Sal is one of the most popular of the 10 Cape Verde islands located just off the northwest coast of Africa.
If you’re looking for a slice of authentic African landscape and culture, you’ll still find it here, but there’s no denying the widespread European influence in architecture, language, and religion. The mix of the two makes it a beautiful place to visit. You’ll be amazed at the amount of different languages you can hear in Sal. Among them, English seems to be the most used. Portuguese and Creole are my native languages, and I grew up in Portugal, so I thought it was pretty!
With its beautiful stretches of sand and turquoise waters, desolate African landscapes, sandy beaches, incredibly delicious food, warm weather all year round, and the lively and lively streets of Santa Maria, Sal should be on your list of places to visit.
I flew out with a friend for a week in mid-January to relax for a week. The flight time was about 6 hours, but it actually seemed to pass by incredibly quickly. Upon landing and exiting the airport, I was immediately struck by the pristine and undeveloped state of the island. There are still long stretches of barren desert and miles of salt pans, untouched by tourists. A country that has not yet been properly discovered, built, or developed as a tourism industry. An island with endless potential and beauty, but in dire need of development and tourism. With development plans for new hotels and casinos already underway, I bet this place will be a very different place in 5-10 years.
Sal is famous for its wind. It is one of the world’s premier destinations for windsurfers and kite surfers and hundreds can often be seen on the beach at world-class competitions held here. It was quite windy when I was there, but in the summer it is less windy which makes sunbathing a bit more enjoyable. Not that it hasn’t been the case, but I definitely recommend a windbreaker. When I went, the average temperature was around 25 degrees, but in summer it warms up to 20 to 30 degrees.
The village of Santa Maria is an idyllic fishing village with Crayola-colored buildings, cobbled streets and palm trees dotted on every street corner, earning it the name ‘African Caribbean’. In the evening, take a walk along the Strip and dance with live bands, reggae bars, and friendly locals dancing and drinking on the streets. There are some amazing restaurants here too and the food is great. Many local fresh produce and fish are among the specialties. Visit a small restaurant called ‘O Carangueijo’, which translates to ‘The Crab’ in English. The somewhat unassuming exterior does not do justice to the mouth-watering menu. Try adding seafood to black squid ink. You will literally be drooling! *Drooling*
There was a great feeling of tranquility and undisturbance on the island which I really enjoyed, thanks to the local slogan ‘No Stress’. It was great to feel so comfortable and relaxed. Relaxing on the beach was my favorite pastime all week (certainly no surprise). Some of you may know me, but I also like good parties and good music, and ‘Bikini Beach’ is a place that is quite different due to its more luxurious and modern atmosphere. A beautiful beach club stretching 40 meters out to sea and boasting incredible views from its modern white terrace. Bikini Beach is the perfect place to party while listening to local and international DJs while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Another reason I want to go back is because there are so many activities and things to do on the island. We had nothing to do because we insisted on ‘just wanting to rest’! But I hope that some of the images and videos will give you a sense of the beauty and pristine feel of the island. Activities include shark watching, quad biking, kite surfing, island boat tours and salt mine swimming. So, if I were you, I would plan a trip to a secret spot in Sal, Cape Verde. This is an authentic and beautiful place that is still unspoiled.
law xx
