SAL  ISLAND

The island of Sal, which in Portuguese means 'salt' (from the mines at Pedra de Lume) is one of the three sandy eastern islands of the archipelago. It is the most barren of the islands, its highest peak, Monte Grande, in the northeast, reaches only 406m. It is a very arid island. It is about 30km long and the widest width is 12km. The overall surface area is 216 km2. Its 14,000 inhabitants live mainly in the town of Espargos, the capital in the centre of the island, and Santa Maria, the village and tourist place on the south coast.

Sal is one of the most visited islands and so far the most developed towards the tourism industry, where you can find real luxury beach holidays. It is also the best equipped for watersport activities, with Boavista following, where you can rent good quality equipment, and take lessons.

VISIT SAL FOR:

• The beautiful long white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue sea.
• Windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing and diving.
• Deep-sea fishing.
• Luxury international hotels. 

  
                                                                        www.travelguide2capeverde.co.uk. Santa Maria beach.

HISTORY

It is thought that even before the island was discovered in 1460, it was known by Moorish sailors for its rich saltpans. For the last five centuries Sal's economy has risen and fallen with international demand for this element.

It is believed that not much went on on the island until 150 years ago when Manuel Antonio Martins, a Cape Verdean businessman established a salt export business. It was then that a thousand people joined the one hundred only inhabitants! The salt business was based at Pedra de Lume in the east and Santa Maria in the south. Unfortunately its success declined in the first half of the 20th century leaving Sal, once again, abandoned.

It wasn't until the arrival of Benito Mussolini, the Italian dictator, who was looking for a place where airplanes could stop to refuel between Europe and South America, that Sal experienced again growth and prosperity. He was sold the right to build an airport in 1939. In 1945 the airport was bought back and as a result, quite a large internal migration took place, particularly from Sao Nicolau to Sal and the town of Espargos developed gradually.

South Africa also used Sal as a refuelling point during the years of Apartheid, when all other african countries refused to allow its planes to land on their ground. South African Airways still uses Sal as a refulling base. The need to accomodate airline crew, created the demand for the construction of small tourist complexes, which have been growing for the last 20 years, especially in Santa Maria.

   
                                     www.travelguide2capeverde.co.uk. The barren landscape of Sal Island.

AT THE AIRPORT & TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Long haul flights from Europe land in Sal. Once arrived at the International airport “AMÍLCAR CABRAL”, you can change money at two cambios or withdraw it from the ATM at the Banco Commercial do Atlantico inside the terminal building.

You can also find offices for TACV Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, South African Airways, and car rental companies such as Avis and Hertz and information stands. To contact the airport: + 238 241 1468.

Internal Flights

There are frequent domestic flights with TACV Airlines between Sal and  -Santiago (many every day),  -Sao Vicente (few every day), -Sao Nicolau (several a week), -Boavista (every day), -Fogo (few a week). To reach Maio, you have to fly first to Santiago.

From The Airport

Taxis from the airport to Espargos cost around 200$, to Santa Maria around 800$, but after dark prices increase by 30%. Espargos is also a 25 minute walk away, just in case you wandered!

By Ferry or Hydrofoil  see 'Getting Around' Main Page for routes and timetables between the islands.

The port is in Palmeira. Taxis to Espargos and back cost around 200$.

Getting Around Sal

There are few tarmac roads that run across the island: from Espargos to Santa Maria, from Espargos to Palmeira and from Espargos to Pedra de Lume.

-   TAXIS  A taxi ride from Espargos to Santa Maria will set you back around 700/1,000$, from Espargos to Pedra de Lume around 300$. The same also applies for chartered aluguers. 

-   ALUGUERS  Public aluguers run regularly from Espargos to Santa Maria for around 100$, less often from Espargos to Palmeira and a lot less often from Espargos to Pedra de Lume. In Espargos they leave from the square next to the town hall and Hotel Atlantico, in Santa Maria they leave from in front of Matheus Restaurant.

-  CAR RENTAL  For more freedom to see the island, you can always rent a car. You will be asked for a deposit of around 20,000$. Prices vary from 4,000/7,000$ per day depending on size. We recommend 4x4. Car rental operators can be found in Santa Maria and Espargos.

ACTIVITIES

Excursions

• Local operators offer day trips by air to the other islands, day trips to Boavista by boat, mini cruises and sightseeing around Sal. Generally, organised tours require a minimum number of people and are often more expensive than if you arrange it yourself. Listed below are some tours operators.

CABO VERDE TIME and JUMBO TOURS next to Vasco de Gama Restaurant    in Santa Maria and UNOTUR in Santa Maria. UNOTUR (non-profit agency) is considered the only tourist information office. 

-  The Hotel MORABEZA offers the chance to see the wild beauty of the Sahara-like island of Boavista by boat with the sleek trimaran "Ilan Voyager". The organized full-day trip also includes lunch. Max. number of passengers is 8. Currently, prices for the trip are: - 120 Euros per person for guests of the hotel and - 140 Euros per person for the others. Reservations are made at the Hotel MORABEZA.

• If you have booked your holiday through tour operators such as