Sal Holidays

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Sal Holiday

Things to do in Sal

Sal in Cape Verde is perfect for those seeking beach and outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy stunning sandy beaches, vibrant public markets, and exhilarating activities like kite surfing. With its beautiful coastline and opportunities for swimming, Sal promises an unforgettable holiday experience filled with relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

The Santa Maria Municipal Market offers a vibrant local atmosphere, perfect for picking up unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, you might explore additional shopping options at larger malls further afield, where you can find a wider range of products.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at wellness retreats in Sal, Cape Verde. Indulge in soothing massages, yoga sessions on the beach, and holistic therapies. Engage in water sports like snorkelling and windsurfing, or simply relax by the stunning coastline, soaking in the serene atmosphere and breathtaking views.

Adventure

Explore the stunning beaches of Santa Maria for thrilling water sports like kite surfing and windsurfing. Join a quad bike tour through the island's rugged terrain, or embark on a scuba diving adventure to discover vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters.

Nightlife

In Sal, Cape Verde, the nightlife is vibrant and lively, particularly in Santa Maria. Visit beach bars, such as La Brasa and the lively Pirate Beach Bar, where you can enjoy cocktails and live music. The atmosphere is relaxed, perfect for dancing and socialising under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in and around Sal

Sal, Cape Verde, is an ideal destination for beach lovers and adventure seekers, boasting stunning beaches and vibrant outdoor activities. Visitors can explore popular attractions like the picturesque jetty and charming piazza, all while immersing themselves in the local culture. Whether you're lounging on the sand or embarking on outdoor adventures, Sal offers a delightful blend of relaxation and exploration for every traveller.

  • Santa Maria Pier: Experience the charm of Santa Maria Pier, a lovely jetty that offers a mix of luxury and budget-friendly options. Here, you can relax while enjoying breathtaking views of the ocean, perfect for both leisurely strolls and vibrant social gatherings.
  • Santa Maria Town Square: Immerse yourself in the culture at Santa Maria Town Square, a lively piazza that serves as the heart of the town. With its bustling atmosphere, it's ideal for sampling local delicacies and engaging with Cape Verdean traditions, making it a cultural hub.
  • Shark Bay Beach: Located 11.3km from Sal, Shark Bay Beach is a stunning stretch of sand renowned for its serene beach vibes. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring the vibrant marine life, it’s a tranquil oasis away from the town’s hustle and bustle.

Best time to go to Sal

The best time to visit Sal is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. March is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January72.0°F (22.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February70.0°F (21.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April70.5°F (21.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May72.0°F (22.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
July74.8°F (23.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August77.7°F (25.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October79.2°F (26.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November77.0°F (25.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December74.1°F (23.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Sal

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Sal.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically May to June and September) for more affordable package holidays to Sal.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Sal Beach Holiday

Fresh sea air and gorgeous coastal views are some things to look forward to during your Sal holiday. If you want to save on your trip to Sal, here's how to do it — choose one of our Sal holiday packages. Grab one near Ponta Preta, just 13 kilometres from the centre of town and a must-do while here. Alternatively, select a package that puts you close to Kite Beach, another tempting coastline. Either way, you'll be left with extra money in your budget to play with.

Things You Should Know About Sal

Sal Essential Information

Language
Portuguese
Currency
Cape Verdean escudos
Local Welcome
Olá
Local Goodbye
Adeus
Closest Airport
Amilcar Cabral Intl. Airport (SID)
Max Temp Winter
24ºC
Max Temp Summer
24ºC
Top Sights
Santa Maria Beach, Shark Bay Beach and Kite Beach

Our pick of the best Sal Hotel Deals

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

Avenida dos Hoteis CP230 Sal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
AU$342
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive

Cabocan Lote E2, Santa Maria Sal Cape Verde
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
AU$649
16 Sept - 17 Sept
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (98 reviews)
"Wish there was a 3.5 rating to give - but right that given 3 rather than 4. It was a nice resort, really nice, but compared to other 5 stars previously, not quite worth the price tag. Maybe expecting too much from beech resort 5 star but don't think so."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2026

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive
Hotel Pontao

Hotel Pontao

Edificio Pontao Sal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
AU$132
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Hotel Pontao
See all 308 properties in Sal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Sal attractions

Santa Maria Town Square

8.4/10 (220 reviews)
This lively square forms the heart of Santa Maria, where cafés and shops showcase authentic Cape Verdean culture. Evening visits reward travellers with vibrant music and local cuisine at the surrounding restaurants.
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Santa Maria Pier

8.6/10 (253 reviews)
Santa Maria Pier buzzes with local fishermen selling their fresh catch each morning. Stroll the wooden planks for panoramic ocean views and immerse yourself in Cape Verde's authentic fishing culture.
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Ponta Preta

8.4/10 (125 reviews)
Ponta Preta Beach offers world-class waves that attract elite kitesurfers and windsurfers globally. Visit between November and April when consistent trade winds create optimal conditions for water sports.
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Viveiro Botanical Garden & Zoo

8.6/10 (54 reviews)
This verdant oasis on Sal Island showcases diverse plant species and provides sanctuary for rescued animals. Stroll through lush gardens and interact with monkeys, peacocks, and turtles.
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Santa Maria Municipal Market

7.8/10 (66 reviews)
Immerse yourself in Cape Verde's vibrant culture at this colourful market filled with tropical produce and handicrafts. Chat with friendly vendors as you sample local delicacies and watch artisans craft traditional goods.
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Nazarene Church

8.0/10 (55 reviews)
This welcoming church in Santa Maria offers services with translations for international visitors. Join Sunday worship to experience Cape Verdean spiritual traditions and connect with locals.
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Pedra do Lume

8.8/10 (23 reviews)
Float effortlessly in salt ponds within an extinct volcano crater, similar to the Dead Sea experience. Bring swimwear to enjoy the therapeutic waters, then rinse off at the on-site showers.
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Buracona

9.2/10 (15 reviews)
Buracona's "Blue Eye" captivates visitors when sunlight transforms an underwater cave into a glowing sapphire spectacle. Visit between 11am-noon for the most dramatic illumination of this natural Cape Verdean wonder.
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What to do in Sal

Complete Adventure Ride on a Monster Truck Cabo Verde

Complete Adventure Ride on a Monster Truck Cabo Verde

AU$41
per adult
Complete Adventure Ride on a Monster Truck Cabo Verde
Snorkeling in Santa Maria Island of Salt

Snorkeling in Santa Maria Island of Salt

AU$49
per adult
Snorkeling in Santa Maria Island of Salt
From Sal Island: Blu eye, Salt lake, Lemon Sharks & Palmeira

From Sal Island: Blu eye, Salt lake, Lemon Sharks & Palmeira

AU$47
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
From Sal Island: Blu eye, Salt lake, Lemon Sharks & Palmeira
See all activities in Sal

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Sal holiday package cost?
Offering excellent value package deals on Expedia, you'll be thrilled with how little a holiday to Sal costs! Expedia's packages simplify travel planning and maximise your savings.
What are the cheapest months to go to Sal?
If you're hoping to snag a cheap Sal holiday package, consider planning a trip in May, June and September. You'll typically find better rates on flights and accommodation during these quieter months — ideal for a budget-friendly break.
How many days is enough for Sal?
Typically, a handful of days is enough to see the major sights during your Sal holiday. However, if you prefer to have time to kick back or take day tours, think about extending your trip.
How to find the best Sal package deals?
Use Expedia's filters to help you find some terrific Sal package deals. When you start your search, just set your maximum budget and then order the results by "Price: low to high." If you're looking to save, plan your break for midweek, or look for Sal package deals in the low season. Switch up your travel dates and you may land even better discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's typically best to lock in your holiday package as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Sal holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to help you keep more money in your pocket. Bundle your flight, car rental and hotel into one great-value price and enjoy significant savings. You'll typically get a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still get the freedom to create a personalised Sal holiday by choosing your favourite accommodation type, airline and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Sal?
Secure amazing discounts by reserving your flights in advance with Expedia. If being spontaneous is more your style, grab one of our last-minute deals for an impromptu Sal getaway.
How to plan a trip to Sal?
  1. Choose the ideal time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you enjoy can all impact your decision on when to go to Sal.
  2. Set your budget: Consider costs like flights, transportation and food when working out how much to put aside for your trip to Sal. Then, select a hotel that fits your budget, whether that's an affordable stay or a deluxe retreat.
  3. Decide how long to go for: Now that you're up to speed on Sal, you can figure out the right length of your holiday. Pull together a draft itinerary and give yourself enough time for all the things you want to do.
  4. Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your car rental, hotels, flights and more into a tailored Sal holiday package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.