Couple walking hand in hand through crystal-clear turquoise water on Santa Maria beach, Sal, Cape Verde

Cape Verde's island of endless summer

Where the sun
never rests.

Turquoise lagoons, pink salt craters and 350 days of sunshine — welcome to Sal, the jewel of the Atlantic.

Discover Sal Try the translator

Scroll

Your Local Guide Translator

Speak like a local.

English ⇄ Portuguese, instantly. Perfect for the streets of Santa Maria.

🇬🇧 English🇵🇹 Português

🇬🇧 English

🇵🇹 Português

Your translation will appear here…

Voice input works best in Chrome & Safari. AI-powered European Portuguese translations. History is stored on this device only.

Things to do

Unmissable Sal

The island's must-see spots and sights — everything you shouldn't miss on Sal.

Culture01

Santa Maria Pier (Pontão)

Watch fishermen haul in the day's catch as pelicans dive at golden hour.

Must See02

Buracona & The Blue Eye

A magical lava cave where a shaft of sunlight ignites the sea into electric blue.

Wildlife03

Shark Bay

Wade knee-deep with harmless baby lemon sharks in glass-clear shallows.

Adventure04

Kite Beach

Consistent trade winds make this a world-class playground for kitesurfers.

Adventure05

Beach Volleyball Camps

Train with Cabo Libre on Santa Maria Beach — morning coaching, afternoon tournaments, sunshine all year.

Culture06

Espargos & Monte Curral

Colorful streets, live morna music and sweeping island views from the summit.

Wildlife07

Murdeira Bay

A protected marine reserve — snorkel with turtles, rays and tropical fish.

Adventure08

Zip Line Adventure

Soar high above the coastline and desert cliffs for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Sal.

Relaxation09

Santa Maria Beach

Eight kilometres of powder-white sand meeting impossibly turquoise water.

Adventure10

Buggy & Quad Safari

Rip across golden dunes and moon-like desert on an unforgettable ride.

Must See11

Pedra de Lume Salt Crater

Float weightlessly in a pink volcanic crater once mined for its precious salt.

Sun & sea

Sal's best beaches

From lively Santa Maria strips to hidden turtle coves — find your perfect stretch of sand.

Relaxation

Santa Maria Beach

Eight kilometres of powder-white sand and turquoise shallows — the island's postcard-perfect shoreline.

Adventure

Kite Beach

Trade winds and warm water make this a world-famous kitesurfing playground.

Wildlife

Murdeira Bay

A calm, protected cove where turtles glide through crystal-clear water.

Wildlife

Shark Bay

Wade with harmless baby lemon sharks in ankle-deep, glass-clear shallows.

Dining

Where to eat

From beachfront pizza to traditional cachupa — satisfy every craving on the island.

Must See

Sunset Bar & Restaurant

Beachfront dining, cold drinks and tropical cocktails right on Santa Maria beach — the island's favourite sunset spot.

Local Favourite

O Sole Mio

Homemade gelato, sweet and savoury pancakes, fresh wraps and all-day breakfasts on the Santa Maria strip.

Ocean Café

All-day breakfast, strong coffee and the best pasteis de nata in town.

Local Favourite

Snack Bar Barry

Santa Maria's go-to street-food spot for loaded shawarmas and hefty burgers at local prices.

Asian Noodle Bar

Hotspot

Sizzling noodle bowls loaded with fresh island veggies, chicken, pork, shrimp and bold Cape Verdean flavour.

Burger Bar

Meky's Burger Bar

Homemade gourmet burgers on Santa Maria's main square — brioche buns, 120g patties and bold house sauces.

Tapas & Bafas

Sal Grosso

Portuguese tapas, bafas and sharing boards in a warm Santa Maria setting — since 2017.

Beachfront Dining

Vista Del Mar

Relaxed beachfront restaurant on Santa Maria with a huge menu of snacks, burgers, poke bowls, fresh seafood and signature cocktails.

Local Favourite

Bom Petisck Restaurante & Bar

Cape Verdean flavours in Santa Maria — fresh fish, octopus, seafood rice and grilled lobster, plus pasta, meat and vegetarian plates.

Fast Food / Sandwiches

Bom Gosto

Quick, casual fast food and sandwiches in Santa Maria — crêpes, salads, breakfast plates and cocktails at friendly prices.

Fine Dining

Soul Kitchen

Refined Italian and Mediterranean cuisine on Sal — fresh tuna, homemade pasta, lobster and a thoughtful vegetarian menu.

Café & Kitchen

Art Kafé

A colourful art café in Santa Maria serving specialty coffee, all-day breakfast, fresh baguettes, burgers and a full food menu with Cape Verdean and European flavours.

Beachfront Lunch

Angulo Beach Lunch

Beachfront lunch spot with fresh tuna, signature tataki, loaded burgers, pasta and cold island beers right on the sand.

Fresh & Healthy

Cape Fruit

Colourful fruit bar and brunch spot in Santa Maria — pancakes, fresh juices, smoothie bowls, wraps, salads and island-inspired breakfasts.

BBQ & Seafood

Flor d'Sal

Grill, seafood and cocktails — from BBQ kebabs and fresh lobster to vegan curries, burgers and a huge drinks list.

West African Kitchen

Coconut Room

West African plates of the day — jollof tchep, bean stew, grilled fish and chicken — served 14:00 to 17:30.

American Diner

Kyle American Diner

Burgers, wraps, loaded fries and rotisserie chicken — proper American diner comfort food in Santa Maria.

Maluko Restaurant & Music Bar

A simple grill bar with a daily-changing menu of really good fish, steak and chicken — plus live music nights.

Pim Pam Pum

Beachfront Italian with wood-fired pizza and ocean views.

Nha Terra

Authentic cachupa, grilled lobster and live Cape Verdean music.

Bistro S-point-Sal

All-day bistro and beach bar on Sal — specialty coffee, brunch, fresh salads, cocktails and a laid-back seaside vibe.

Rigo's Culinary

A laid-back bistro on Sal serving cold beers, tropical cocktails, fresh seafood, pasta and grilled meats with a thoughtful wine list.

Pizaria Alma Doce

Local pizzeria in Santa Maria serving thin-crust favourites — from classic tuna and ham to spicy chorizo and fresh margherita.

D Kel Bom

Small local kitchen in Santa Maria with a different home-cooked dish every single day — ask what's cooking today.

Cam's Restauracao

Tuna tataki, grilled lobster, seafood rice and Cape Verdean cachupa — a full seafood and grill menu in Santa Maria.

Tam Tam Restaurante

Relaxed beachfront restaurant with strong coffee, cold beers, cocktails and a full grill menu — from tapas to grilled seafood and pasta.

Senegeal Sabres

Casual fast-food stop in Santa Maria serving burgers, shawarma, fataya and crispy fries at local prices.

Mar Adentro

A relaxed Santa Maria restaurant mixing Portuguese classics, fresh fish and Asian-inspired touches with daily specials.

George's

A Santa Maria favourite for fresh-grilled fish, seafood platters and classic meat dishes served with island warmth.

Nightlife

Bars & sunsets

Sip caipirinhas, dance to funaná and feel the island rhythm after dark.

Buddy BarCasa da Música

The orange corner bar everyone in Santa Maria talks about — live bands most nights, funaná and kizomba on the speakers, cold Strela and strong caipirinhas. Locals and travellers mix on the terrace until the early hours.

WhereR. 1 de Junho, Santa Maria
OpenDaily from 6pm till late
Known forLive music & cocktails

More info →

More bars coming soon — this is our first verified spot on Sal.

Retail

Local shops

Pick up fresh produce, surf gear and handmade souvenirs during your stay.

Local Favourite

Diamond Hairdresser & Barbearia

Santa Maria's hair, beauty and barber studio — cuts, beard care and laser hair removal on Rua Amílcar Cabral.

Mercado Municipal

Fresh fruit, spices and local produce in the heart of Santa Maria.

Surf Shops

Boards, bikinis and beach essentials along the main strip.

Artesanato

Hand-woven baskets, colourful textiles and Cape Verdean souvenirs.

Mini Markets

Water, snacks and daily essentials within walking distance.

Adventures

Guided tours

Let local experts show you the hidden gems, wildlife and history of Sal.

Island Highlights

Pedra de Lume, Espargos viewpoint and Buracona in one unforgettable day.

Salt & Blue Eye

Walk the historic salt pans and witness the famous Blue Eye light up.

Turtle Watching

Snorkel with loggerhead turtles in their natural marine reserve.

Quad Safari

Race across desert dunes, beaches and hidden coastal tracks.

Local operators, dive centres & surf schools

4.9★ · 2001 reviews

No Limits Adventure Cape Verde

Tour agency on Sal — 4.9★ from 2001 Google reviews.

4.5★ · 289 reviews

Cabo Verde Diving Melia Tortuga & Dunas

SCUBA tour agency on Sal — 4.5★ from 289 Google reviews.

4.9★ · 260 reviews

Boa Vista Tours

Tour agency on Sal — 4.9★ from 260 Google reviews.

4.5★ · 259 reviews

Salina

Tourist attraction on Sal — 4.5★ from 259 Google reviews.

4.6★ · 248 reviews

ELECTRICA ELECTRIC BIKES

Bicycle rental service on Sal — 4.6★ from 248 Google reviews.

4.9★ · 245 reviews

Actour Cabo Verde - Incoming Agency Mindelo

Travel agency on Sal — 4.9★ from 245 Google reviews.

4.8★ · 202 reviews

Santa Maria Dive Center

Diving center on Sal — 4.8★ from 202 Google reviews.

4.8★ · 202 reviews

Rotcha-Tours

Tour agency on Sal — 4.8★ from 202 Google reviews.

4.8★ · 199 reviews

Cape Verde Sailing

Boat tour agency on Sal — 4.8★ from 199 Google reviews.

4.5★ · 174 reviews

Scuba Team Cabo Verde - Diving Club

SCUBA tour agency on Sal — 4.5★ from 174 Google reviews.

4.6★ · 171 reviews

ScubaCaribe - Diving & Water Sports

Diving center on Sal — 4.6★ from 171 Google reviews.

5★ · 170 reviews

Explore Cape Verde

Tour operator on Sal — 5★ from 170 Google reviews.

4.7★ · 151 reviews

Caboquad

Tour agency on Sal — 4.7★ from 151 Google reviews.

4.9★ · 138 reviews

Kami na Cabo - Passeios no Sal

Tour agency on Sal — 4.9★ from 138 Google reviews.

4.9★ · 131 reviews

LILSNOOPTOUR

Tour operator on Sal — 4.9★ from 131 Google reviews.

5★ · 130 reviews

Cabo Verde Aventura

Tour agency on Sal — 5★ from 130 Google reviews.

4.7★ · 121 reviews

Cabo Verde Diving Aquarium

Dive club on Sal — 4.7★ from 121 Google reviews.

4.4★ · 118 reviews

Barracuda Tours

Travel agency on Sal — 4.4★ from 118 Google reviews.

4.7★ · 115 reviews

Spot Travel Tours

Sightseeing tour agency on Sal — 4.7★ from 115 Google reviews.

5★ · 115 reviews

Cabo Scooters & Cars - Rental

Car rental agency on Sal — 5★ from 115 Google reviews.

4.9★ · 113 reviews

Alex Nice-Tours

Tour operator on Sal — 4.9★ from 113 Google reviews.

4.9★ · 110 reviews

LOGAN TOURS - Sal Island Tours & Activities

Sightseeing tour agency on Sal — 4.9★ from 110 Google reviews.

5★ · 109 reviews

Bez skarpetek | kameralne wycieczki po wyspie Sal | Wyspy Zielonego Przylądka

Sightseeing tour agency on Sal — 5★ from 109 Google reviews.

4.9★ · 107 reviews

Taruga Sal Tours

Tour operator on Sal — 4.9★ from 107 Google reviews.

4.7★ · 95 reviews

Cuba Libre Sailing Trips, Cape Verde

Boat tour agency on Sal — 4.7★ from 95 Google reviews.

4.4★ · 94 reviews

Cabo Verde Diving Villa do Farol

SCUBA tour agency on Sal — 4.4★ from 94 Google reviews.

5★ · 89 reviews

Taxi Sal Island

Taxi service on Sal — 5★ from 89 Google reviews.

5★ · 84 reviews

Super Max No stress

Tourist attraction on Sal — 5★ from 84 Google reviews.

5★ · 75 reviews

Cabo Mundo Tours and travel

Tour operator on Sal — 5★ from 75 Google reviews.

4.8★ · 68 reviews

Spinach Tours Sal Island

Sport tour agency on Sal — 4.8★ from 68 Google reviews.

4.7★ · 67 reviews

Catamaran Makaira - Sal Island

Boat tour agency on Sal — 4.7★ from 67 Google reviews.

4.6★ · 64 reviews

Sealife Experience, Nature Excursions in Sal Island - Cape Verde

Outdoor activity organiser on Sal — 4.6★ from 64 Google reviews.

4.7★ · 59 reviews

Herimar Adventures – Water Activities & Things to do in Santa Maria, Sal Island, Cape Verde

Boat tour agency on Sal — 4.7★ from 59 Google reviews.

4.1★ · 54 reviews

Hertz

Car rental agency on Sal — 4.1★ from 54 Google reviews.

5★ · 52 reviews

Roberto tours

Sightseeing tour agency on Sal — 5★ from 52 Google reviews.

4.2★ · 50 reviews

red-scooter.com

Scooter rental service on Sal — 4.2★ from 50 Google reviews.

4.4★ · 46 reviews

Boris Tour

Tour operator on Sal — 4.4★ from 46 Google reviews.

4.6★ · 45 reviews

Sal & Boa Vista Travel Club Lda

Tour agency on Sal — 4.6★ from 45 Google reviews.

5★ · 45 reviews

360° Sal Enel

Tour agency on Sal — 5★ from 45 Google reviews.

5★ · 43 reviews

Caramau Tours

Tour operator on Sal — 5★ from 43 Google reviews.

5★ · 42 reviews

Kabu Experiences

Sport tour agency on Sal — 5★ from 42 Google reviews.

2.7★ · 41 reviews

Discovery tour sal

Tour agency on Sal — 2.7★ from 41 Google reviews.

4.9★ · 38 reviews

VamotourSal

Tourist attraction on Sal — 4.9★ from 38 Google reviews.

5★ · 37 reviews

Tony Tours sal

Tour operator on Sal — 5★ from 37 Google reviews.

4.7★ · 34 reviews

Sodade Tour

Sightseeing tour agency on Sal — 4.7★ from 34 Google reviews.

4.8★ · 30 reviews

ZY Tours

Tour agency on Sal — 4.8★ from 30 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

Kite Beach Cabo Verde - Water Sports Center

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.4★ from 246 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

Kite Beach Schildkröte- Sal Cabo Verde

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.5★ from 167 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

Santa Kite School

Surf & kite school on Sal — 5★ from 153 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

Surf Hub Cabo Verde

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.6★ from 142 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

ISLAND KITE SCHOOL

Surf & kite school on Sal — 5★ from 120 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

Kite Verde

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.9★ from 107 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

Sal SurfCamp & School

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.6★ from 94 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

Time To Kitesurf - Titik Kitesurf School & Surf School

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.7★ from 55 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

RIU MARLIN KITE SCHOOL

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.9★ from 54 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

Kite & Tonic

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.6★ from 52 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

ION CLUB SAL - Kitesurf, Windsurf, Wing Foil, Surf

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.3★ from 45 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

Shop Kite School Evolution

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.7★ from 39 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

Surf Hub Cabo Verde @ Kite Beach

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.6★ from 27 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

Inês Correia Water Sports Center

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.6★ from 25 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

ION CLUB SAL - Ponta Leme - WINDSURF | WING FOIL | SUP

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.5★ from 19 Google reviews.

Surf & Kite School

Bikini Beach Watersports Centre

Surf & kite school on Sal — 4.2★ from 10 Google reviews.

Stay on Sal

Where you sleep changes everything.

Verified apartments, studios, villas and hotels across Sal — hosted by locals. You contact and pay the owner directly, so there is no booking commission.

Find your stay

SalNavigator Verified accommodation
Direct WhatsApp contact with your host
No booking commission, ever
Everything nearby: beach, taxi, restaurants

Places to be

Where the island comes alive

Six flavours of Sal — from candlelit tables to barefoot dancefloors.

Stay on Sal

Verified apartments, villas and hotels — booked directly with the owner.

Restaurant

Fresh-caught tuna, cachupa & rooftop dining under the stars.

Spa

Salt-water floats, volcanic-mud rituals and ocean-side massages.

Wellness & Retreats

Guided meditation, breathwork and healing sessions in the open air.

Bar

Sunset caipirinhas, Cape Verdean grogue and live-music corners.

Party

Beach clubs, funaná drums and dance-till-dawn on Santa Maria strip.

Tourism

Guided island tours, salt pans, viewpoints and hidden lava caves.

Beach

Eight kilometres of powder-white sand and turquoise Atlantic.

Before you go

Practical tips for the wise traveller.

Everything you need to arrive prepared and blend in like a local — no passport-page fumbling required.

Avg temp: 25°C · Water: 24°C · Trade winds year-round

Currency

CVE Escudo

€1 ≈ 110 CVE. Euros widely accepted.

Language

Portuguese

Locals speak Kriolu; English in tourist zones.

Best time

Nov – Jun

Warm, dry and windy — perfect beach weather.

Flight time

~6h from EU

Direct flights land at Amílcar Cabral (SID).

Taxis

Trusted local drivers

Hand-picked drivers with photos, languages and instant WhatsApp booking.

Eldon SoaresEasy-Go Taxi · Island-wide (Táxi e Turismo) +238 982 12 34

Erickson Amar Pereira MonteiroErickson Taxi · Santa Maria & island-wide +238 585 12 03

Manu RochaTransport Manu · Santa Maria & island-wide +238 986 13 49

Mendes taxiMendes taxi · Santa Maria +238 595 8111

Rivaldo DavidRivaldo Taxi · Santa Maria & island-wide +238 590 71 61

Elvis MonteiroElvis Taxi · Santa Maria, airport & island-wide +238 596 86 12

FredsonFredson Taxi · Santa Maria & island-wide +238 587 10 68

JoaoJoao Taxi · Santa Maria & island-wide +238 952 57 26

Adilson CoronelTaxi Coronel · Santa Maria & island-wide +238 581 46 87

See all trusted drivers →

Find your way

Island map

Santa Maria sits on the southern tip of Sal — your gateway to beaches, bars and adventures.

Contact

Let's plan your island trip.

Questions about tours, restaurants or where to stay? Send a message and a local expert will get back to you.

mark@salnavigator.com

+238 921 04 90

Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde

Own a business on Sal?

Join SalNavigator FREE.

No commission
Customers contact you directly
Customers pay you directly

Let's get your business listed See how it works →

Where the sunnever rests.

Speak like a local.

Unmissable Sal

Santa Maria Pier (Pontão)

Buracona & The Blue Eye

Shark Bay

Kite Beach

Beach Volleyball Camps

Espargos & Monte Curral

Murdeira Bay

Zip Line Adventure

Santa Maria Beach

Buggy & Quad Safari

Pedra de Lume Salt Crater

Sal's best beaches

Santa Maria Beach

Kite Beach

Murdeira Bay

Shark Bay

Where to eat

Sunset Bar & Restaurant

O Sole Mio

Ocean Café

Snack Bar Barry

Hotspot

Meky's Burger Bar

Sal Grosso

Vista Del Mar

Bom Petisck Restaurante & Bar

Bom Gosto

Soul Kitchen

Art Kafé

Angulo Beach Lunch

Cape Fruit

Flor d'Sal

Coconut Room

Kyle American Diner

Maluko Restaurant & Music Bar

Pim Pam Pum

Nha Terra

Bistro S-point-Sal

Rigo's Culinary

Pizaria Alma Doce

D Kel Bom

Cam's Restauracao

Tam Tam Restaurante

Senegeal Sabres

Mar Adentro

George's

Bars & sunsets

Local shops

Diamond Hairdresser & Barbearia

Mercado Municipal

Surf Shops

Artesanato

Mini Markets

Guided tours

Island Highlights

Salt & Blue Eye

Turtle Watching

Quad Safari

Local operators, dive centres & surf schools

No Limits Adventure Cape Verde

Cabo Verde Diving Melia Tortuga & Dunas

Boa Vista Tours

Salina

ELECTRICA ELECTRIC BIKES

Actour Cabo Verde - Incoming Agency Mindelo

Santa Maria Dive Center

Rotcha-Tours

Cape Verde Sailing

Scuba Team Cabo Verde - Diving Club

ScubaCaribe - Diving & Water Sports

Explore Cape Verde

Caboquad

Kami na Cabo - Passeios no Sal

LILSNOOPTOUR

Cabo Verde Aventura

Cabo Verde Diving Aquarium

Barracuda Tours

Where the sun
never rests.