This port town on Boa Vista island has white-sand beaches and colonial Portuguese buildings from the 1800s. Local salt trading shaped its growth into Cape Verde's main western hub.
Sal Rei, the main town of Boa Vista island in Cape Verde, sits on the northwestern coast. Walk through its white-painted streets to find fishermen selling their morning catch at the market, explore the 19th-century Forte Duque de Bragança on its small island, or relax at Praia de Cabral beach. With temperatures between 21-30°C year-round, you can enjoy the town's coastal location in any season.
Getting Around Sal Rei
You can walk anywhere in the compact town center within 15 minutes. The port connects Sal Rei to other Cape Verde islands, with regular ferries to Santiago, Sal, and Maio. Since 2015, a new quay has made sea arrivals more convenient.
Weather and Climate
The desert climate brings warm temperatures throughout the year. September reaches average highs of 30°C, while February cools to around 21°C. Rain falls rarely, with just 67mm annually, mainly between July and October.
Local Life and Markets
Start your day at the fish market, where fishermen sell their catch each morning. The town center transforms during the Santa Isabel festival in late June, with music, dancing, and a traditional procession on July 4th. During Carnival season, the streets fill with parades and celebrations.
Beaches
Walk 10 minutes from the town center to reach Praia de Cabral and Estoril beaches. Both beaches have clear water for swimming and sand for sunbathing, plus views of the Ilhéu de Sal Rei islet. The year-round warm weather means you can enjoy beach activities in any season.
Religious Architecture
The Church of Santa Isabel stands in the town center, serving as the main place of worship. Near Praia David, you'll find the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima from 1923, which underwent renovation in 2015. The chapel opens daily for visitors.
Historical Sites
The Forte Duque de Bragança occupies a strategic position on the Ilhéu de Sal Rei islet. You can reach it by boat from the main harbor. In the Rotchina area, the Jewish Cemetery dates back to the town's early days as a salt-trading post. These sites help explain how Sal Rei grew from a small salt-producing settlement into Boa Vista's administrative center.
