Sal is one of the most popular islands in Cape Verde. Is Sal worth visiting? Let’s get into the sandy and windy island. There are pros and cons, and depending on what you’re looking for, you might find yourself loving it or wanting to move on pretty quickly, same with Berlin.
Great for Surfing, Not So Great for Swimming
First up, if you’re a surfer or kiteboarder, Sal could be paradise. During my visit, the world kitesurfing championship happened there. The consistent winds and waves make it one of the best places for watersports in Cape Verde. But if you’re hoping for calm, swimmable beaches with crystal-clear waters, you might be disappointed. The Atlantic waves here can be pretty rough and the currents strong. The beaches seem fine, but it is not made for a beach vacation, which to be honest is for the whole Cape Verde the case. It is for me more for culture and diversity in islands.
Minimal Activities Outside the Resorts
The truth is, unless you’re there for the surf or to chill out at a resort, there’s not much else to do, especially for us backpackers. Sal is slowly building up its tourism infrastructure, and while you’ll see new hotels popping up, the rest of the island remains quite bare in terms of culture or activities. Don’t expect beautiful towns or vibrant local life like you might find on other islands or destinations. Of course you can find local life, but tourists seem to take over. There are a few excursions like exploring the salt mines or checking out the yellow sharks, but after that is enough for one day.
Flight Connections Are a Big Plus
One thing Sal does have going for it is how easy they make it to get there. The island is well connected to Europe with some direct and usually quite cheap flights. The other and better option would be Santiago, even when it might be a little bit more expensive. Santiago has slightly better connections to other islands than Sal.
So when you just want to fly to Cape Verde and chill on the beach sure. But remember, a quick and easy flight doesn’t always translate to an exciting destination once you land, because Sal sadly just isn’t.
Is Sal worth visiting?
So, is Sal worth visiting? Let’s keep it short, as a normal backpacker for sure not, unless you use it as a start for an island hopping adventure.
If you’re a surfer, or someone who’s happy laying around with not much to do, then sure, you might enjoy it. The beaches, while not perfect for swimming, are still beautiful, but there are just for my own well being to many resorts and tourists. If you are looking for adventure, culture, or diversity in your experiences, like me, Sal might not be the place for you.
As it stands, Sal is on its way to becoming a mass tourism place, but it’s not quite there yet. For now, it feels like an island that’s still figuring out its identity. It was worth it for salt production. You might find yourself wondering if it was really worth the trip.
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