Your money is secured in a trust account
Unlike many other travel companies we operate on a trust account model. Once we’ve paid the airline for your flights, the rest of your money is held in a trust account. We do not have access to this directly and can only withdraw funds when you are back home from holiday
We're ATOL protected
All of our holidays that include flights are protected by the ATOL scheme from the moment you book. So if one of our suppliers fails, you’ll get your money back. If you’re left stranded abroad, a flight home will be arranged at no extra cost. Our ATOL number is 11806
We're ABTA registered
As proud ABTA members we deliver the highest standards when it comes to our holidays. So if you book with us you’re guaranteed the best service. Our ABTA number is P8283, Y6720.
-cropped%20(2).svg)
Sal holidays offer a sun-soaked escape that feels worlds away. This Cape Verde island is famous for its hardcore windsurfers, endless white sands, and brightly-painted towns.
Often referred to as the ‘African Caribbean’, it’s also your ticket to 350 days of sunshine. Yep, you read that right! Plus a fascinating mix of Africa, Portuguese and Brazilian influences.
Best Things to Do in Sal
When you’re not catching rays on the beach, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here are some top things to do on your Sal holiday:
Otherworldly natural wonders:
Pedra de Lume Salt Pans: Fancy floating? These salt-rich waters make it impossible to sink. Bonus: take a therapeutic mud bath that’ll have your skin glowing like never before.
Endless beaches:
A melting pot of cultures:
Shopping in Sal
Santa Maria’s open-air market is full of local souvenirs with a Cape Verdean flair. Make sure to take home a bottle of fiery grogue (sugar-cane rum), or ponche (a sweet spirit made with honey and molasses).
Food in Sal Cape Verde
Sal’s food scene is irresistible. Here are a couple of dishes you have to say you’ve tried:
Nightlife in Sal Cape Verde
When the sun goes down, Sal comes alive with bars and beachfront clubs:
The sun is almost permanently shining in Cape Verde with average temperatures hovering between 24 and 34°C most of the year.
Beach Lovers: The pristine beaches of Sal are the perfect getaway for those who want to relax by the sea or dive into water sports.
Adventure Seekers: From kite surfing to hiking volcanoes, Sal offers plenty of outdoor activities for thrill-seekers.
Culture Enthusiasts: The rich mix of African and Portuguese heritage, vibrant festivals, and local traditions make Sal a cultural treasure.
Language: The official language in Sal Cape Verde is Portuguese. Many natives also speak Creole.. English is widely spoken in most tourist areas.
Currency: The currency used in Sal is the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
Local time: Sal is one hour behind GMT/UK time.
Fly to: Amílcar Cabral International Airport (aka Sal International) is the main gateway into Cape Verde and most resorts are less than half an hour away.
Flight time from the UK: Around 6 hours.
Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at the official website for tourism in Cape Verde.
Visa / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Sal is easy to explore with a variety of transportation options:
Taxis: Taxis are readily available and reliable, so long as you use the light blue ones, with the yellow stripe.
Aluguers: For a more budget-friendly option, hop on an "aluguers" (shared minibus). There's only four main towns on Sal, and they’re all easy to get to by aluguer.
Car Rentals: For those who prefer to explore on their own, renting a car is another great option.
Sal is home to a variety of exciting events that showcase its vibrant cultural mix:
Santa Maria Festival (September): A lively music festival featuring Cape Verdean beats, traditional dances, and local foods.
Carnival (February/March): Experience Cape Verde’s take on the famous Carnival with colourful parades, music, and dancing in the streets.
For up-to-date advice on travelling to Cape Verde, please visit the FCDO website.
Temperature: Enjoy average temperature of 24°C to 30°C
Best time to visit?
With an average temperature of 24°C to 30°C all year round, Sal is a paradise for sunseekers. The island is sunny almost every day, which makes those breezes even more pleasant. There isn’t really a winter here, but it might cool down by a few degrees from December.
Cape Verde, Santa Maria
8122 reviews
Cape Verde, Santa Maria
Cape Verde, Santa Maria
1096 reviews
Sal and Boa Vista are often considered top picks. Sal for its beach bars, brightly painted towns, watersports and Salt Pans. And Boa Vista for a quieter escape, with untouched beauty like the Praia de Chaves.
Choose Sal if you want a more lively holiday with lots of activities, water sports and nightlife. And go for Boa Vista if you prefer quiet, serene beaches.
Cape Verde is windy. This makes its beaches very popular for wind and kite surfing. If you do want to go for a swim, keep your eyes on the flag system. Red means that you must stay out of the water, yellow advises you to take care, and green means you can jump right in. While it can be frustrating when the red flags are flying, the waves are an impressive sight to behold.
Yes, you can definitely go out in Sal, Cape Verde! The island has a vibrant nightlife, especially in Santa Maria.
Yes, it is generally safe to swim in Sal, Cape Verde, but make sure you follow the flag system as the waves and currents are strong here.
Book a hotel near Santa Maria Beach and you’ll be close to all the action, including the town centre - a must-see while you’re here.
The best time to visit Sal, Cape Verde, is between November and June. This is when you can expect warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and pleasant breezes - making it ideal for sunseekers and kite surfers.
