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Santa Maria Beach History

Santa Maria Beach is located in the southern part of the island of Sal in Cape Verde. The beach is known for its long stretch of golden sand and crystal clear waters, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

The history of Santa Maria Beach dates back to the time when Cape Verde was discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century. The island of Sal, where Santa Maria Beach is located, was named after the salt mines that were discovered on the island.

During the 19th century, Santa Maria Beach was a popular spot for fishermen, who used the beach as a landing spot for their boats. In the early 20th century, the beach became a hub for the salt industry, with large quantities of salt being exported from the island.

In the 1960s, Cape Verde gained its independence from Portugal, and Santa Maria Beach began to develop as a tourist destination. The beach became known for its excellent surfing conditions, and surfers from around the world began to flock to the area.

In recent years, Santa Maria Beach has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cape Verde, with a range of hotels, restaurants, and water sports facilities catering to visitors. The beach is also home to the annual Cape Verde International Kiteboarding Championship, which attracts kiteboarders from around the world. Overall, the history of Santa Maria Beach reflects the evolution of Cape Verde from a colonial outpost to a thriving tourist destination, with the beach playing an important role in the island's economic and cultural development.

Santa Maria Beach Top Tourist Attractions

• Santa Maria Pier: This is a popular spot for visitors to take a stroll and enjoy views of the ocean. It's also a great place to watch the local fishermen bring in their catch.
• Shark Bay: Located a short distance from Santa Maria Beach, Shark Bay is a natural pool with crystal-clear waters and a variety of marine life, including small sharks. Visitors can swim and snorkel in the bay, or take a boat tour to see the sharks up close.
• Buracona: This natural swimming pool is located on the western side of Sal island, near Santa Maria Beach. Visitors can swim in the crystal-clear waters and explore the nearby caves and rock formations.
• Kite Beach: This is a popular spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing, with strong winds and waves that make for excellent conditions. Visitors can take lessons or rent equipment from one of the local schools.
• Terra Boa: This is a scenic village located on the eastern side of Sal island, known for its picturesque architecture and traditional way of life. Visitors can explore the village and learn about the local culture and customs.
• Pedra de Lume Salt Mines: These historic salt mines are located on the northeastern side of Sal island, and offer a glimpse into the island's rich history as a hub for the salt trade.

Overall, Santa Maria Beach and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests.

Santa Maria Beach Climate

The climate of Santa Maria Beach in Cape Verde is classified as a tropical desert climate. The area receives very little rainfall throughout the year, with most of the precipitation occurring between August and October.

The temperature in Santa Maria Beach is warm and sunny throughout the year, with average high temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) in January to 30°C (86°F) in September. The ocean temperature is also warm, ranging from around 22°C (72°F) in the winter to 27°C (81°F) in the summer.

Visitors to Santa Maria Beach should be prepared for strong winds, particularly during the winter months. The winds can make the beach feel cooler than the actual temperature, so it's a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater.

Overall, the climate of Santa Maria Beach is ideal for visitors who enjoy warm, sunny weather and water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kiteboarding.

Santa Maria Beach Geography

Santa Maria Beach is located on the southern coast of the island of Sal, which is part of the Cape Verde archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Sal is a relatively small island, with a total land area of around 216 square kilometers (83 square miles).

The island is mostly flat and arid, with a rugged coastline and a few small hills in the interior. Santa Maria Beach itself is a long stretch of golden sand that runs for several kilometers along the southern coast of the island. The beach is backed by low sand dunes and is bordered on either side by rocky cliffs.

The ocean waters off Santa Maria Beach are generally calm and clear, with excellent visibility for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The beach is also known for its strong winds, particularly during the winter months, which make it a popular spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing.

Inland from Santa Maria Beach, the island of Sal is largely covered in barren, rocky terrain with a few small towns and villages scattered throughout. The island's main town and capital, Espargos, is located in the center of the island, and is home to the island's airport and most of its services and facilities.