Part of an archipelago of ten islands and eight islets

This tiny island is roughly 375 miles off the coast of West Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Sal is one of the Cape Verde’s Barlavento – or windward – islands, and is opening up to visitors from abroad (imagine the Canary Islands as they might have been 40 years ago). Go now, beat the rush, and do your very own bit of pioneering. You’ll have the stunning white sandy beaches pretty much to yourself.

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Must see:
Sal – or Salt, to use the English translation – is famous for this commodity. This notoriously dry island’s salt flats and salt mines are worth a look if you can find a tour to take you.

Must eat at:
Venture beyond your hotel to the pretty fishing town of Santa Maria (where you can also catch a ferry to some of the other islands in the chain). You’ll find a selection of rather welcoming bars and restaurants.

Must be there for:
Head to the Mindelo on the nearby island of Sao Vicente for Cape Verde’s liveliest and most colourful Carnival, held in the run-up to Ash Wednesday. Expect serious Brazilian influences and all-round good vibes.

Well-travelled tips:
Watch the skies. The island’s airport is available as an emergency landing strip for the Space Shuttle – though it’s never had to be used.
If you’re up for a bit of hiking, take the Serra Negra (Black Mountain) for a view of the island... at only 96 metres elevation, it won’t give you too much trouble! Monte Grande, at 406 metres, is a more challenging climb.

Visa:
British citizens need a visa to visit Cape Verde. For more information, please visit: http://capeverdebureau.com/visas.html

Duty free shopping:
Cape Verde is outside of the EU so you can benefit from duty free prices on certain items purchased when travelling to Cape Verde through our terminals. More information.