Santa Maria

Santa Maria is the former capital of Cape Verde’s small Sal Island. Situated on a stunning bay in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, this beach village blends cultures of Africa, colonial Portugal, the Caribbean, and South America.

“Sal” is the Portuguese word for “salt”, and Santa Maria was originally renowned for its salt deposits. The Portuguese are known for spotting Sal Island in the fifteenth century, but records indicate that the Moors knew of its salt mounds long before then. Santa Maria eventually developed from a salt town into a fishing village, and today the local economy is primarily devoted to tourism.

Traveling into Santa Maria is relatively simple. Sal is home to Cape Verde’s main airport. Amílcar Cabral International Airport. Upon arrival, tourists can hire a taxi or take a hotel shuttle across the island. The route into Santa Maria fortunately follows Espargos Road, one of the few paved motorways on the island.

Traveling into Santa Maria, tourists will note the unique landscape of the Cape Verde island. All ten islands were indeed once “verde” (green), but over the centuries, most have taken on a desert quality. Trees are rare, though acacias and banyans can be found. Some visitors find the dark volcanic rocks and scarlet sands to be reminiscent of a lunar or Martian landscape. Beaches are windswept, winds are dry, and the breeze makes the island heat comfortable. Nature lovers might look for mongooses and several species of birds that are endemic to the islands, including the endangered Raso lark.

Upon arriving in Santa Maria, travelers will understand how Sal Island is an ideal vacation getaway. Clean, soft sands extend for miles, inviting visitors to relax and sunbathe, take a seaside stroll, or enjoy the many water sports advertised along the shore: deep-sea diving, kite surfing, windsurfing, and more. Divers and snorkelers in Santa Maria’s clear waters spot gorgeous tropical fish, moray eels, and even octopuses.

By night, Cape Verde’s rich cultural fusion is seen in an array of colorful restaurants in Santa Maria. Not surprisingly, an emphasis is placed upon seafood. Three popular seafood restaurants include Restaurante Tipico, which is located on Santa Maria’s main square, Restaurante Americos, and the German-operated Zum Fischerman. As for pubs, Calema Pub in the town center is an excellent spot for people-watching. For the comfort of an ex-pat community, visit Tam Tam’s, an Irish-owned pub and café.

Some popular dance venues in Santa Maria include Q Bar, which has live music on Saturday nights, and Pirata, a pirate-themed post-midnight favorite of locals and tourists alike. Hotel bars and clubs, such as Barracuda at the ClubHotel Riu Garopa, are also popular with tourists.