Cape Verde
Originally called Llana, which means ‘flat’ in Spanish, the island of Sal is a 30 kilometres long and 12 kilometres wide area, where the dry and barren nature contrasts with the turquoise waters and golden beaches. The island’s current name comes from its intensive salt production, where you can still see the structures that were used for this extraction. Nowadays, the island of Sal is the most important tourist centre in the archipelago.
The Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Senegal, where the famous singer Cesaria Evora grew up, consist of around 15 islands. Each island offers a wild and contrasting landscape with huge dunes, volcanic peaks and lush valleys. The unspoilt beaches are particularly popular for kitesurfing, windsurfing and diving. Culturally, the destination is characterised by Portuguese traditions linked to its history, but also by influences linked to its location at the crossroads of three continents. The place will captivate you with its colours, its warm atmosphere and its gentle way of life.
The Must-sees of the trip
- Santa MariaSanta Maria is located in the south of the island of Sal and is one of Cape Verde’s most popular beach resorts. The town is particularly attractive because of its long sandy beach and clear water, which is not only a true paradise for those seeking peace and quietness, but also a favourite spot for surfers, kitesurfers and windsurfers. There are also numerous souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and even two discos. The town’s landmark is a colonial-era house where salt was weighed before being exported. Distance to the airport: 15 km.
- Pedra de Lume salt flatsOn the aptly named island of Sal (salt in German), just east of Espargos, is the 1.8 km wide crater of Pedra de Lume, an extinct volcanic crater that now harbours salt marshes. Although the salt pans are currently no longer in operation, the visit remains fascinating and offers an interesting sight with white salt fields and a natural lake that fills the crater.
- Buracona – Cave of the Blue EyeJust a few minutes’ drive north of the village of Palmeira on the island of Sal, there is a small bay along the rocky coastline that hides a natural wonder. At the right time, often in the morning, the sunlight shines through a hole in the rock, creating a mesmerising sight that looks like a bright blue eye. The bright blue water and foaming white waves crashing against the jagged rocks create a breathtaking spectacle. Right next to it, there is a small hole with calmer water where you can swim.
The good tips of Charlotte
Charlotte Larcier
Leisure Department
Phone: +352 2489 4894
Email: charlotte.larcier@cfl.lu
A family holiday with beach and relaxation in the heart of Santa Maria
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
Cape Verde, Sal, Santa Maria
The RIU Palace Santa Maria hotel is located in the south of Sal and offers direct access to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Children and parents can have endless fun in the water, be it in the Splash Water World water park, in one of the pools or on the well-equipped beach. The resort also has sports and leisure facilities, a wellness centre and an excellent range of restaurants. Everything is in place to guarantee you a perfect holiday between activities and relaxation for the whole family! The hotel is located directly on the beach. The centre of “Santa Maria” is approx. 2 km away and the centre of “Espargos” is approx. 18 km away. Local standards: 5 stars, Rooms: 1001, Wifi. Type of accommodation: All Inclusive. Distance to the airport: 16 km.
Kitesurfing
The island of Sal in Cape Verde lies off the west coast of Africa. A kitesurfing holiday on Cape Verde includes world-famous kitesurfing spots. The island offers the perfect combination of sun, waves and wind.
With its wind statistics, the variety of spots for beginners and advanced surfers, the quality of the waves and the unique landscape, Sal in Cabo Verde is one of the ultimate kitesurfing destinations.
In this little gold mine for all water sports, the ocean offers a wonderful playground: underwater worlds like in an aquarium for diving and wind for kitesurfing. But also waves for surfing and lagoons for stand-up paddling.
The windy season lasts from October to June. For wave riders, Sal has excellent waves from December to April.
Whether you’re already a strapless surfer or want to ride your first wave with a directional board, there are plenty of spots on the island that are suitable for all levels. And it has what it takes to challenge even the most experienced surfers.
The nesting beach of the turtles on Sal
For animal lovers: Watching turtles mating is a must on Sal. This evening excursion takes you to the island’s beaches, where the loggerhead turtles come to the coast to lay their eggs. Here you are very close to nature. This experience fulfils the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). By choosing this experience, you can protect the places you love, take care of the environment and support local communities.
Buddy Bar
The Buddy Bar is one of the best places in Cape Verde to listen to authentic local music. It offers performances by local artists every night in an intimate space. The drinks menu is extensive and specialises in gin, with over 15 varieties. Address: Rua 1 de Junho, Santa Maria
Trip overview
An incredible trip
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Destination Cape Verde
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Type of trip Exceptional
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Means of transport Plane
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Experiences Adventure & Wellness
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Trip duration 7 nights
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When 29/01/2025 – 05/02/2025
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Price per person from €1,049
Book from today on
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Our travel agents at your service
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Alexandra CarvasBusiness DepartmentLanguages : LUX, DEU, FRA, ENG, PORTel : +352 2489 4891E-mail : alexandra.carvas@cfl.lu
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Charlotte LarcierLeisure DepartmentLanguages : FRA, ENG, ESP, LUX, NDLTel : +352 2489 4894E-mail : charlotte.larcier@cfl.lu
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Christian ThimmeschLeisure DepartmentLanguages : LUX, DEU, FRA, ENG, PORTel : +352 2489 4893E-mail : christian.thimmesch@cfl.lu
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Estelle FossatiLeisure DepartmentLanguages : LUX, DEU, FRA, ENGTel : +352 2489 4898E-mail : estelle.fossati@cfl.lu
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Martine FrieseisenManagerLanguages : LUX, DEU, FRA, ENGTel : +352 2489 4888E-mail : martine.frieseisen@cfl.lu