White sand beaches stretch along this laid-back Sal Island town, where local markets and seafood restaurants line the streets near clear waters ideal for swimming and diving.
Santa Maria, on Cape Verde's Sal island, centers around an eight-kilometer beach where water temperatures stay at 23-25°C year-round. Walk through morning fish markets where fishermen sell fresh tuna, take windsurfing lessons at one of five beach centers, or swim near Ponta de Vera Cruz lighthouse to spot parrotfish. In the evening, listen to morna musicians play in the bars around Praça Marcelo Leitão while trying local catchupa stew.
Beach Activities in Santa Maria
The main beach stretches eight kilometers along the southern coast. Five windsurfing centers operate along the beach, providing equipment rental and lessons for beginners to advanced surfers. Near Ponta de Vera Cruz lighthouse, you can snorkel in clear waters where parrotfish and sea turtles swim among the rocks. Local beach bars line the coast, serving cold drinks and fresh-caught grilled fish throughout the day.
Town Center Life
Each morning, fishing boats arrive at the pier with fresh tuna and wahoo. Local vendors sell these catches at the morning market. Along Rua 1 de Junho, you'll find shops selling locally made textiles and ceramics. Restaurants serve traditional catchupa stew, and in the evening, Cape Verdean musicians perform morna music in the bars surrounding Praça Marcelo Leitão.
Climate and When to Visit
Santa Maria maintains steady temperatures throughout the year, from 22°C in January to 27°C in September. Rain falls rarely, with September receiving just 33mm. March through June stay completely dry, making any season suitable for outdoor activities.
Nearby Natural Sites
At Buracona, sunlight hits a natural pool around noon, creating a bright blue glow in the water. You can swim in the salt pans at Pedra de Lume, located inside an extinct volcano crater - the high salt content keeps you floating. In Terra Boa desert, sun rays create an optical illusion that looks like water on the sand.
Getting There and Around
Amílcar Cabral International Airport lies 16 kilometers north of Santa Maria. Local minibuses (aluguer) run regular routes between Santa Maria and other island locations, including Espargos. The town itself is compact - you can walk between most locations within 20 minutes.
Local Festivals
The Nossa Sra. De Piedade festival on August 15th includes religious processions through town, swimming races, and beach concerts. During the Santa Maria Festival in September, local musicians perform across town while food vendors prepare traditional Cape Verdean dishes.
