Sal island Live Cam

An island in Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa


Advertisement


Hosted by:
  • Mitu & Djo Kite Surf School
  • Sal Island - Santa Maria - Cape Verde
  • [email protected]
  • +238 9943349
  • https://mitudjokiteschoolcaboverde.com/

Sal island History

Sal Island is a volcanic island located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa. The island has a long and interesting history, with evidence of human activity dating back to prehistoric times.

The island was first inhabited by the Bantu people, who arrived on the island around 2000 years ago. They were followed by the Tuareg people, who established a trading post on the island around the 9th century AD. The island was then visited by Arab traders, who used it as a stopover point on their way to the Americas.

In the 15th century, the Portuguese discovered the island and established a colony on it. They used the island as a base for their slave trade, and also for salt mining, which gave the island its name ("sal" means "salt" in Portuguese). The island was also used as a stopover point for ships travelling to Brazil.

During the 19th century, the island was used by whalers and fishermen, who used it as a base for their operations. In the early 20th century, the island was used as a refuelling stop for transatlantic flights, and in 1944, an airport was built on the island.

Today, Sal Island is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent water sports facilities. The island's history is still evident in its architecture, which includes traditional Portuguese-style buildings, as well as more modern structures.

Sal island Top Tourist Attractions

Sal Island is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent water sports facilities. Here are some of the top tourist attractions on Sal Island:

  • Santa Maria Beach: This beautiful beach is the most popular tourist spot on the island. It has miles of white sand, crystal-clear waters, and excellent water sports facilities.
  • Pedra de Lume Salt Mines: These historic salt mines date back to the 18th century and are located in a crater at the center of the island. Visitors can tour the mines and even take a dip in the salty water.
  • Buracona: A natural swimming pool located on the north coast of Sal Island. Visitors can swim in the crystal-clear water and explore the nearby caves.
  • Espargos: The largest town on Sal Island, Espargos is known for its colorful buildings and vibrant market.
  • Shark Bay: A great place for snorkeling, Shark Bay is home to a variety of fish and sea turtles.
  • Kite Beach: A popular spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing, Kite Beach has strong winds and shallow waters.
  • Palmeira: A small fishing village located on the west coast of Sal Island. Visitors can watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch and explore the colorful houses.
  • Monte Leão: This extinct volcano offers a challenging hike to the top, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the island.
  • Terra Boa Vista: A protected nature reserve located on the east coast of Sal Island. It is home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife.
  • Santa Maria Pier: A popular spot for fishing and watching the sunset, the Santa Maria Pier is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops.

Sal island Climate

Sal Island has a hot and dry desert climate, which is typical of the Saharan region. The island experiences very little rainfall throughout the year, with the majority of the rain falling between July and October. The average temperature on the island is around 25-30°C (77-86°F) throughout the year, with temperatures occasionally reaching as high as 35°C (95°F) during the summer months. The island is also known for its strong winds, which can make it feel cooler than the actual temperature. The best time to visit Sal Island is during the winter months (December to February) when temperatures are slightly cooler and the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities.

Sal island Geography

Sal Island is a volcanic island located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa. It is part of the Cape Verde archipelago, which is made up of 10 volcanic islands and several islets. Sal Island is one of the flattest and driest islands in Cape Verde, with an area of 216 square kilometers (83 square miles).

The island is mostly flat and sandy, with some rocky areas and hills in the interior. The coastline is rugged and rocky in some areas, with cliffs and small coves, but it is mostly sandy beaches. The island's highest point is Monte Grande, which stands at 406 meters (1,332 feet) above sea level.

Sal Island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with the neighboring island of Boa Vista to the east and the smaller islands of Santa Luzia and Raso to the northwest. The island has no natural freshwater sources and relies on desalinated water and imported water for drinking and irrigation.

Despite its arid climate, Sal Island is known for its natural beauty, including its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique rock formations. The island's interior is also home to some wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals.

Santa Maria

Santa Maria is a town located on the southern coast of Sal Island, Cape Verde. It is the largest and most popular tourist destination on the island, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent water sports facilities.

Santa Maria has a long and interesting history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the 19th century. The town was originally a small fishing village, but it has since grown into a thriving tourist center, with a range of restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels.

The main attraction in Santa Maria is its beautiful beach, which stretches for miles along the coast. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and a range of water sports, including windsurfing, kiteboarding, and snorkeling. The town also has a number of cultural attractions, including the Santa Maria Parish Church and the Nazarene Chapel.

Santa Maria is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and music venues offering live music and entertainment. The town hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Santa Maria Beach Festival, which celebrates the island's music, culture, and cuisine. Overall, Santa Maria is a lively and vibrant town, offering something for everyone, whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or culture.