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Vacation in Sal

Sal

Easy-going atmosphere, endless sunshine and unspoilt landscapes

 

The Cape Verde archipelago, off the coast of Senegal, was the home of the famous singer Cesaria Evora and is made up of around fifteen islands. Each one is home to wild and contrasting landscapes made up of immense expanses of dunes, volcanic reliefs and lush valleys. Its pristine beaches are particularly popular for kitesurfing, windsurfing and diving. Due to its history as a former overseas department of Portugal, it is steeped in Portuguese traditions, but it is also influenced by its location at the crossroads of three continents. Visitors will be captivated by the vibrant colours, warm atmosphere and gentle way of life in Cape Verde.

Sal

 

A friendly seaside paradise

 

Sal is the northernmost island of Cape Verde. The island owes its name to the salt craters located in the extinct volcano of Pedra de Lume. It is mostly made up of plains and has the most developed infrastructure of all the islands. As rainfall is very rare here, the inland landscapes are mostly barren deserts. The powerful trade winds that roll into the island from November to June also make it a world-renowned destination for kitesurfing, sailing and windsurfing.


Hotel areas

16.75524, -22.9446

Santa Maria

 

 

Santa Maria

Located in the south of the island of Sal, Santa Maria is one of the most popular seaside towns in Cape Verde, thanks to its long sandy beach and clear waters. It is not only a paradise for lovers of peace and quiet, but also a prime spot for surfers, kitesurfers and windsurfers. Santa Maria’s main landmark is a colonial building where salt was once weighed before being exported. The village also boasts a number of souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and even two nightclubs. Distance from the airport: 15 km.


Must-do & Must-see - our suggestions

Must-do

  • Visit the Pedra de Lume salt crater, a remnant of the island's rich past from which it draws its name (sal means "salt" in Portuguese). Let the salt water wash over you as you bathe in the basins at the heart of the crater.
  • Try your hand at water sports and make the ocean your playground. The island provides the ideal conditions for kitesurfing, diving and surfing, whether you're a beginner or expert.
  • Experience the thrill of exploring Sal's hidden gems on a quad bike. From immense dunes to heavenly beaches, the island's spectacular landscapes are even more impressive at high speed!

 

Must-see

  • Don't miss the breathtaking spectacle of Buracona Bay, where you can see the blue eye – an amazing natural phenomenon that occurs when the sun's rays are reflected in the turquoise water.
  • Spend some time watching the flurry of fishing boats returning to the port of Santa Maria filled with huge fish. You may even get the chance to taste them in one of the seafront restaurants.
  • A guided tour of Shark Bay is sure to provide some thrills! See lemon sharks in their natural habitat, and, if you’re feeling brave, you can even get up close and personal with them.

 


Excursions

Excursions will allow you to discover your destination from all perspectives. LuxairTours offers a range of selected tours that will allow you to discover unmissable places, paradisiacal beaches, typical dishes... LuxairTours organises a range of quality excursions for you.

  • This trip is available in two formats – 2 hours or 4 hours (on request).

    The 2-hour trip takes you to the Santa Maria salt lake, which is framed by a magnificent landscape of dunes and the beautiful Praia do Kite. At the Serra Negra nature reserve, an incredible panoramic view of the south of the island unfolds before your eyes, and on a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of the island of Boa Vista. You will then continue through the desert landscape to the oasis of Palha Verde before reaching Ponta Preta, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

    The 4-hour excursion departs from the island's west coast and will take you to Murdeira Bay and Monte Leão, a rock shaped like a reclining lion. You'll cross the desert landscape to the Fontona oasis, before heading for Palmeira, a fishing village whose harbour is well worth a visit. On the north-west coast, you'll be amazed by the beauty of the impressive Regona natural pool and the mirage of Terra Boa. You'll also visit Pedra de Lume, an ancient crater now filled with salt water whose salt level is the second highest in the world. You’ll then have the opportunity to observe lemon sharks in their natural environment at Shark Bay, in the municipality of Parda. Last of all, you’ll cross the Serra Negra nature reserve to Praia do Kite, a magnificent white sandy beach which is particularly popular with kitesurfers.

     

     

    Duration of the activity: 2 hours or 4 hours

    Recommended equipment: Walking shoes, plenty of water and sun protection

    Extra info: Minimum age for the driver: 18 (must hold a valid driving licence). Minimum age for passengers: 10.

  • This activity will give you a unique perspective on the islands of Cape Verde. Once you’re settled on board the Catamaran, you'll be carried along by the waves and watch beautiful panoramic views unfolding before your eyes. The contrast between the rugged rocky coastline and the sparkling blue waters is even more striking from this angle. Halfway through the trip, there will be a refreshing break for you to swim, snorkel, fish or simply relax on deck and soak up the sunshine. Thanks to Cape Verde's privileged location 450 kilometres from the African continent, you might even spot some whales and dolphins swimming alongside your boat. The friendly crew will be there the whole time to ensure your safety throughout the trip. What’s more, the return to port will be accompanied by African music, so you can enjoy the rhythm of drums and indigenous instruments.

     

     

    Duration of the activity: 3 hours

    Services included: Transfer from/to hotel and a drink on board

    Recommended equipment: Plenty of water, sun protection, swimwear and towel.

  • If you've never been diving before, this is the perfect opportunity to pick up the basics and explore Cape Verde's fascinating seabed.

    This one-day activity does not require any diving qualifications. It includes a half-hour theory lesson to familiarise you with the basics of diving, a one-hour pool session to test the equipment and then a longer diving session in the wonderful waters of Cape Verde.

     

     

    Duration of the activity: Full day

    Extra info: Participants must be over 10 years old.

  • If there's one activity that's a must-do on any seaside holiday, it's the Banana Boat and the Crazy Donut! The aim is to position yourself on an inflatable banana or doughnut and hang on to it for as long as possible while a boat pulls you around Santa Maria Bay. And remember, the first person to let go loses... This activity is sure to be an unforgettable experience for you, your family and friends!

     

     

    Extra info: Participants must be able to swim and be over 10 years old.

  • This is the perfect activity for adventurers looking for a thrill! Discover jet skiing while taking in the beauty of the coastline and the marine life of Santa Maria beach.

     

     

    Duration of the activity: 30 minutes or 60 minutes

    Extra info: The driver must be aged 16 or over, and participants must over 8 years old.

  • This activity takes you on a journey of discovery through the stunning natural landscapes of the island of Sal. On the way west, your first stop will be in Palmeira, an authentic fishing village. Along the coast, you'll continue on to the natural pools of Buracona on the island's east coast, known as the "blue eyes" because of the turquoise colour of the water. After a refreshing swim, you’ll head for Terra Boa to see the unusual optical illusion of the Fata Morgana. The excursion ends with a visit to the extinct volcano of Pedra de Lume, whose crater is home to many salt pans.

     

     

    Duration of the activity: Approx. 7 hours

    Services included: A simple but delicious lunch of local specialities.

    Not included: drinks, entrance fees (Buracona and salt flats)

    Recommended equipment: Comfortable shoes, swimwear, sun protection, towels, plenty of water.

  • This activity will allow you to experience one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world. Thanks to its particularly rich food resources, Cape Verde is a breeding ground and refuge for several species of turtle. Between July and mid-October, you can observe Caretta-Caretta turtles laying their eggs, or even see the eggs hatch and watch the baby turtles make their way to the ocean. 
    To avoid any disturbance of this extraordinary event, you will be asked to wear dark clothing and to pay particular attention to the guide's instructions. The use of a camera is possible on request, but always without flash.

     

     

    Recommended equipment: comfortable shoes and dark, comfortable clothing

    Best time to visit: July to September/October

  • This 2-hour activity will give you a unique opportunity to see sharks in their natural environment, and even get up close to them if you're feeling brave!
    On your way to the shark-watching site in the Parda area, you'll also get to see a panoramic view of Espargos, the island's capital.
    If you're planning to go in the water, remember to bring suitable footwear (no flip-flops!). You can also hire them there*. Details and information available from your guide on site.

     

     

    Duration of the activity: 2 hours

    Recommended equipment: Water shoes, swimwear, towel.

  • This 2-hour snorkelling activity will start at the diving centre, where all participants will be kitted out and briefed on the timeline of the excursion and how to use the equipment, as well as receiving basic snorkelling and safety information.
    The activity then continues in the heart of Santa Maria Bay, just a few hundred metres from the coast, where a multi-level reef provides the ideal conditions for exploring the underwater world. At the other end of the reef, you can explore the wreck of the Bolama, which lies at a fairly shallow depth and regularly sees congregations of soldierfish, snapper, parrotfish, trumpetfish and dozens of other species.

     

     

    Duration of the activity: 2 hours, including 45 minutes of snorkelling.

For more information and bookings, please contact your LuxairTours guide on site.


Important information

 

Compulsory  ecological tax: this tax is applicable will be invoiced directly in the hotels. The following terms and conditions apply:

Total:

  • 276 CVE (approx. €2,50) per person/night up to a maximum of 10 nights per person/stay
  • this tourist tax does not apply to children under 16 years of age

 

Compulsory airport security tax (TSA): this tax of 31.00 euros per person is already included in the price of the package. Excluded are "flight only" or "hotel only" reservation and bookings made at short notice less than 7 days before departure, for which the tax is be paid locally.



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