10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Sal Island, Cabo Verde

  • Day 1: Visit Santa Maria Beach
    15 minutes (10 km) from Amilcar Cabral International Airport (SID)

    Start your trip with a visit to the breathtaking Santa Maria Beach. With its crystal clear water, powdery white sand, and numerous restaurants, it's a perfect launchpad for your vacation.

  • Day 2: Discover the Pedra de Lume Salt Crater
    1 hour (20 km) from Santa Maria Beach

    Your next stop is the Pedra de Lume salt crater. Take a swim in the natural salt pool, get a rejuvenating mud bath, and go on a guided tour to learn about the history of Sal Island's salt mines.

  • Day 3: Catch Waves at Kite Beach
    30 minutes (20 km) from Pedra de Lume Salt Crater

    Head over to Kite Beach for a day of fun-filled water activities, including windsurfing and kiteboarding. Don't forget to take a break at one of the beach bars to grab a bite and a refreshing drink.

  • Day 4: Take an Island Tour
    45 minutes (25 km) from Kite Beach

    Take a break from beaches and explore the charming villages, scenic spots, and exotic nature on a guided island tour. Visit Terra Boa, Espargos, and Palmeira to get a glimpse into local life.

  • Day 5: Swim at Shark Bay Beach
    1 hour 20 minutes (35 km) from Island Tour

    Spend a relaxing day at the picturesque Shark Bay Beach. Its calm waters and soft sands make it an excellent choice for families with kids.

  • Day 6: Surf at Ponta Preta Beach
    20 minutes (14 km) from Shark Bay Beach

    Go surfing at Ponta Preta Beach, one of the most popular surf spots in Cabo Verde. The waves can get high, so it's a great opportunity to challenge yourself and improve your skills.

  • Day 7: Relax at Palmeira Beach
    20 minutes (15 km) from Ponta Preta Beach

    Unwind at the serene Palmeira Beach. The calm waters are ideal for swimming, and you can rent a fishing boat to explore the nearby islands and islets.

  • Day 8: Visit the Blue Eye
    25 minutes (20 km) from Palmeira Beach

    Witness the natural wonder of the Blue Eye, a brilliant blue lagoon amid a volcanic landscape. It's a unique sight that must not be missed.

  • Day 9: Explore Murdeira Village
    10 minutes (8 km) from the Blue Eye

    Visit the charming Murdeira Village, a secluded enclave nestled between cliffs and a turquoise lagoon. Take a stroll around the marina, savor fresh seafood, and marvel at the stunning sunsets.

  • Day 10: Departure Day
    15 minutes (10 km) from Murdeira Village

    Finally, it's time to say goodbye to Sal Island. If time allows, do some last-minute shopping or bid adieu to the locals at one of the island's cafes. Then, head back to Amilcar Cabral International Airport (SID) for your return flight.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Santa Maria Beach (free)
  • Pedra de Lume Salt Crater (2-3 hours, CVE 1000)
  • Kite Beach (2-3 hours, CVE 500)
  • Island Tour (4-5 hours, CVE 4000)
  • Shark Bay Beach (free)
  • Ponta Preta Beach (2-3 hours, CVE 750)
  • Palmeira Beach (free)
  • Blue Eye (1-2 hours, CVE 500)
  • Murdeira Village (2-3 hours, CVE 1000)
  • Total Estimated Costs: CVE 8750

Transportation

Transportation on Sal Island is restricted to taxis, buses, or rental cars. Bus fares are cheap (CVE 100) but infrequent, while taxis cost more but are more flexible (~CVE 1500-2000 for a half-day rental). Rental cars can be availed for CVE 3000-3500 a day and are the best option for extensive touring.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, we recommend taking a day trip to nearby Boavista Island or trying out the local cuisine at one of the island's many restaurants. For a shorter trip, you can reduce the number of stops or switch up activities based on your interests. Also, ensure to double-check the opening hours before going anywhere.

Airports

Sal Island is home to the Amilcar Cabral International Airport (SID). It is located around 16 km northwest of Santa Maria, the island's main tourist center, and can be reached in 15 minutes by taxi or rental car.

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