The main centre of action of the whole island of Sal is in the town of Santa Maria and its surroundings. Here you will find everything from hotels, promenade, beaches, bars, churches, a desalinated water shop for the locals to a long pier with a daily sale of freshly caught fish.

You, as a tourist, will be staying in Santa Maria, as 90% of the accommodation on the whole island is located in the town centre and surrounding area - see the Sal accommodation section.

Santa Maria Pier

The Pontão de Santa Maria is a long pier stretching across the beach from the main promenade.

Every morning at around 10am, local fishermen in brightly coloured boats descend here to clean their catch and sell it to restaurants and locals.

Watch the Cape Verdeans go about their daily business, soaking up the unique atmosphere of fishy smells, ocean and complete relaxation.

If you're in the mood for a bite to eat, sit in the beachfront garden of local bar Olá Brasil. We can definitely recommend the local cocktail Caipirinha.

Religious services in local churches

If you're religious, don't miss the opportunity to be at a Cape Verdean prayer service.

Every Sunday, undivided prayers are held at the Igreja Católica de S. Maria and the Church of the Nazarene. The churches are barely 30 metres apart and due to the fact that the prayers are held at different times, you can visit both.

If you are not a believer, we do not recommend visiting at the time of prayer. The whole thing lasts 1 hour and it is not advisable to disturb it in progress. In addition, the locals come here dressed festively, which tourists in swimsuits are not and unnecessarily offend the locals.

You can also visit the church at any time outside of prayer.

The beach in Santa Maria

The main sandy beach stretches from the pier to the west and along the southwestern tip. It is here that the five-star resorts that tourists head to are exposed. The second beach to the east of the pier is known as the Cemetery of Shells - read why.

The beach is long, sandy and wide enough. So you don't have to worry about being a sardine.

All resorts have their own sunbeds, umbrellas and beach bars.

The entrance to the sea is gradual, but in the winter months the ocean can be rough and big waves can break at the shores. Keep an eye on the lifeguards, who will warn you of the dangers of entering the sea.

Hotels in Santa Maria

What resorts will you be spending your vacation at? You certainly don't have to worry about getting burned by your choice. Both five- and four-star hotels get their ratings and will surprise you with their quality.

Expect 5*s to be about 5k per week per person more expensive than four stars:

5* Melia Dunas Beach Resort
5* Melia Llana Beach Resort
5* Melia Tortuga Beach Resort and Spa
5* RIU Cabo Verde
5* RIU Funana
5* RIU Palace Santa Maria
5* Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

4* Resorts:

4* Oasis Salinas Sea
4* Oasis Belorizonte

You'll find the cheapest options at the family-run hotels in the town centre. For a full list of tours and specific hotels, check out our Sal holiday comparison guide.