A mecca for kite surfers and wind surfers and famous for its miles of pristine white sandy beaches, the sleepy town of Santa Maria is the first port of call for those travelling to Sal and often the archipelago.
The town is serviced by many hotels and apart-hotels, of varying standards to suit various budgets, and is packed full of bars, cafes, restaurants and for those visiting Sal, most will spend the majority of their stay here.
Santa Maria, a town which was originally developed because of its salt pans, is widely regarded as being one of the world’s top windsurfing and kite surfing destinations due to the trade winds which sweep across from the African mainland. Several professionals have set up base here in the past including Hawaiian Josh Angulo, who runs one of the main windsurf centres on the beach at Praia Antonio Souza. In addition, the town is currently the focus of huge foreign investment with many apartments and villas being built to fulfil the demand of travellers from all over the world.
For those who would rather spend their trip underwater, as opposed to on it, the bay of Santa Maria is host to wrecks, caves, walls and considered an excellent place to dive with its crystal clear water and superb visibility. There are several dive centres based in the town.
If all of this sounds like a lot of effort, Santa Maria is ideal for those who simply soak up the sun, and finding your own little area of beach is still incredibly easy.
As the day draws on, you will be spoilt for choice with a mixture of sunset cocktail bars, beach cafes, fish restaurants often with live music from local artists.
Why visit Santa Maria?
Windsurfing
Kitesurfing
Diving
Fishing
Beaches
Nightlife
Restaurants
Winter sun
Hotels in Santa Maria
Morabeza
Odjo d’Agua
Have you visited Santa Maria? Got a favourite bar or restaurant that you want to recommend to other visitors? Let us know!
