An international airport makes Sal one of the major gateways to the Cape Verde islands; plus the abundance of magnificent white sand beaches and guaranteed sun has turned Sal into a major tourist destination.

Ideal for sun worshippers who head for the resort hotels springing up along the coast between the airport and Santa Maria.

One’s first impression of Santa Maria is liken to happening upon a beach fringed wild west town painted in pastel. Pretty single storey houses washed in pink, pale blue, yellow and faded terracotta. Poke your head through a doorway and your more than likely to find a bar, gift shop or store.
 
Arguably Sal is the most cosmopolitan island in the archipelago as nightlife abounds, with a choice of bars, clubs and restaurants. Freshly caught fish is always on the menu – tuna steaks, lobster, and swordfish – cooked to a local recipe.

Places to visit include the Pedro Lume salt mines – dramatically contained inside the vast Caldeira of a long extinct volcano – the saliency level is on a par with the Dead Sea and is well worth experiencing for a weightless float.