Santa Maria is the main resort on the Cape Verde archipelago with just the right amount of hotels, restaurants, bars and activities to keep you entertained. During the day, whilst everyone is on the beach or off windsurfing, fishing or exploring the salt flats, it may seem pretty quiet but when the sun goes down and the caiprinias are poured Santa Maria comes to life.
If you're not a night owl you won't be disturbed - or even know they are there - but if you want to go out dancing, the Pirate and Birimbau nightclubs offer the chance to salsa all night long. Alternatively, you may prefer to linger in one of the restaurants, drinking the local wine from neighbouring Fogo or feasting on Sal's speciality of lobster.
A visit to Sal wouldn't be complete without experiencing the salt pans - which gave the island its name - by the inactive volcano. The former salt mine is now a tourist attraction offering the fabulous experience of floating in the shallow salt water, a real treat for the skin.
If being at one with nature is more your thing, take a leisurely walk on the beaches, go horse riding or even hire your own yacht and sail around the island - see whales, dolphins, flying fish - and occasionally sharks!
For the more adventurous, the sand dunes near Santa Maria can be explored on a rented sand motorcycle and for divers the island has an excellent dive centre with fully qualified instructors.
Surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding are popular too; ideal sea and wind conditions have put Sal on the map for surf professionals from around the world but a range of classes from windsurfing to body boarding make it easy for beginners to have a go. More gentle pursuits include fishing trips organised by local hotels - if you're lucky you may even catch a rare blue marlin.
Or if you're just looking for relaxation the Alma Spa is the place for some well deserved pampering.
Sal is renowned for its many fine restaurants such as the restaurant at the Hotel Ojo D'agua for great lobster and Luciano where you can dine alfresco in the charming surroundings of the old square. Leonardos offers a wonderful Italian evening experience whilst Tam Tam and Café Relax are ideal for a more casual night out.
Temperatures average at a very comfortable 26C throughout the year but summer is hot and can even bring a little rain, whilst the evenings can be chilly between December and February.
With the constant climate being one of Sal's selling points, any time is a good time to visit. As with all the islands, the summer months from June to September are busy with activities such as September's Santa Maria Music Festival, a large-scale festival that attracts people from all over Cape Verde as well as abroad.
And of course, don't forget to visit Noscasa's head office in the old town square and see the wonderful display of local contemporary art in our gallery.
Contact nôscasa now or register your details online