Barlavento (Windward)

Sal

White-sand beaches and resorts — Cabo Verde's tourism gateway.

Area
216 km²
Main town
Espargos
Known for
Beaches & resorts
Sal
Sal

Photo: Cayambe, CC BY-SA 3.0 — Wikimedia Commons

Home to Amílcar Cabral International Airport, Sal is Cabo Verde's main tourism gateway. Its name means 'salt' after its former salt trade. Today it's known for white-sand beaches and resorts, and it's a mecca for windsurfing and kitesurfing. English and euros are widely accepted, making it easy for first-time visitors.

Highlights

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Santa Maria

A resort town lined with white-sand beaches, bars and restaurants.

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Pedra de Lume

A salt lake in a volcanic crater where you can float in the briny water.

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Water sports

A popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing thanks to steady winds.

🗺️See location on map