Top 10 Things to Do on Sal Island (2025 Guide)
You’ve probably just booked your dream trip to Sal, and now you’re probably wondering: what should I actually do for 7 days (or maybe 14 if you’re lucky)? And… do you need to spend a fortune, or can you have fun on a budget?
And If you asked me personally, “Mayara, what do you think are the best things to do on Sal Island?” Well, I’d absolutely share these 10 favorites!
Keep reading, because I’m taking you on a lighthearted, local-style journey through how I would explore Sal if it were my very first visit.
1. Start with a Local Breakfast – Cachupa Style
You’ve probably already booked your hotel or apartment. Some people go for all-inclusive (because why not?), and others prefer an apartment so they can cook (personally… not my favorite activity on holiday, but hey, to each their own 😅).
Either way, your first mission: try our local breakfast!
Order Cachupa Guisado or fried cachupa – a traditional Cape Verdean dish made from corn, beans, veggies, and sometimes pork, fish, or a tasty vegetarian twist. It’s usually served with eggs, chorizo, or fried banana.
My favorite breakfast spots? Definitely Cam’s Restaurant or Art Kafé — cozy places with good vibes and even better food.
2. Visit the Pier of Santa Maria
Once your belly’s happy, take a nice morning walk to the Santa Maria Pier. Around 10 AM used to be the best time to see the fishermen bringing in their daily catch — a slice of real island life.
It’s not your fancy European-style fish market, but it’s full of character, laughter, and salty air.
Don’t worry — nobody ever got sick here! We clean fish with vinegar or lime and then cook it to perfection. Try it grilled or in a stew, preferably with some fries (yes, I’m still a Dutchie at heart and can’t resist them 🍟).
After the pier, wander towards the Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal) — you’ll pass colorful murals and local shops. There you can find handmade souvenirs, fresh fruit, and maybe even get a custom outfit made. Buy something small and support the local economy — we love that!
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3. Discover the Island – The Famous Sal Island Tour
After your first chill day (because, let’s be honest, day one is for recovering from the flight and finding your rhythm), it’s time to explore the island!
Join our Sal Island Tour at Logan Tours — you can choose between a private or group tour, full-day or half-day. You’ll see amazing spots like Pedra de Lume’s salt crater, the Blue Eye (Buracona), Shark Bay where you can meet lemon sharks, and small local towns like Palmeira and Espargos.
We also stop for lunch at a local restaurant — you can go local with a traditional dish or just enjoy a plate of fries with an omelet (no judgment here).
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4. Relax at Santa Maria Beach
After a full day of exploring, it’s time to relax!
Head to Santa Maria Beach – turquoise water, soft sand, and calm waves. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you can spot turtles swimming close by.
Bring your snorkel gear, float in the warm water, and just enjoy the peace.
When you get hungry, stop by Beach Bar Ola Brasil — their cheesy fries with bacon are dangerously good (but you didn’t hear it from me).
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5. Try a Catamaran Trip or a Bit of Adrenaline
If you’re feeling adventurous, join a catamaran cruise, there’s one with live music and another with chill vibes and snacks. Both include a stop for swimming or snorkeling in the ocean.
Prefer more adrenaline? Go for the zipline from Serra Negra or rent a jet ski on Santa Maria Beach.
Either way, it’s a guaranteed “wow” moment.
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6. Enjoy Santa Maria by Night
Now, let’s talk nightlife!
Santa Maria is alive in the evenings — music, dancing, and good vibes everywhere.
Start with drinks at Buddy Bar, enjoy dinner at Ocean Café, and if you’re in the mood for something local, visit Casa Funana. They host cultural nights with traditional food and live Cape Verdean music — and yes, we dance until around 11 PM. (We can arrange this with transport, of course 😉).
7. Pamper Yourself – Spa or Botanical Garden
After all that exploring, it’s time for self-care.
You can book a massage or beauty treatment at Beauty Plaza or with Tania, who has a gorgeous ocean view from her studio.
Or, if you prefer nature, visit the Botanical Garden of Sal. It’s peaceful, full of native plants, and perfect for a little picnic moment among local trees and birds.
8. Go Horseback Riding at Sunset
And for a magical end to your holiday – go horseback riding on the beach at sunset.
There’s honestly nothing more beautiful than watching the sun go down over the turquoise ocean while gently trotting along the sand. Pure bliss.
9. Dive In – Snorkeling or Scuba Adventure
If you’ve never tried snorkeling or diving before, this is the place to do it! The water is crystal-clear, warm, and full of colorful fish. You might even spot a sea turtle if you’re lucky.
There are plenty of snorkeling tours and diving schools around Santa Maria that cater to beginners and experienced divers alike. And trust me — seeing the island from below the surface feels like discovering a whole new world.
10. Go Off-Road – Quad or Buggy Adventure
Okay, now for the wild side of Sal!
If you want a bit of adventure, rent a quad bike or join a buggy tour and explore the desert landscape, salt flats, and coastal dunes.
It’s dusty, fun, and full of adrenaline, plus, you’ll get those epic photos with the wind in your hair and the island stretching endlessly behind you. Don’t wear white though… trust me on that one.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or just eat your way around the island (no shame!), Sal Island has something for everyone.
And if you want to experience the real Sal, the hidden corners, the laughs, and the stories … come join us at Logan Tours.
We’ll make sure you see the island the way locals do.
