Sights & Excursions on Sal

Pedra de Lume — The Salt Lakes

In the crater of an extinct volcano in the northeast of Sal lie the Salinas de Pedra de Lume — the historic salt lakes that gave the island its name. The salt content is so high that you float like in the Dead Sea. The descent into the crater through an old tunnel is atmospheric, and bathing in the pink salt lakes is a unique experience. Afterwards, you can rub yourself with salt mud — it's surprisingly good for the skin. Entrance: approx. 5€.

Olho Azul — The Blue Eye

In a cave near Buracona on the northwest coast, a natural rock pool glows in intense blue when sunlight hits it — the famous "Blue Eye" (Olho Azul). The phenomenon is most impressive between 10 and 12 o'clock on a clear day when sunlight falls through an opening and makes the water glow. In the surroundings, there are natural rock pools (Piscinas Naturais) where you can swim in seawater.

Terra Boa & Desert Tour

The north of Sal is a surreal desert landscape: endless plains of sand and gravel where mirages regularly appear — sometimes you see a shimmering "lake" that doesn't exist. A Jeep or Quad tour through Terra Boa is one of the most popular excursions on Sal. The ride passes rusty shipwrecks, abandoned villages, and the barren beauty of an island that is 90% desert.

Shark Bay — Lemon Sharks Up Close

In the shallow bay of Shark Bay south of Santa Maria, juvenile lemon sharks glide in knee-deep water. The animals are shy and harmless to humans. With a guide, you can stand in the shallow water and observe the elegant sharks up close — a fascinating experience for nature and diving fans.