v2.webp){kind=logo}
- Praia de Santa Maria (Santa Maria Beach) — The long white sand beach is the town’s beating heart: sun, swim, bodyboards, and a constantly changing scene of fishermen, kite rigs, and sunset crowds. Easy to wander, pack a towel and a sense of curiosity.
- O Molhe / Santa Maria Pier — A wooden pier and the small harbor area where local boats land fish and kids jump into the water; great for sunsets, people-watching, and an up-close look at everyday fishing life.
- Mercado Municipal de Santa Maria — The town market where locals buy produce, spices and odds-and-ends; noisy, colorful, and useful for cheap snacks, fruit or just watching real Cape Verdean market rhythms.
- Mercado do Peixe (Fish Market) — Held near the shore, this is where fishermen sell the day’s catch. Smell, sounds and bargaining
- Praia de Santa Maria (Santa Maria Beach) — The long white sand beach is the town’s beating heart: sun, swim, bodyboards, and a constantly changing scene of fishermen, kite rigs, and sunset crowds. Easy to wander, pack a towel and a sense of curiosity.
- O Molhe / Santa Maria Pier — A wooden pier and the small harbor area where local boats land fish and kids jump into the water; great for sunsets, people-watching, and an up-close look at everyday fishing life.
- Mercado Municipal de Santa Maria — The town market where locals buy produce, spices and odds-and-ends; noisy, colorful, and useful for cheap snacks, fruit or just watching real Cape Verdean market rhythms.
- Mercado do Peixe (Fish Market) — Held near the shore, this is where fishermen sell the day’s catch. Smell, sounds and bargaining make it an earthy, authentic experience — and many nearby restaurants will cook your purchase for you.
- Avenida Amílcar Cabral (seafront promenade) — The main seafront avenue lined with cafés, bars and small shops. It’s the social spine of Santa Maria: morning walks, late-night music, and plenty of casual places to rest and watch town life.
- Feira de Artesanato / Craft stalls — Clustered near the center and the promenade, the craft stalls sell woven items, jewelry and souvenirs made locally. Good for picking up handmade goods and chatting with artisans about materials and meanings.
- Farol da Ponta do Sinó (Ponta do Sinó lighthouse) — A short walk from the center to the southern tip, this lighthouse and the rocky headland offer rugged coastal views and a quieter spot for sunrise or sunset away from the main beach crowds.
- Salinas de Santa Maria (local salt pans) — Small salt evaporation ponds near town that speak to Sal’s history (the island’s name even means “salt”). They’re visually interesting, especially late afternoon, and good for photos and quiet exploration.
- Praça de Santa Maria (town square) — The compact central square where elders hang out, kids play and occasional live music or community events happen. A tiny but revealing slice of local social life — great for people-watching with a coffee.
- Beach surf and kite hubs (local schools and launch spots) — The sections of beach inside Santa Maria are home to several authentic surf and kitesurf schools and rental spots. Even if you don’t wind up on a board, watching lessons and rigs being set up gives a real sense of local sporting culture.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Sal Island Full-Day Tour with Native Certified Guide
Horse Riding in Sal Island - Cabo Verde
Sal Island: 2H Buggy Desert Adventure - 1000cc
Sal Island: 4H Buggy Adventure Coast-to-Coast - 1000cc
Sal Island Half-Day All-Inclusive Shark Bay, Blue Eye & Salt Lake
Lounge Catamaran SODADE Half-Day
Lounge Catamaran SODADE Half-Day (Adults Only)
Turtle Watching Adventure
Full day Sailing yacht - Beautiful day on the Atlantic Ocean
Best Backpacking
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.