After soaking in the diverse things to do in Sal Rei, from its pristine beaches to the vibrant local markets, day trips from Sal Rei invite travelers to uncover more of Cape Verde’s enchanting landscapes and cultural riches. These excursions extend the adventure, connecting you with the untouched beauty and welcoming communities of the surrounding islands and countryside.
Moving beyond Sal Rei, the array of things to do in Cape Verde unfolds, showcasing everything from the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Fogo to the serene waters of Maio. Each journey is a chance to immerse yourself in the archipelago’s unique blend of African and Portuguese heritage, offering insights into its rich history and biodiversity.
Selecting where to stay in Sal Rei is crucial for those wishing to seamlessly blend exploration with relaxation. A well-chosen accommodation not only provides a comfortable retreat but also positions you ideally for embarking on these insightful day trips, ensuring a memorable experience of Cape Verde’s natural beauty and cultural depth.
Discover Best Day Trips from Sal Rei, Cape Verde
1. Praia de Chaves, Cape Verde
Praia de Chaves, known for its vast, idyllic sandy beach, offers a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation and long walks by the sea. The area is also popular for its picturesque sand dunes.
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Travel Time: About 10 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Idyllic sandy beach, picturesque sand dunes
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Budget: Approximately $10-$20 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Sand dunes, Atlantic coastline
Travel Tip: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light, ideal for photography.
2. Deserto de Viana, Cape Verde
Deserto de Viana, a small desert landscape on Boa Vista, offers a unique experience with its white sand dunes that feel surprisingly like a miniature Sahara. It’s an ideal spot for adventurous activities like quad biking or sandboarding.
Distance: Approximately 15 km
Travel Time: About 20 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: White sand dunes, desert landscape
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Desert vistas, sand dunes
Travel Tip: Book a guided quad bike tour for an exhilarating way to explore the desert landscape.
3. Povoação Velha, Cape Verde
Povoação Velha, the oldest settlement on Boa Vista, is full of charm and historical significance. Visitors can explore traditional Cape Verdean houses and experience the slow pace of island life.
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Travel Time: About 25 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Historical Cape Verdean village, traditional houses
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$30 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Traditional Cape Verdean houses, village landscapes
Travel Tip: Try local cuisine in the village to experience authentic Cape Verdean flavors.
4. Santa Monica Beach, Cape Verde
Santa Monica Beach, named after the famous beach in California, is known for its stunning, unspoiled 22km stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Distance: Approximately 25 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Unspoiled 22 km stretch of white sand, crystal-clear waters
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Long sandy beaches, clear waters
Travel Tip: Bring your own snacks and water as there are limited facilities on this remote beach.
5. Curral Velho, Cape Verde
Curral Velho is a secluded natural area offering a beautiful lagoon, diverse birdlife, and a serene, untouched beach. It’s an excellent spot for bird watching and enjoying nature in solitude.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 45 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Secluded natural area, lagoon, diverse birdlife
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$50 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Lagoon, bird watching areas, serene beach
Travel Tip: Bring binoculars for bird watching and be prepared for limited cell phone reception.
6. Salinas de Pedra de Lume, Cape Verde
Salinas de Pedra de Lume, located on the neighboring island of Sal, is an impressive salt crater where visitors can float in the salt-concentrated waters. The site offers an insight into the salt production history of Cape Verde.
Distance: Located on Sal Island
Travel Time: Flight to Sal Island (40 minutes) + short drive
Transportation: Flight + Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Salt crater, floating in saline waters
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Salt Crater Entrance: $5
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation and entrance fees)
Scenic Spots: Salt crater, volcanic landscapes
Travel Tip: Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit for a unique floating experience and rinse off well after swimming in the saline waters.
7. Cabo Santa Maria, Cape Verde
Cabo Santa Maria is famous for the shipwreck of a Spanish cargo ship, which has been a local landmark since the 1960s. The beach around the shipwreck is also beautiful and great for a leisurely visit.
Distance: Approximately 25 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Shipwreck of a Spanish cargo ship, beautiful beach
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Shipwreck, sandy beach
Travel Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and to catch the best light for photos.
8. Rabil, Cape Verde
Rabil, a small village near Sal Rei, is known for its pottery workshops and lush oasis. It’s a great place to experience local craft and culture.
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Travel Time: About 10 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Pottery workshops, lush oasis
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Budget: Approximately $10-$20 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Pottery workshops, village oasis
Travel Tip: Visit a pottery workshop to see local artisans at work and perhaps buy a unique souvenir.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Sal Rei, Cape Verde
What are some must-visit places near Sal Rei, Cape Verde?
Must-visit places near Sal Rei include the Viana Desert, Salinas de Pedra de Lume, the shipwreck of Cabo Santa Maria, and nearby islands like Boa Vista for their stunning beaches and landscapes.
Is a trip to the Viana Desert recommended?
Yes, a trip to the Viana Desert is highly recommended. It’s a unique experience to see the desert sands against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Quad bike tours and guided walks are popular ways to explore this natural wonder.
Can I visit the Salinas de Pedra de Lume from Sal Rei?
Absolutely. The Salinas de Pedra de Lume, located on the island of Sal, are ancient salt pans within a volcanic crater. It offers a unique swimming experience due to the high salt content, akin to the Dead Sea.
Are there boat tours to the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck?
Boat tours to the Cabo Santa Maria shipwreck are available, providing a chance to see the historic wreck up close. The shipwreck is located on Boa Vista and is a popular spot for photography and history enthusiasts.
What activities can I enjoy on a day trip from Sal Rei?
From Sal Rei, you can enjoy a variety of activities including kite surfing, windsurfing, quad biking, and snorkeling. The area is renowned for its excellent water sports conditions.
Is there wildlife to see on a day trip from Sal Rei?
Yes, Boa Vista and the surrounding areas are home to diverse wildlife, including sea turtles, which nest on the beaches, and various bird species. Turtle watching tours are particularly popular during the nesting season.
Can I explore cultural sites on a day trip from Sal Rei?
Certainly! Sal Rei and its surroundings offer several cultural sites, including traditional Cape Verdean villages, the Sal Rei church, and local markets where you can experience the vibrant culture and purchase local crafts.
Are there culinary tours available in the Sal Rei region?
Yes, there are culinary tours available that explore the unique cuisine of Cape Verde. These tours often include visits to local markets, traditional Cape Verdean restaurants, and opportunities to taste local specialties like cachupa.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/sal-rei-l143225?activity_type=dayTrip
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