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Top reasons to visit Santa Maria

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Maria boasts gorgeous sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
• Vibrant Local Culture: Experience lively public markets and charming piazzas, immersing yourself in the unique Cape Verdean culture.
• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits, from water sports to island tours, catering to all adventure levels.
• Festive Atmosphere: Soak up the lively ambiance with live music and friendly locals that enhance your holiday experience.
• Variety of Accommodations: Choose from beachfront hotels, cosy bed and breakfasts, or family-friendly resorts to suit your needs.

Find great hotels in Santa Maria

Discover the charm of Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde, where a variety of accommodations await to enhance your holiday experience. Whether you prefer a beachfront hotel, a cosy bed and breakfast, or a family-friendly resort, you'll find options that cater to adventure seekers and relaxation lovers alike. With vibrant island rentals and warm hospitality, Santa Maria is the perfect destination for your next getaway.

• Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort: Experience luxury at its finest at the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, a 5-star haven nestled in the heart of Santa Maria. This resort is perfect for those seeking a spa-themed escape, with an array of wellness services including Sports Massage, Thai Massage, and a full-service spa for ultimate relaxation. The property caters to LGBTQIA travellers, with inclusive amenities and business facilities such as co-working spaces and conference rooms. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool or unwind with a manicure while basking in the sun, making this resort a top choice for both relaxation and business.
• Morabeza Hotel: Embrace the beach vibe at Morabeza Hotel, a 4-star retreat located steps from the pristine sands of Santa Maria. Ideal for pet lovers, this hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere for dogs and service animals, ensuring your furry friends can join in on the holiday fun. Direct beach access allows guests to enjoy sun-soaked days on the shore, with various water activities nearby. Guests appreciate the friendly service and charming ambience, making it a fantastic pick for those looking to unwind by the coast with their pets.
• Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive: For an all-inclusive getaway, look no further than the Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa. This 5-star resort combines stunning natural beauty with luxurious amenities, providing guests with unlimited food and drink options. Enjoy a wide range of activities, from yoga classes to volleyball, and relax in the spa with treatments that rejuvenate the body and mind. The resort's vibrant entertainment and children's club make it an excellent choice for families seeking a fun-filled holiday experience.

Where to stay in Santa Maria

Santa Maria, on the beautiful island of Sal, Cape Verde, offers an idyllic escape for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its stunning Praia de Santa Maria, you'll find the perfect retreat among beautiful beaches and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're after a luxury getaway or a budget-friendly adventure, this charming village is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and a sense of relaxation, all while enjoying the friendly local vibe.

• Sal: As the vibrant heart of Cape Verde, Sal is an island city renowned for its stunning beaches and outdoor adventures. Situated in the Atlantic, Santa Maria is a popular destination here, attracting visitors year-round, with peak crowds from January to March. The city boasts beautiful public markets where you can immerse yourself in local culture, while its picturesque jetty pier offers breathtaking views of the ocean. Whether you're swimming in the crystal-clear waters or soaking up the sun on the sandy shores, Sal promises an unforgettable travel experience.
• Murdeira: Just a short drive from Santa Maria, the charming village of Murdeira is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. Located approximately 9.7km away, this village is perfect for those seeking relaxation and a laid-back beach vibe. With visitor numbers consistent throughout the year, Murdeira is ideal for beach lovers wanting to unwind by the dock port or jetty pier. Take in the stunning coastal scenery and enjoy a peaceful day by the water, making it a delightful addition to your Cape Verde itinerary.
• Beirona: Located 9.7km from Santa Maria, Beirona is a quaint village that offers a family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful outdoor experiences. The village sees moderate seasonal visitors, peaking from December to February, making it a lovely spot to explore during the cooler months. Beirona features inviting beaches and a scenic dock port, perfect for a leisurely day spent sunbathing or enjoying water activities. With its warm community vibe and stunning coastal views, Beirona is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Things to do in Santa Maria

Santa Maria is a fantastic destination for a beach holiday, offering stunning sandy beaches and vibrant outdoor activities. You can enjoy lively public markets and take part in island tours to explore the local culture. Don't miss the chance to relax by the ocean, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and soak in live music that enhances the festive atmosphere of this charming Cape Verdean town.

Shopping

The Santa Maria Municipal Market is a vibrant spot where you can find local crafts and fresh produce, offering an authentic taste of Cape Verde. If you're up for a drive, check out the nearby Praia Shopping Centre for a larger selection of shops and boutiques.

Recreation

At the Zen Spa, indulge in rejuvenating treatments with stunning ocean views, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and tranquillity. Alternatively, the Oasis Wellness Retreat provides holistic therapies, yoga sessions, and healthy cuisine, ensuring a revitalising experience amidst the beautiful landscapes of Santa Maria.

Adventure

Explore the stunning waters of Santa Maria with a thrilling kite surfing experience, perfect for all skill levels. Alternatively, take a quad bike tour through the island's rugged terrain, offering a unique perspective of Cape Verde's natural beauty and vibrant landscapes.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Santa Maria is vibrant, featuring beach bars like the popular Café del Mar for cocktails, and lively clubs like Disco Club for dancing the night away. Enjoy live music at local venues, creating a lively atmosphere that showcases the island's culture and energy.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Maria

Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde, offers many ways to save on your holiday. Enjoy free activities like Santa Maria Beach and Shark Bay Beach. For transport, consider walking or using local buses for budget-friendly options. The best times to visit for lower prices are May to June and September. Book your accommodation about a month in advance and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Thursdays are pricier. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Maria are May to June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Santa Maria about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Maria is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Maria is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Santa Maria hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in Santa Maria

Santa Maria, on Sal Island, is perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning beaches, a lively jetty, and charming piazzas. Explore local culture and enjoy a city vibe while soaking up the sun. Don't miss a trip to Cayo Santa Maria for its pristine beauty, and make the most of your stay by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that Santa Maria has to offer.

• Santa Maria Beach: Experience the ultimate beach vibe at Santa Maria Beach, where soft sands meet crystal-clear waters. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying water sports, it’s the perfect spot for relaxation and fun under the sun.
• Santa Maria Pier: Stroll along Santa Maria Pier, a charming jetty that offers a luxurious yet budget-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views, indulge in local seafood, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings.
• Santa Maria Town Square: Immerse yourself in the local culture at Santa Maria Town Square, a lively piazza filled with shops, cafes, and vibrant street life. It’s the heart of the town where you can enjoy local events and meet friendly locals.

Best time to go to Santa Maria

The best time to visit Santa Maria is dependant 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 (dry).

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	72.0°F (22.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	70.0°F (21.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	69.8°F (21.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	72.0°F (22.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	72.9°F (22.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	77.7°F (25.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	79.7°F (26.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	79.2°F (26.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	77.0°F (25.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	74.1°F (23.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Maria

To reach Santa Maria, Cape Verde, the main airport is Sal Island (SID-Amilcar Cabral Intl.), situated 16.1km away. This airport is well-connected, with several excellent hotels nearby, such as the Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa and Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa, both 12.9km from the airport, offering all-inclusive amenities. The Riu Palace Santa Maria is another great option, located 16.1km away. For those considering Boa Vista Island (BVC-Aristides Pereira Intl.), located 51.5km from Santa Maria, the Hotel Riu Palace Boavista and VOI Praia de Chaves Resort are fine choices, just 1 and 3.2km from that airport, respectively.