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The
desert-like landscape of
Sal
Island
does not always create a ‘love at first sight’ situation, it is mainly
flat, rather grey, sandy and featureless, however the perception changes
on arrival at the phenomenal beaches around the Village
of
Santa Maria. The amazing white sands and the many colours of the sea form a
delightful backdrop for the beach orientated activities which are the main
reasons for visiting the
Island
.
Sailing
and wind-surfing, are well organised and as the breeze nearly always
blows, are great fun. The clear waters provide great experiences for SCUBA
divers and again the sport is well organised.
The
first International
Airport
in the Archipelago is on Sal where the tourist infrastructure is now well
established, particularly around Santa Maria
Village. The Village meanders along the back of the beach, with many colourful
clapboard houses reminiscent of the
Caribbean, small handicraft shops, bars, restaurants and pubs, many playing live
Cabo Verdean music. The main town of
Sal
is Espargos which houses not only the administration but also some very
poor shanty suburbs.
There
are several new Hotels planned together with many apartments, shops,
restaurants etc; so for the next few years one might expect some
disruption from building works. The big plus is, however, that all the new
and projected buildings are low rise.
Other
points of interest on the
Island
are:
-
The
old salt mine at Pedra de Lume where one can bath in water reminiscent
of the Dead Sea.
-
Palmeira,
located on the west coast of Sal is the island's main port, used by
fishing boats, yachts and for the unloading of the many imported
products.
-
Costa
da Fregata, approached over rough terrain (4WD essential!) to the
northeast of
Santa Maria
where kite surfers provide a spectacular and colourful ballet jumping
the waves.
-
The
natural swimming pool at Buracona.
Car,
jeep and beach buggy hire is readily available and it is well worth while
taking a vehicle for a day’s exploration.
Our
recommended Restaurants in Santa Maria
:
Restaurant Funana – on the
beach; good food and a lively show – good party venue.
Restaurant Turifogo - for the freshest fish but no meat!
Restaurant Atlantis – right on the beach, French owned with good wine
list, the grilled lobster or
Cape
Verdean
"Cachupa" are recommended.
Restaurant Americos – great sea food, in the Village centre.
Restaurant Odjos d’Agua – for romantic dinners overlooking the sea.
Our
recommended Restaurants in Espargos:
Restaurant Universo – pre-order the spectacular sea food platter
(lobster, crab, mussels, goose barnacles and many other items, some
difficult to identify!)
Restaurant Melanesia - try "Polvo Gratinado" baked Octopus with
cheese topping.
Nightlife
Bar Disco Pirata- open 0000-0600 daily.
Calema (Patrick’s) – meet other surfers here.
Disco Banana
  
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