Ilha do Sal Things to Do

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IPNET is a cracking new internet place in Sal that offers fast speeds and modern equipment. One of the owners, Patrizia, was very friendly and helpful. They are Italian, and their website is in Italian, but they do speak English as well. I stopped in because I needed to do some quick banking on-line. I was done as quick as a flash. They have modern laptops to use or you can use their wireless connection if you have your own laptop. They are near the entrance to Sal, so you can do your internet before you go shopping or for a meal. They also offer international telephone calls. Their prices are reasonable and I was really impressed with their set-up.

They are open Mon-Fri: 9-12:30 & 16:00-19:30
Sat 9-12:30
Sun – closed!

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Sal has ATM cash machines. In fact they seem to be plagued with them. Despite what the guidebooks say, there are ATM’s on Sal in the airport, Espargos and in Santa Maria. In Santa Maria they are in the hotels and numerous banks. There is absolutely no issue finding one. They belong to the VISA, Plus and Venti4 cash networks. Quite a few businesses will take Visa cards except petrol garages. You have to pay cash for any fuel on the island.

Mastercard? Don’t even bother to pack one.

Please note: some banks have ATM’s with a guard standing right there for extra security. BCA bank in Santa Maria (pictured) does this.

Please remember: Only get what you need. The local currency is essentially unconvertible.

In Sal's beaches you'll find great conditions for both, wind and kitesurf. try them! You can rent one and go on your own or buy some lessons. right in front of the BELORIZONTE hotel you'll find the MISTRAL shop. they'll help you.

The best thing to do on Sal is hanging out at Santa Maria near the pier. There's always something to see or do, the water is crystal clear, local kids are doing summersaults while local men bring home 2 meter long tunafish.

Without a doubt, the most picturesque place on the island is PEDRA DO LUME, the name given to a crater of the now extinct volcano. Entry to the crater was made possible by an artificial tunnel built in 1804. The crater is at sea-level, and even though the sea is 1 km away the water manages to filter in. The salt pits of Santa Maria, although not in use anymore, are well worth a visit and lie about 1 km from the town.
You can swim in the salted lagoon and, as Dead Sea, you cannot sink. It is a great experience!

The beaches in the island are absolutely excellent. The warm water, around 26º/28ºC, the quietness and the amazingly thin white sand are the paradise for everyone who wants to spend sometime at the beach.

for those of you who have like me always wanted to float in the Dead Sea but were not able to... visit the salt mines at Sal and take a swim. It's quite a unique experience to be able to float around...

Here you can visit one of the islands good sights; the old wood building in the photo is where the salt was stored. The Salinas are just 5 minutes away (walking) and there you can have a mini Dead Sea experience. Your body just won’t go down. Local advice, don’t dive, don’t get water on your eyes or hair. GREAT ADVICE: don’t shave before going!!!