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Considered the Caribbean of West Africa, Sal is a lively resort island off the coast of Cape Verde. It’s home to colourful fishing villages and a number of fascinating natural sights and offers unique marine life encounters with lemon sharks.

Things to do

Spend an afternoon floating in the salt pools of the Pedra de Lume Crater, an extinct volcano in the north-east of the island. Admire the early-19th-century equipment that was once used to extract salt, then take a dip in the highly saline waters of this lunar-like landscape.

A short drive from the village of Palmeira takes you to the small bay of Buracona, known as the “Blue Eye” due to its appearance when light shines into its rocky inlet. Watch the waves crashing against the jagged rocks, then go swimming in the azure waters of the swimming hole that’s perched above.

The colourful fishing village of Santa Maria lies at the southern tip of Sal and backs onto an enticing crescent of powdery white sand lined with towering palm trees. Stroll through its cobblestone streets to discover traditional restaurants, local handicrafts stores and reggae bars that ignite after dark.

On the east coast of Sal lies aptly-named Shark Bay where you can wade into the waters to swim with lemon sharks. These gentle creatures can grow to more than two metres in length and offer an unforgettable encounter as they duck and dive over the waves.

Getting around

Amilcar Cabral International Airport serves as the gateway to Sal and is a 20-minute drive from the southern beach resort of Santa Maria. Buses connect to towns and villages across the island, while taxis are also available.