest attraction. Santa Maria Beach stretches for kilometers, with soft golden sand and crystal‑clear, turquoise water ideal for swimming, snorkeling and stand‑up paddleboarding. Further along the shore you’ll find quieter stretches where you can escape the crowds, as well as rugged spots with dramatic waves perfect for seasoned surfers. The island’s steady winds make it one of the best destinations in the Atlantic for kitesurfing and windsurfing, especially between November and March. Inland, Sal reveals a more unexpected side. Visit the Pedra de Lume salt crater, an otherworldly landscape inside an extinct volcano where visitors can float effortlessly in the dense, mineral‑rich waters of former salt pans. Near Espargos and Terra Boa, shimmering “mirages” appear on the horizon, a striking optical illusion produced by the heat and flat terrain. Guided tours often combine these with a stop at the “Blue Eye” (Buracona), a natural sea cave where sunlight creates an intense sapphire glow at certain times of day. Beyond beaches and landscapes, Ilha do Sal offers a subtle but rewarding cultural experience. Cape Verdean and Portuguese influences blend in the local cuisine—expect fresh grilled fish, cachupa (a slow‑cooked stew of corn and beans) and strong, sweet grogue rum. Evenings in Santa Maria bring live morna and coladeira music to small bars and beachfront cafés, where both visitors and locals linger late into the night. With its welcoming atmosphere, reliable climate and simple accessibility, Sal is an easy introduction to the wider charms of Cape Verde.

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Included services

20 Jan

Transport from Lisbon to Ilha do Sal

Departure

20:55

Lisboa Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)

4h 10m

00:05

Amilcar Cabral Intl (SID)

> 0 PC

Transport: TP1549

Cabin Class: Economy

20 Jan

Accommodation

5 Nights

16 more pictures

Hotel Central Santa Maria

8.6

Very good

Sal - At 13.3 km from the centreWITH BREAKFAST4111 Rua Das Salinas, Sal

Double room - A/C

With a stay at Hotel Central Santa Maria, you'll be centrally located in Sal, steps from Nazarene Church and within a 5-minute walk of Santa Maria Town Square. This hotel is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Santa Maria Municipal Market and 0.6 mi (1 km) from Santa Maria Beach.

Take in the views from a rooftop terrace and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services. Additional features at this hotel include a hair salon, wedding services, and a communal living room.

Make yourself at home in one of the 24 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring DVD players and plasma televisions. Rooms have private balconies. Flat-screen televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and designer toiletries.

You can enjoy a meal at the restaurant serving the guests of Hotel Central Santa Maria, or stop in at the grocery/convenience store. Wrap up your day with a drink at the beach bar. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours).

More info

25 Jan

Transport from Ilha do Sal to Lisbon

Return

13:30

Amilcar Cabral Intl (SID)

18:30

Lisboa Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)

> 0 PC

Transport: TP1552

Cabin Class: Economy