Deserto de Viana, Sand desert and salt pan in Rabil, Cape Verde.
Deserto de Viana is an expansive sand and salt expanse near Rabil featuring light sandy areas mixed with dark volcanic rock and scattered stones throughout. The terrain displays a patchwork of fine sand interspersed with volcanic elements that form the landscape structure.
The landscape was shaped over centuries by consistent winds from the African continent, creating complex sand dune systems. This natural process continued until the region developed its current form with distinct boundaries between sandy and salty zones.
The site holds significance as a natural landmark in the island's landscape and shapes how locals relate to their environment. Visitors can observe how this expanse influences daily life and the community's connection to their surroundings.
Bring water, sun protection, and light clothing when visiting, as temperatures become very high in the afternoon hours. Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon when conditions are more manageable.
The ground shifts abruptly between pure sand areas and sections with salt crusts that appear like crystalline patterns. These contrasts become especially clear when looking out from the higher dunes across the surrounding terrain.
Location: Rabil
Address: 44PQ+V5Q, Rabil, Cabo Verde
Phone: +61232896956
GPS coordinates: 16.13868,-22.86158
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:07
Cape Verde offers landscapes and places full of stories that tell how these islands in the Atlantic came to be. This collection shows natural and cultural sites that make the archipelago special — from white sandy beaches to volcanic formations, colonial churches, and markets where the local life is active. You will find spots shaped by nature: volcanoes with black lava slopes, salt ponds in extinct craters, deserts of fine sand blown by Sahara winds, and rocks whipped by the ocean that form pools. Some sites invite you to watch the sea life, like shallow bays where sharks swim, or cliffs that look over turquoise waters. Beyond nature, Cape Verde also has a rich culture to explore. Colorful markets are full of local products and craft objects. White churches show the colonial past, and botanical gardens protect the unique plants of the islands. Whether you want to walk on mountain tops, relax on beaches, or get to know the daily life of locals — these places have much to show you.
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