Cape Verde Beach Life: Sal Island
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Itinerary
Sal Island is one of the islands in the Cape Verde archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa. While its beauty, warm climate, and golden sand beaches often draw comparisons to the Caribbean, Sal Island is firmly on the African continent. It's known for its spectacular coastline, water sports, diverse marine life, and unique local culture. On this trip, we'll unwind on the golden beaches of Santa Maria, swim in crystal-clear waters, and soak up the sun. We'll venture out to explore the authentic local culture, visiting the island's capital, Espargos, where we'll check out the colorful market and sample delicious traditional cuisine at local restaurants. You'll also explore Baía dos Tubarões, home to harmless sharks, and discover how island life intertwines with the ocean.
From the majestic Baía da Murdeira to Mount Leão and the Buracona rock formation with its stunning Blue Eye, every day will be packed with surprises. We'll venture inland to visit oases, dunes, and picturesque villages, where we'll try local fruits and immerse ourselves in rural life. Plus, you can float in the salt pans of Pedra de Lume – a truly unique experience. This eight-day journey blends beach relaxation with cultural and natural adventures in a little slice of paradise.

Welcome to Cape Verde!
Check-in: our adventure kicks off in Santa María
Round-trip flights to Spain aren't included in the trip price, so you can decide where to fly from, at what time, and with which airline. We do this to give you maximum freedom of choice.
Check-in at the hotel in Santa Maria and welcome meeting. We're descending into this natural gem, an untouched island brimming with joy. Over the next few days, our main goal is total relaxation. Let's kick off this holiday by diving straight into Santa Maria's rhythm and local culture.
Exploring the island's treasures
Murdeira Bay, Palmeira Port, and Blue Eye
Our first excursion will take us to the majestic Baía da Murdeira, a perfect spot to capture the natural beauty of Monte Leão through our cameras. Then, we'll continue to the picturesque fishing village and port of Palmeira, where we'll explore the amazing Buracona rock formation, with its natural pool and the famous 'Blue Eye' wonder.
Tiburones Limón y Salinas de Pedra de Lume
After these fascinating stops, we'll head to Terra Boa, where we'll capture fun photos of the mirages created in this unique spot. Our next stop will take us to Espargos, the island's capital, followed by a visit to Baía dos Tubarões, home to the impressive local sharks.
Finally, we'll cap off our day with a truly unique experience at the Pedra de Lume salt flats, where we'll float in waters that are 26 times saltier than the sea. An unforgettable experience to conclude our day's tour.
The African "Caribbean"
Marine life
Today we have the chance to dive into the gorgeous underwater world of Sal Island. From the spectacular marine life to the vibrant colours of the coral reef, this excursion will give you an unforgettable experience and a deeper connection with the island's nature. Ready to explore and discover Sal Island's underwater treasures? Dive into this exciting snorkeling adventure!
Let's get started with the Cape Verdean rhythm
We continue exploring the island… the alternative way!
1 night: Santa Maria
We're hitting the road!
What better way to enjoy the island than with a quad bike excursion? We’ll put on our helmets, hop on a quad bike with our trusty travel buddy, and explore Sal Island in a fun and exciting way. From dreamlike beaches to hidden oases and breathtaking landscapes, this excursion promises to be an unforgettable experience for all adventure lovers. Get ready to discover the magic of Sal Island on four wheels!
The itinerary will include stops at points of interest where you can take photos, learn about the local culture, and enjoy panoramic views.
Wind, please!
1 night: Santa Maria
Water adventure: surf, kitesurf or windsurf
Ready to tackle the Atlantic waves on the stunning Sal Island? The wind conditions here are exceptional, making it a top-notch destination to choose between three thrilling water sports: surfing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing. If you've always dreamed of mastering the waves, surfing is the perfect choice. Kitesurfing is another exciting option that will have you gliding over the water powered by the wind. And for those seeking a combo of surf and wind, windsurfing is the way to go! After all that physical exertion, we'll definitely have worked up an appetite, so we'll dive into a delicious lunch with a nice cold beer.
In the afternoon, a van will pick us up to head to Ponte Preta beach, where we can enjoy a good Caipirinha while watching the sunset on the horizon.
Day of the Sea
1 night: Palmeira
Half-day catamaran trip
We'll head to Palmeira, the island's main port, where we'll hop on our catamaran. Our first stop takes us to the stunning Baía da Murdeira, a place of incredible natural charm. Once there, we'll have the chance to dive into its crystal-clear waters for some snorkeling and explore the marine life hidden beneath the surface. For fishing enthusiasts, the catamaran also offers the opportunity to fish, a pastime that's both relaxing and exciting. If you'd rather stay on board, you can simply chill on the catamaran's deck, soaking up the sea breeze and coastal views.
A highlight of this experience is the chance to spot turtles (from June to September) or whales (from February to March). While it's never guaranteed, fingers crossed we get lucky!
Chill vibes and local culture
Visit to an NGO
After days exploring the stunning beaches and vibrant culture of Sal island, we'll have the option to book a special morning to visit a local NGO dedicated to children. We wanted to close our trip with a meaningful experience and contribute in some way to the community that had so kindly welcomed us. We gave them some donations we had brought: school supplies, clothes, and toys. Seeing their faces light up with a grateful smile was the best closing we could have imagined for our trip.
We left the NGO with full hearts, knowing we had shared a special moment and that our small contribution had been valued.
Local beer tasting
In the afternoon, we'll get to sample a variety of 2 craft beers produced on the island, each with its own distinctive flavor and character. A local beer expert will guide us through the tasting, explaining the characteristics of each beer and sharing insights into the ingredients and brewing process. The experience also includes 2 natural juices and a couple of tapas. It'll be a fun and educational experience that will immerse us in the beer culture of Cape Verde. Cheers!
In the evening, we'll organize our final dinner of the trip to say goodbye to our travel buddies.
Goodbye Cape Verde!
Check-out and goodbyes
What's included
- 7 nights in a double room with private bathroom
- All breakfasts
- Full-day excursion to explore the island with transport and lunch on Day 2
- Welcome cocktail at sunset on day 2
- Snorkeling excursion with snorkeling gear on Day 3
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack :)
- All that is not mentioned in "what's included"
Money pot
- Local public transport and entrance fees to tourist attractions
- Visit to a children's NGO with transport included on day 7
- Money Pot
- All the activities and extras that participants agree to do and the coordinator's share
Additional info
- You'll be staying in a hotel with double or triple rooms, a swimming pool, and breakfast included.
- The 'no-sharing room' option isn't available on this trip.
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
Flexible booking options available
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
About this trip
For this itinerary, you can choose the type of luggage you prefer – we always recommend a backpack, but you can also travel with a duffel bag, a holdall, or (it breaks our heart to say it) a cabin trolley case or a checked suitcase, as long as it’s moderate in size. Our Travel Coordinator will suggest the ideal luggage before departure in the WhatsApp group!
About Cape Verde
Find out the entry requirements for Cabo Verde, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Cabo Verde – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
Cabo Verde is on Cape Verde Time (CVT), which is UTC-1. They do not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference remains consistent throughout the year. If it is 12 pm in the UK, it will be 11 am in Cabo Verde. From the USA, if it is 12 pm Eastern Time, it will be 4 pm in Cabo Verde. Keep this in mind when planning your activities or calls.
In Cabo Verde, the currency used is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). As of the latest rates:
- 1 GBP is approximately 129 CVE
- 1 USD is about 104 CVE
- 1 EUR is roughly 110 CVE
You can exchange your money at banks or authorized exchange offices, which are available in larger towns and cities. Always check the latest exchange rates before you travel.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Cabo Verde, especially in hotels and larger restaurants. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or local markets. ATMs are available in major towns and cities, where you can withdraw cash using your card. Keep in mind that some places might add a small fee for card transactions, so having cash can sometimes be more convenient.
Tipping in Cabo Verde is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, you might want to leave around 5-10% of the bill if the service was good. For hotel staff, a small tip for porters or housekeeping is a nice gesture. Taxi drivers don't usually expect tips, but rounding up the fare is common. Always carry some local currency for tips, as it's more convenient for the recipient.
In Cabo Verde, Wi-Fi is generally available in hotels, cafes, and some public areas, but it might not be the fastest. If you need a more reliable internet connection, buying a local SIM card is a good idea. Providers like CVMóvel and Unitel T+ offer prepaid SIM cards with data plans that you can pick up at the airport or in shops around the islands. Just ensure your phone is unlocked before you go.
In Cabo Verde, the official language is Portuguese. However, Cape Verdean Creole, also known as Kriolu, is widely spoken in everyday conversation. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or use:
- Hello: Olá in Portuguese, Ola in Kriolu
- Thank you: Obrigado (if you are male), Obrigada (if you are female) in Portuguese, Obrigradu in Kriolu
- How are you?: Como está? in Portuguese, Modi ki bu sta? in Kriolu
It's good to know some basics, as locals appreciate it when visitors try to speak their language!
In Cabo Verde, you will find Type C and Type F plugs, which are the same as those used in most of Europe. The electrical voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. If you are coming from the UK or the USA, you will need a universal adapter since your plugs might not fit. Additionally, check if your devices are compatible with 230V to avoid any issues.
In Cabo Verde, the main religion is Christianity, with Roman Catholicism being the most predominant denomination. There are also Protestant communities present, including Evangelicals and Adventists.
Important religious holidays include:
- Christmas
- Easter
It's a culturally rich place with vibrant traditions tied to these religious practices. While there are no strict dressing requirements linked to religion, modest dress is appreciated when visiting religious sites.
For an unforgettable trip to Cabo Verde, it's important to pack wisely, especially for the sunny and tropical climate. Here's a handy checklist:
Clothing:
- Lightweight t-shirts
- Shorts
- Swimwear
- Lightweight long pants
- Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Water shoes for rocky beaches
Accessories and Technology:
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Waterproof bag for beach items
- Camera
- Portable charger
Toiletries and Medication:
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Basic first aid kit
- Motion sickness tablets
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol
Packing these essentials will help you enjoy your time in Cabo Verde without any worries.
Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, generally enjoys a warm, tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Dry Season (November to July): Expect plenty of sunshine with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C. This is a great time to visit for beach activities.
- Wet Season (August to October): You might see occasional rain, but it’s usually brief. Temperatures remain warm, around 26°C to 31°C.
The islands have a pleasant breeze, making it comfortable year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season when the weather is most predictable and enjoyable.
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!
If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.
The question of all questions! Here’s some more information:
- The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
- It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
- It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
- You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
- The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
- It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip.
- It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
- If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip.
- The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
- If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled.
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at hello@weroad.com or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here.
Generally, our groups have an average of 11 people. Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to travelers between 25 and 49 years old. The indicated age is meant to give you an idea of the type of group, but it's not a strict limit: it's possible to participate even with a few years more or less, as long as you can keep up with the pace and energy of the group you're traveling with.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email hello@weroad.com if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.





