Salinas Salt Lake is located in the northeast of the island near the village of Pedra de Lume. Salt is inextricably linked to the island, as it has been mined here since 1833, albeit to a lesser extent.

The salt flats of Salinas are located in an extinct crater, where seawater from the ocean a kilometre away seeps through cracks in the volcanic rocks, and are still used today for desalination and salt extraction. Major mining ceased in 1985 and today the salt is mined mainly for tourists.

The mined salt was taken from Cape Verde by sea. The problem of constant transport from the desalination ropes to the ships was eventually solved by a 1,100-metre-long wooden cable car from the crater to the sea. It was built in 1921 and you can still admire its masts in Salinas.

Salinas de Pedra de Lume is a place you should definitely visit during your Cape Verde holiday. Head here individually with a rental car or as part of an optional trip with a tour operator.

Bath in Salinas

The water in the artificial lakes has up to 27 times more salinity (salt content in the water) than the adjacent ocean. Bathing in this water is an unforgettable experience.

Lie back freely and let this thick salty liquid float over you. You won't sink, and certainly don't try to do it head first.

Bathing in such salty water has beneficial effects on the skin and treats skin problems such as rashes and excema.

But don't let the salt water get to you for too long and take advantage of local freshwater showers. Pay 1 eur per half minute.

There are changing rooms and toilets next to the showers, as well as a bistro and a small shop selling bath and kitchen salt.

Entrance to Salinas costs 5 eur.

Pedra de Lume

Be sure not to miss a visit to the fishing and salt village of Pedra de Lume during your visit. It is from here that dozens of salt boats set sail. They are commemorated today by the wrecks that are scattered along the beach and in the sea.

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On the beach you will find the Area Docas restaurant, where you can enjoy lunch or a snack with a spectacular view of the ocean.

The historic landmark of the village is the ruined salt warehouse and the red Farol Lighthouse.

From the Farol de Pedra de Lume Lighthouse you can enjoy a beautiful view of the ocean and the area itself. Take a walk here.