Cape Verde Travel

 

The island of Sal, the flattest island of the archipelago, takes it’s name from the now inactive salt mines.

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 sunshine has turned Sal into a major tourist destination.

Sal is ideal for sun worshippers although not the place for the mountain walker or those who enjoy verdant scenery.

The extensive white sanded beaches characterise the island of Sal. Eighteen kilometres south of the airport, the town and tourist resort of Santa Maria offers 8 km of white sanded beach and crystal clear waters. Excellent conditions for many water sports. Windsurfing, fishing and diving are available.

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 prepared from a local recipe.

Places to visit include the Pedra de 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.

The town of Espargos,the capital located in the heart of the island, was formed around the airport. It offers all necessary amenities, shops, banks , hotels.There are an abundance of bars and restaurants playing live Cape Verdian music.

Located on the west coast of Sal is the island’s main port, Palmeira, busy with fishing activity and cargo of imported goods.