Sal Island Cape Verde

Sal Property sales - Click here

Sal Land sales - Click here

Pictures of Sal - Click here

The island of Sal earns its Portuguese name from its principal commodity, Salt. It was once home to the world's largest salt mine at Pedra de Lume. Salt is still produced in several areas of the island.

Sal is probably the oldest of all the Cape Verdean islands, owing its existence to a volcanic eruption some 50 million years ago.

The principal attractions on Sal are the unspoilt beaches, the lovely sea and of course the year-round sunshine. It is fantastic for water sports, sunbathing and swimming.

Map of Sal Island Cape Verde

Geography and climate of Sal Island Cape Verde

Population 15 - 20,000

Island Area --- 216 square km.

Sal is one of the 'Barlavento' or Windward islands and although it is volcanic in origin, constant erosion has left it flat and dry.

The climate is invariably hot and arid. There is precious little rain fall, making it perfect for sun-seekers all year round. The Southern part of the island, where Santa Maria is situated, is the most sheltered from the wind.

The island measures around 30km long and 12km wide and the highest peak of Sal island is Monte Grande (The Big Mountain), at just 406m above sea level.

The main towns in Sal are Santa Maria, which has over 2,000 inhabitants and the capital Espargos with 6,000 residents. Palmeira also plays a key role in the island's daily life.

History of Sal Island Cape Verde

Sal was discovered by the Portuguese in 1640, and named Llana, meaning ‘flat'. It was not until the discovery of Salt, at the Pedra de Lume, that it took the Portuguese name Sal. Salt collection was central to the economy of Sal until very recently.

Prior to the salt industry, the island of Sal was primarily used by residents from neighbouring Boa Vista for cattle grazing.

In 1939 an international airport was built on Sal. It was heavily funded by Italy, but initially used by South African Airways as a refuelling point on their long-haul flights across the Atlantic.

This is because during the apartheid era most of the African countries would not allow the South Africans to use their air space. So flying around Africa was the only option.

Economy and Agriculture of Sal Island Cape Verde

Traditionally, the population of Sal have relied on salt collection and fishing. More recently, tourism and property have taken over as the main industries.

The population on Sal has grown considerably in recent years. Migrants looking for work have come from other Cape Verde islands. There has also been immigration from West Africa.

The main port on Sal is Palmeira. This is also where the main power station on Sal is located. There are lots of plans to develope Palmeira both in terms of port capacity and surrounding industries. Water desalination for the island also happens in Palmeira.

There is some agriculture in Sal, but it is limited.

Infrastructure and Development of Sal Island Cape Verde

Sal has an international airport, serviced by flights to and from Europe, America and Brazil. It is still the main transport hub of the Cape Verde islands.

There are domestic flights to many other islands, as well as boats to islands such as Boa Vista.

There is one main road on the island, which leads from the airport to Santa Maria. It was quite an event when this was opened a few years ago as it is a dual carriage way! There are also some old cobbled roads dating back to the colonial times.

Jeeps, quad bikes and bicycles are available for hire in Santa Maria.

Property Investment and Developments on Sal island Cape Verde

Sal is the most developed of all the islands. The property industry, along with tourism, is the main driver of the local economy.

The employment that property investment has generated is transforming the island. Jobs are not just created on building sites. There has been an explosion of estate agents and associated professions such as solicitors and architects.

There are many developers offering a full variety of properties. Most of the developers are European, but there are a few Cape Verdean enterprises. The builders are generally local.

The main development to date has been centred in and around Santa Maria. Recently developments have started further up the island. Many large residential property developments are being built around Ponte Preta and along the Western coast of Sal.

The village of Santa Maria has become a town. To the East of Santa Maria, the area is being developed as residential. To the West of the old centre, property development is mainly tourist villages and large resort style developments.

Tourism on Sal Island Cape Verde

Tourism has developed quicker in Sal than on any other Cape Verdean island, as it has always had the main international airport.

Sal's principal assets for the tourist and property investors are its completely unspoilt, white sandy beaches. The beautiful beach at Santa Maria measures 8km!

It is a prime location for fishing and scuba-diving, boasting a varied of sea life. It has become a top destination for water sports with some of the beaches offering perfect conditions for surfing, sailing, windsurfing and kite surfing.

In Santa Maria there are ample instructors and equipment for all water sports. There is also mini golf, basketball and tennis courts, volleyball and football pitches and excellent swimming pools.

It is worth while taking a trip around the island. In particular you should see the salt lake at Pedra de Lume. It really is quite fascinating to see such a large salt mine.

The port of Palmeira is a wonderful little place, with lobster farms and salt purifying stations providing and insight into daily life on the island.

To see the ‘real' Sal, pay a visit to Espargos with its picturesque main square. It takes its name from its main crop, asparagus.

Other places to visit include Buracona (literally ‘large hole'), a natural tidal swimming pool. Fishing enthusiasts should head to Fiura.

The oldest and probably the best hotels in Santa Maria are the Morabeza (which means ‘Welcome') and the Odjo D'Agua. The Riu complex and other resort style hotels such as the Djadsal offer all inclusive packages as well.

Entertainment and Food of Sal Island Cape Verde

Because of the substantial tourism on Sal, there are many restaurants and hotels. There are also many shops and market stalls selling a variety of goods.

At night there are numerous bars and clubs. Live music is a key attraction. A rendition of the typically Cape Verdean ‘Morna' is a treat not to be missed.

Due to the development of the tourism industry and the growth in the property market, there are new venues opening up regularly. The nightlife can be very good in Sal.

The main Cape Verdean dishes are grilled fish or shellfish with vegetables and chickpeas.

Important dates on Sal Island Cape Verde