What To Wear In Sal
To sum it up - The Best Island for Beaches and Water Sports
- Our advice would be to travel light, we mean really light, all you need during the day is beach wear. For the evenings again keep it light and simple lightweight.
- The roads and paths are very uneven so flat shoes are far more suitable than heels when out and about.
- If you are staying in an all inclusive hotel then there is more scope to dress up so you may want to pop a dress in but otherwise dressing up really doesn't happen here, everyone is very casual.
- This is a very young holiday destination and it will be difficult to get good quality sun cream. Books or newspapers in English are not available at the moment. Take Mosquito repellent.
- From Oct – March Sal is windier, which is why it attracts so many wind and kite surfers at this time of year but it is still hot. However we would recommend that you pack a cardigan, fleece or pashmina for the evenings as the wind can make it feel cooler once the sun goes down.
- You really do not need to worry about taking rainwear at all, whatever time of year you visit as you are very unlikely to see any. However if there are tropical storms they tend to happen in August and there really is nothing to do but find a great bar like Blu and chill out with cocktails and wait for it to pass.
- With its stunning sandy beaches and myriad ocean-based activities, Santa Maria on the main tourist Island of Sal is becoming increasingly well known as the beach and water sports destination.
- It is possible to tour the island by hiring a car or taxi, or for the more adventurous why not jump on a local bus (called 'Aluger') - great fun, quick and cheap!
- For those staying in all inclusive hotels it's very tempting to stay by the pool and never leave the complex but if you make the effort to go out into the local towns you will be rewarded, Cape Verdeans are a wonderful warm and friendly people.
- Take a trip into Santa Maria and while you're there try the fabulous real Italian ice cream and visit Blu bar for what we think our the best cocktails and coffee on the island check out www.blubarcapeverde.com before you go.
Anything we missed?
Send us your tips about what to pack for Sal - we'd love to learn from your experiences!
