Sal Island is synonymous with vacations in Cape Verde, boasting paradise beaches where the deep, crystal-clear blue waters gently kiss golden sands. But beyond its world-famous beaches, there are many more natural wonders to discover.
This charming slice of the Atlantic hides natural treasures that offer a unique experience of relaxation, exploration, and adventure. In this article, you’ll discover the 7 natural wonders that make Sal Island the perfect destination for your holiday in Cape Verde.
Check out our activity suggestions to make the most of these stunning locations!
Vacation in Cape Verde, on Sal Island
Famous for its stunning beaches and pleasant year-round climate, Sal Island is the most visited island in the Cape Verde archipelago. It offers numerous places to relax and enjoy its natural beauty.
Sal’s culture is vibrant and welcoming, reflected in its music, dance, gastronomy, and the warm hospitality of its people. Here, morabeza (Cape Verdean hospitality) greets you in every smile and every "Hello."
Just a few hours' flight from Europe and South America, Sal Island is also an excellent destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering perfect conditions for kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing, flyboarding, diving, snorkelling, and fishing. It’s also a prime spot for marine animal watching, including turtles, sharks, and whales.
The island also shelters natural reserves of significant environmental importance, such as Costa da Fragata, Serra Negra, and the Marine Reserve.
With well-developed tourist infrastructure, Sal offers a wide range of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars. The island's safety and the hospitality of its people make it a welcoming and secure destination for all types of visitors, all year round. Plenty of reasons to pack your bags and discover this little paradise!
#1 Natural Wonder of Sal Island: Praia de Santa Maria – a tropical paradise
Praia de Santa Maria is arguably the most iconic beach on Sal Island and is ranked among the 25 most beautiful beaches in the world by TripAdvisor.
Located in a bay, this 8-kilometre stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters, renowned for their therapeutic properties, is ideal for sunbathing and relaxation.
The turquoise blue of the water, the golden sand, the marine life, the support infrastructure... all of this makes Praia de Santa Maria a very special placel
Praia de Santa Maria is also perfect for water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), surfing, and kitesurfing. In its waters, you’ll find moray eels, rays, dolphins, and colourful schools of fish, visible through diving and snorkelling.
The Pontão de Santa Maria is a postcard-worthy sight, bustling with the daily activity of fishermen and their boats, and children enjoying playful moments in the water.
By night, Praia de Santa Maria becomes the centre of the island’s nightlife, with beachfront bars and restaurants offering live music and delicious local dishes. Right behind, you’ll find the pedestrian street—a must-visit stop!
The Rua Pedonal de Santa Maria is one of the town’s main attractions. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, picturesque charm, and variety of attractions, it features colourful, well-preserved buildings that reflect Cape Verde’s cultural heritage.
Filled with artisan shops, local clothing, jewellery, and souvenirs, as well as art galleries, markets, and fairs, this street is a great place to shop and soak up the local culture.
A range of restaurants, cafés, and bars along the street serve traditional Cape Verdean dishes like Cachupa and fresh seafood.
Its proximity to Santa Maria Beach allows visitors to combine a relaxing day at the beach with a stroll through this lively street, enjoying the best of both worlds.
Discover the attractions of Rua Pedonal de Santa Maria, very close to the beach, and then rest to the sound of the sea
If you're in Sal during September, don’t miss the Festival Internacional de Santa Maria, featuring renowned national and international musicians.
#2 Natural Wonder of Sal Island: Buracona – the fascinating "Blue Eye"
Buracona is one of the most famous natural attractions on Sal Island, also known as the "Blue Eye."
The colours inside the grotto are hypnotic
Carved out by the ocean, Buracona features natural pools and a striking natural phenomenon—a cave that, when hit by sunlight, transforms into a large, glowing "Blue Eye."
At midday, the sunlight intensifies the effect, creating a stunning blue "iris." When the Sun hits the water at the perfect angle, it produces a brilliant blue colour that’s simply mesmerising.
It feels like a magical portal opens up right in front of you
Buracona is also a great place for swimming and diving, offering a refreshing experience in its crystal-clear waters. Visitors can explore the rocky formations and underwater caves, making a trip to Buracona an unforgettable adventure.
Next to the "Blue Eye," there’s a natural pool formed by volcanic rocks, perfect for swimming and relaxing when the sea is calm. When the waves are rougher, it’s best to sit back and admire this natural wonder.
#3 Natural Wonder of Sal Island: Pedra de Lume Salt Flats – a natural therapy
Within the crater of an extinct volcano lie the Pedra de Lume Salt Flats, a National Natural, Historical, and Cultural Heritage site.
Floating in the saltwater pools here is a deeply relaxing experience. As your body becomes lighter, your mind gradually lets go of daily stresses, leaving behind anxiety and worry. You can also enjoy the spa services, including therapeutic massages.
Here, the rule is to relax while admiring the sky
The surrounding landscape adds to the experience, with colourful evaporation pools and lush vegetation providing a backdrop of pure relaxation.
You can also visit the nearby fishing village of Pedra de Lume and see artifacts that date back to the salt mining era, still standing strong against time. Every August, the village hosts the Pedra de Lume Music Festival, drawing national and international artists and thousands of attendees.
A visit to Pedra de Lume is also a chance to learn about the history of salt production and its importance in the island’s development.
It’s worth visiting the salt flats with a local guide to learn about their history
Salt mining began here in the 1700s in a deposit containing over 50 million tonnes of rock salt. The “white gold” attracted ships from around the world, contributing to the island’s development. The island's infrastructure can even be said to have grown around the salt industry.
#4 Natural Wonder of Sal Island: Morrinho de Açúcar – a natural monument
Imagine a volcanic chimney standing alone on a vast plain. Morrinho de Açúcar stands out for its conical shape, and the small squares that make up this natural monument resemble sugar cubes.
Capture stunning photos to remember this unique experience
Of volcanic origin, Morrinho is a protected landscape, inviting visitors to appreciate its beauty, which creates incredible photo opportunities.
A hike around Morrinho de Açúcar offers a chance to explore the island’s unique geology and enjoy the serenity of its natural surroundings.
#5 Natural Wonder of Sal Island: Serra Negra – a panoramic view
Serra Negra is the highest peak on Sal Island’s southern coast. Of volcanic origin, it’s a natural reserve and one of the most important habitats for various bird species, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity.
From the top of Serra Negra, with altitudes ranging from 50 to 80 metres, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Sal Island and its coastline, with the blue ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.
Dare to try the Zipline project, which allows you to soar over this extraordinary landscape on a steel cable.
Serra Negra is located between Ponta Vermelho and Ponta de Fragata. The latter is a prime spot for turtle nesting and for surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.
#6 Natural Wonder of Sal Island: Dunas de Ponta Preta – a sandy adventure
Ponta Preta offers a stunning scene with golden sand dunes contrasting against the blue ocean.
Relive your childhood and slide down the dunes on a sandboard
The dunes are ideal for hiking and sandboarding enthusiasts. Sliding down the dunes on a sandboard is a fun activity for both adults and children and offers fantastic opportunities for sunset photography.
Ponta Preta’s dunes are also a hotspot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, attracting athletes from around the world. The beach even hosts one of the circuits of the GKA Kite World Championship.
Praia de Ponta Preta has earned Cabo Verde a spot on CNN’s list of the world’s 50 best surf spots, thanks to the beach’s ability to provide thrilling winter waves for experienced surfers.
Ponta Preta Beach is also one of the most important turtle nesting sites on Sal Island.
#7 Natural Wonder of Sal Island: Baía da Murdeira and Rabo de Junco – a peaceful retreat
Baía da Murdeira is a serene spot with calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxation. This bay serves as a natural refuge for various species, making it an excellent location for birdwatching in Cape Verde.
A perfectly semi-spherical bay that makes the landscape unique
Visitors can enjoy kayaking trips around the bay, taking in the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings. Baía da Murdeira is ideal for those seeking a peaceful environment and a close connection with nature.
Rabo de Junco is a natural reserve within Baía da Murdeira that contributes to the conservation of sea turtles and is home to several unique seabird species.
Swim, relax, kayak, and watch turtles and seabirds—it's your choice!
Other wonders worth highlighting
Sal Island also has other magical places worth visiting that attract visitors all year round.
One example is the Terra Boa Mirage, a natural phenomenon that produces an impressive optical illusion in the middle of the desert. Your eyes play tricks and it really does look like there's water on the horizon. The site is located about 4 kilometres north of the town of Espargos and many tourists want to see the mirage up close.
Another place that reveals great natural beauty is Monte Curral, at an altitude of 109 metres. This observation point in the town of Espargos offers panoramic views of the whole island and is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset.
Visit Sal Island on your next Cape Verde Vacation!
Sal Island is a magical destination for your Cape Verde holiday, offering much more than just paradise beaches. Its natural wonders are a starting point for exploring the island and being amazed by nature in its purest form.
From relaxation and therapeutic experiences to the adrenaline of water sports and the vibrant marine life bursting with colour, Sal Island surprises every visitor.
With its natural beauty, vibrant culture, well-developed tourist infrastructure, and the safety and hospitality of the locals, this could be your next holiday destination.
Pack your bags and discover the wonders of Sal Island in Cape Verde, enjoying the nature, culture, and adventure this stunning destination has to offer!
Sources: Catalog of Natural and Territorial Heritage of Cabo Verde.
