Home » Survival Kit for Sal
READ THIS IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE ON SAL
1. Whilst tempting to only enjoy the fantastic and luxurious comforts of your hotel, do venture into the laid back village of Santa Maria or you just might altogether miss the true experience of Sal.
2. Do speak to the locals, black, brown or white, we truly welcome all visitors. In fact we love a good tourist to sit and share stories and experiences with whilst having a beer or two. You can watch the kids jump off the historic Santa Maria pier, play football on the beach as they aspire to be the next Nani or the men perform the artistery of Capoeira.
3. IT IS safe TO GO INTO SANTA MARIA ON YOUR OWN, but like anywhere in the world, be vigilant. In fact, escape from the shackles of those who insist on showing you around. Its more funs seeing the true life of the town. I AM A FEMALE AND SINCE I ARRIVED I HAVE enjoyed exploring ALL THE TIME, DAY AND NIGHT!
4. Be inquisitive, explore ,walk around, question locals and take in the history before you decide what to do on the island. There is much to do and more fun to be had when not a planned and rehearsed excursion……saying that, those are fun too.
5. As part of your, HOW to make the most on a desert island in the middle of the Atlantic experience, we suggest the following
a. DO A WATER SPORT! You are in the middle of the ocean with massive amounts of open space. There is no better feeling than cruising along on a wind surf or a kite surf in the ocean. Except when you are cruising and see a turtle, flying fish, and or dolphins
b. Come into town by yourself or with some friends and buy some Italian home made fresh ice cream while you wander through the craft and food markets
c. When approached my our multi lingual and highly skilled street hawkers with all their show watches, sun glasses and beads, be warned to exchange in conversation means an unplanned purchase or an unwanted friend. If the street buying does not work for you, go into the markets and try out your haggling skills. Best to look for a 50% reduction as an opening bid.
d. Walk down to the beach caravans or to Grijinha beach bar on the east coast and have a drink and a snack in a very chilled and local environment.
e. Taste the local restaurants; there are so many and all good. Some may look a little run down on the outside but inside it is all heart and home cooked cape verdian food. .
f. Wander down to the pier and jump off it, go snorkling, or along the Bay. If you go to the pier before mid day when all the fisher men come in, you will be accosted with a rainbow of colours from the fish they bring in. If you get lucky you will see a shark as well. *Do not worry, these beauties live far from the beaches.
a. Hire some bikes and cycle into the back of the town to the little local bars and pop in for a drink. Be streetwise on this venture. The tales you will have to tell! Or bike along the coast towards the east side of the island, sometimes up at the point you can see whales or dolphins
b. Hire a local pick up to take you around the island. They will tour the island at your pace. Some may even take you home, introduce you to their families and offer you a lovely meal. Such is the Cape Verdean hospitality.
c. The island accepts visa, master card and euros.
d. If you want little wind and hot! Come between June and November. If you want WIND and still hot, but a little cooler in the evenings, come December to end of May.
e. The island is very informal, no need for fancy clothing.
I came here on holiday over 3 years ago and never left. For me I felt i had finally reached paradise. Recently i have begun to realize that people visiting the island often miss so much of its beauty. It is because of this, i wanted to share with you the reader, the things that truely make this, a great place to live and visit. Once you have truely experienced sal, through its residents, you too will be hooked.
