Santa Maria
The iconic wooden pier elegantly divides the sweeping beach of Santa Maria in two, but on the pier itself, everyone seamlessly comes together. It is the beating heart of the town, where local fishermen proudly display and sell their catch of the day, locals negotiate for the freshest dinner, and amazed tourists gaze at the massive yellowfin tunas, impressive swordfish, and sleek wahoos.
Not only can you buy fresh fish here for a very reasonable price, but you can also experience the thrill of catching it yourself! Arrange a trip with a local fisherman to head out onto the Atlantic early in the morning. By afternoon, you’ll return with your own self-caught fish, which local restaurants will be more than happy to perfectly prepare and grill for you.
Once the fishing boats depart and the daily market winds down, the pier transforms into a joyful playground for the local kids. Watch them compete to see who can make the highest, craziest flip into the deep blue ocean. Want to join them? Take a leap—you are more than welcome!
🍹 Feet in the Sand & Living Music
The culinary scene in Santa Maria offers something for everyone. While the restaurants serve delicious fresh fish, shellfish, and traditional Cape Verdean specialties, you will easily find excellent pizzas, pastas, or a classic burger with fries just around the corner.
For the ultimate holiday feeling, grab a seat at one of the many beachfront terraces. Sip on a perfectly mixed caipirinha or mojito with your feet buried in the warm, white sand while watching spectacular matches of beach volleyball and soccer, or listening to the rhythmic beats of local djembe musicians.
💃 A Nightlife That Never Sits Still
As the sun dips below the horizon, the center of Santa Maria truly begins to bustle—an experience you absolutely cannot miss during your holiday on Sal. The main village square frequently hosts open-air performances, and live acoustic music spills out into the surrounding streets, cafes, and restaurants.
Cape Verdeans possess a beautiful, infectious passion for celebrating life. The fun part is, they simply cannot sit still; the moment the music turns on, everyone starts dancing. And when the music stops? They will still be dancing! 🎶☀️
