Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SAL
POP 25,765
Though flat, desolate and overdeveloped, Sal boasts more tourists than any other island.
They fall into three categories: the package-holiday crowd, hardcore windsurfers and those
in transit to more interesting islands. Our advice: Skip Sal if you can.
The largest town is Espargos, right next to the international airport, but most people stay
near the fine beach in Santa Maria, 18km to the south.
Getting There & Away
AIR
The airport has left-luggage facilities (CVE220 per bag per 24 hours), an ATM, a bureau de
change, free wi-fi and a tourist booth.
TACV
( 2411305)
TACV has several flights daily to/from Praia and one daily to São Vi-
cente, three weekly to Boa Vista and three a week to São Nicolau.
Getting Around
Minibuses ply the road between Santa Maria and Espargos (CVE100, 25 minutes); all stop
on the main road just in front of the airport. Taxis from the airport to Santa Maria charge
CVE1000 during the day, 30% more at night.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Santa Maria
The good news is the beach. A sublime strip of gentle sand and ever-so-blue waters with
world-class windsurfing and lots of fun-in-the-sun activities. But avert your eyes from this
view and you're in for a shock. Santa Maria, the king of Cape Verdean resorts, is a grim,
wind-battered building site that in places resembles a war zone more than an international
holiday resort.
There are several banks with ATMs (although they tend to run out of cash on weekends)
and numerous internet cafes.
