Originally called "Lhana" because of its very flat terrain, this island later adopted its current name after discovering a large amount of salt. Today, it is possible still see the structures used for the operation of the product exported in large quantities, between the eighteenth and first half of the twentieth century, toward the coast of Africa and Brazil. Saltworks of Pedra de Lume, located in the crater of an ancient volcano, are the best example. Their access is rather odd, since it is through a tunnel that seems to separate two different worlds. The view is unique and the color of the ground covered with salt, ranging from turquoise blue, white and pink. On the Southern islands' where you can discover the true beauty of the island where the turquoise sea and golden beaches are superimposed on a dry and sterile nature. In the small town of Santa Maria there is the homonym beach, the best known and most exploited by tourism. Still on this beach, for 14 miles of golden sand, with a warm sea all year round, there is the largest and best hotel in the country. Over the years, this place has been gradually transformed into a tourist destination, much appreciated by visitors from all over the world. Water sports like surfing, diving and fishing offer a haven to all the fans and this is where you play the surfing championships at the international level. The atmosphere of Cape Verde is exalted by groups of musicians, whose sounds accompany visitors to the delicatessen and listening to the gentle whisper of the waves ...
Directions: The international airport Amilcar Cabral (Sal Island) receives flights from the United States, Europe, South America and Africa. The airline TACV Cabo Verde produces between 6 and 10 daily flights to and from Santiago, between 2 and 4 flights to and from Sao Vicente, one flight daily to and from Boa Vista, three weekly flights to and from São Nicolau and two flights weekly to and from Fogo.
What to see: The salt of Pedra de Lume situated on the eastern coast of the island, these salt marshes occupy the entire crater of an extinct volcano, whose slopes porous permit the infiltration of seawater. Accessed through a tunnel dug in 1804 contractor Manuel Antonio Martins, the main charge of intensive commercial exploitation of saltworks of Ps. Also visit the salt mines of Santa Maria.
Ponta Pedra: Check this beach where you can find the best windsurfers/surfers playing with one of the most beautiful wave in the world, if you want to attempt to ride it we suggest the period between January-April, beware of the rocks around it.
Sal Features: Area: 216 sq km Coast: 96 km Maximum altitude: 405 m Population: 14,800 inhabitants.
Useful numbers: Hospital S. Mary: tel 2 421130 Police Espargos: tel 2 411132 Police St. Mary: tel 2 421132 TACV Airport: 2 411305/10
Sal
