The 7 Best Beaches in Aruba: Our Favorite Beaches & Hidden Gems
August 13, 2026
Content
Sal is one of Cape Verde's most popular islands with many great attractions. On the island you will find fine white sandy beaches, a wonderful climate and interesting culture. But there is a lot more to discover on Sal! So what should you definitely not miss during a vacation to Sal? We share the best to do's and attractions for Sal in Cape Verde.
1. Explore the rugged volcanic landscape of Sal
Sal, Portuguese for "salt island," is one of the volcanic islands of Cape Verde. It is one of the oldest Cape Verdean islands with a desert-like landscape. Over the years, the volcanic mountains have flattened out. The island has little vegetation due to the dry interior and barren lunar landscapes. Therefore, it is not an island for nature lovers. Nevertheless, Sal's landscape is impressive. The island is very easy to explore by mountain bike. Certain places on Sal are deserted, making an exploration of the island even more impressive. Tour the island past the sights and you'll feel like you're on Mars.
2. Visit the pearly white beaches
Sal is the ultimate destination for a tropical beach vacation. White beaches, clear ocean water, azure skies and a tropical climate make Sal a popular destination among beach lovers. A visit to the beaches can therefore not be missed during a trip to Sal.
Santa Maria
The nicest beach on Sal in Cape Verde is Santa Maria. The fishing village of Santa Maria is located in the south of Sal on a vast sandy beach of up to 8 kilometers. The fishing village is among Sal's nicest attractions for several reasons. You can sunbathe in Santa Maria, snorkel beautifully and visit the nearby turtle sanctuary visit. There are many cozy beach bars in Santa Maria where you can get a nice Caipirinha (cocktail with Cape Verdean rum) and enjoy live music.
Surfers can also visit Santa Maria, as there are many good spots around the beach for surfing, kitesurfing, SUP boarding and windsurfing. The period November to June is particularly suitable. There is then a fine, warm sea breeze from a northeasterly direction.
There are several surf schools on the beach and in the center of Santa Maria for taking lessons and renting equipment.
3. Go diving around Sal
In the clear ocean off Sal you will find an impressive underwater world. There are coral reefs and a number of underwater caves that you can explore while diving. While diving you are likely to spot tuna, swordfish, giant mantras, lobsters, whales and hundreds of other species of fish. In some cases, you will even encounter turtles and sharks.
There are some 20 dive spots around Sal Island. The most popular dive spots are Olho Azul (the blue eye), Santo Antão (a shipwreck off the coast of Sal) and the Choclasse plateau. Here, many schools of fish swim around the yellow-colored coral. It is a great place for spotting tuna, turtles, stingrays and (whale) sharks.
4. Dobber in the salty sea
Sal's soil is salt, so a lot of salt used to be produced at the salt mines. During a trip to Sal, you can visit the salt mines to see how the salt used to be extracted. At the salt pan of Pedra de Lume you will find a huge crater with salt water. The volcanic crater now serves as a "salt sea. This makes Pedra de Lume one of the fun sights to visit and a wonderful place to float in the water. This water is saltier than the water in the Dead Sea, so you have to try pretty hard to go underwater here.
5. Pay a visit to Terre Boa
Also highly recommended in terms of sightseeing on Sal is visiting Terre Boa. Terra Boa is an arid plain between three volcanic hills. When the sun shines brightly, you can see the sky reflected in the distance. A true Fata Morgana in other words!
6. Take a stroll through the Viveiro Botanical Gardens.
In the middle of Sal's arid and desert-like landscape you will find Viveiro, the Botanical Gardens. The Viveiro Botanical Gardens are a green oasis in Sal. Here you can stroll past palm trees and fragrant oleanders. The small petting zoo is home to donkeys, goats, rabbits and ducks. You will also find in the Botanical Gardens Viveiro a small café where you can have a nice rest in the shade of the palm trees and order some delicious drinks.
An unforgettable trip to Cape Verde
Want to travel to the Cape Verde Islands, but could use some help planning? Enlist our help! With our service we arrange everything: from flights and accommodations to excursions and activities, completely tailored to what is the ideal vacation for you. Thanks to our knowledge and expertise, we ensure that your trip to Cape Verde will be unforgettable. Request a travel proposal for your dream trip now!
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
