Santa Maria

Santa Maria is a town on the southern coast of Sal Island with golden sand beaches and clear water that stretches for several kilometers. The town has multiple water sport facilities and a working harbor that make it a center for visitors and seaside activities.

The settlement began in 1830 as a salt production center with a pier and rail line to export up to 30,000 tons yearly. This industrial past shaped the island for over a century and made the place an important trading hub.

The Nossa Senhora de Piedade celebration on August 15 brings people together with religious ceremonies, swimming races, and local music that echo through the streets. This tradition shows how deeply the sea and faith are woven into daily life here.

The town is about 16 kilometers from Amílcar Cabral International Airport and connects easily by road. You will find water sports, local restaurants, and lodging right on the beach or nearby.

The salt ponds nearby have such high salt levels that people float effortlessly, similar to the Dead Sea. This natural oddity draws visitors who want to experience the feeling of weightless swimming in this unusual setting.

Location: Sal

Elevation above the sea: 12 m

GPS coordinates: 16.60000,-22.90417

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:03