Explore Sal Island with a Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch in Santa Maria

Are you looking for a way to fully explore the beautiful Sal Island in Cape Verde? Get your guide has an amazing full-day guided tour with lunch in Santa Maria that will show you all of the highlights of the island’s beautiful scenery, culture and history.

At GetYourGuide, you can book an unforgettable experience with a full-day guided tour around Sal Island. You’ll have the chance to learn more about the culture and community, as you take in the beautiful views. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy delicious traditional meals, as you explore the many sights and attractions. Plus, you get to finish the tour off with a relaxing lunch in Santa Maria!

Sal Island is sure to captivate and amuse you at every turn. You’ll go on a stunning drive around the island and take in vibrant landscapes and seascapes, as well as sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and breathtaking geological formations. Plus, there’s the opportunity to learn more about local customs through visits to vibrant fishing villages and captivating cultural monuments and sites.

On the Island Highlights Tour, you can also explore additional attractions such as a lighthouse, one of the oldest military forts on the island, a stunning salt lake and a traditional whale-watching boat. Additionally, you’ll be able to visit famous salt mines, learn about local handcrafting traditions and take part in exciting activities like surfing and snorkeling. Plus, you will enjoy a delicious lunch during your tour of one of the island’s most unique restaurants.

This full-day tour is sure to give you a unique insight into the culture and nature of Sal Island and provide you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. The knowledgeable guide will provide plenty of helpful information, so you’ll be able to soak up all the sights and attractions on your journey around the island.

At the end of the tour, you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of Santa Maria’s most remarkable restaurants where you can reflect on your day’s journey while listening to live music. From there, you can then head out and explore Santa Maria on your own or simply relax on one of its beautiful beaches.

Explore Sal Island with a Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch in Santa Maria offers tourists plenty of opportunity to gain insights into the rich culture and history of Sal Island, as well as take in its beautiful nature and stunning landscapes. The tour also provides plenty of opportunity to taste delicious cuisine and participate in fun activities such as whale-watching and surfing. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable day out in Sal Island, then this guided tour is perfect for you!

If this amazing guided tour through Sal Island sound like something that would interest you, then click here to book your experience today!

Insider’s Guide to Sal Island, Cape Verde

Sal Island is a beautiful destination located in Cape Verde, an archipelago of ten volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of West Africa. The crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant culture of Sal Island make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both. Here is a comprehensive guide of the top attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make the most out of your trip to Sal Island.

Attractions

Sal Island is home to numerous natural and man-made attractions. The following are a few must-visit attractions.

Buracona

Buracona is a famous landmark located in the northern part of Sal Island. The natural pool, formed by volcanic rocks, is the star attraction at Buracona. The pool changes color from deep blue to emerald green due to sunlight reflection in the water. Visitors can also witness stunning views of the Atlantic coastline from nearby cliffs.

Shark Bay

Shark Bay is a beautiful beach located on the western coast of Sal Island and is known for its pristine water and diverse marine life. This crescent-shaped beach is home to several species of sharks, including nurse sharks. You can take a dip with the sharks in shallow waters under the expert guidance of local tour operators. Visitors can also witness a beautiful sunset while enjoying local cocktails at Shark Bay’s beachside bars.

Palmeira

Palmeira is a small fishing village located in the western part of Sal Island and is home to a small port. Visitors can explore the village’s narrow streets, colorful houses, and stunning views of the ocean and the island. Palmeira is an excellent place to watch the fishermen return with a fresh catch or take a boat to the nearby islands.

Dining Spots

Sal Island offers several exciting dining options to cater to different culinary preferences. Here are some of the must-visit locations to savor local cuisine.

Odjo d’Agua Restaurant

Odjo d’Agua Restaurant is a beachfront restaurant located in Santa Maria, Sal Island’s most popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seafood delicacies and cocktails while enjoying an unobstructed view of the ocean. The restaurant also offers live music performances on weekends.

Cantinho da Serra

Cantinho da Serra is a rustic restaurant located in Pedra de Lume, a small village on the eastern coast of Sal Island. The restaurant, run by a local couple, offers authentic Creole dishes, including the traditional grilled chicken, rice, and beans. The restaurant’s menu also includes fresh seafood, vegetarian options, and homemade desserts. Visitors can indulge in a hearty meal while enjoying traditional music on weekends.

Cultural Experiences

Sal Island has a rich culture and heritage, influenced by African, Portuguese, and Brazilian traditions. Visitors can participate in several cultural experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the island’s history and culture.

Sal Museum

Sal Museum, located in Espargos, the island’s capital, showcases the island’s history and cultural heritage. Visitors can learn about the island’s volcanic history, the impact of slavery, and the traditions of the various ethnic communities living on the island. The museum also displays traditional handicrafts, instruments, and artifacts, providing a glimpse into the island’s past.

Grogue Tasting

Grogue is a locally distilled spirit made from sugar cane and is an intrinsic part of Cape Verdean culture. Visitors can participate in tours of grogue distilleries in Porto Novo and taste the different varieties of grogue, including the classic, the coffee, and the cinnamon flavors. The tours also offer insights into the production process, the history of grogue, and the place of grogue in the Cape Verdean community.

Local History

Sal Island has a rich and fascinating history, influenced by Portuguese colonialism and African culture. Visitors can explore several historical sites to gain a deeper understanding of the island’s past.

Americo Boavida Salt Pans

The salt pans, located in Pedra de Lume, were one of the island’s primary sources of income in the early 20th century. The salt pans, named after a famous Cape Verdean poet, offer insight into the island’s salt mining industry and the labor practices of the time. Visitors can explore the ruins of the old saltworks, including the warehouses, the workers’ quarters, and the pumping station.

Nossa Senhora das Dores Church

The church, located in Espargos, is one of the oldest and most significant buildings on the island. The church, built-in 1804, is an excellent example of colonial architecture and is a testament to the island’s strong Catholic heritage. Visitors can stroll inside the church’s halls, admire the Portuguese influence, and take in the religious artwork.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Sal Island has several hidden gems that offer unique experiences for the intrepid traveler. Here are some of the off-the-beaten-path suggestions to explore.

Kite Beach

Kite Beach, located near Santa Maria, is a hidden gem for kitesurfers. The beach’s incredibly windy conditions make it an ideal location for kite surfing enthusiasts, and several local kite surfing schools offer lessons and equipment rentals.

Murdeira Bay

Murdeira Bay, located in the southeastern part of Sal Island, is a stunning cove that is home to diverse marine life. Visitors can participate in snorkeling adventures, go fishing, or witness the annual humpback whale migration during the winter months.

In conclusion, Sal Island, Cape Verde, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures. Whether you prefer lounging on the beach, exploring local history and culture, or embarking on off-the-beaten-path adventures, Sal Island has something for everyone.