Things To Do
in Sal Rei
Sal Rei is the laid-back capital town on Boa Vista, one of Cape Verde’s sun-drenched islands, known for its wide beaches, colorful colonial-era buildings and sleepy harbor. The town is a gateway for water sports, turtle-watching, and sand-dune excursions while still offering a small local scene of markets, cafés and seafood restaurants. Sal Rei’s pace is relaxed, making it ideal for travelers who want beach time and simple island life rather than big-city tourism.
From here you can access dramatic coastal vistas, desert-like dunes and traditional villages that show Cape Verdean Creole culture and hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Sal Rei and check into your beachfront hotel, where the gentle sound of waves creates a serene atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional Cape Verdean breakfast with fresh local fruits and coffee. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach to soak in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant local market in Sal Rei, where you can find handmade crafts and fresh produce. Engage with local artisans and learn about their craftsmanship while picking up unique souvenirs. Afterward, relax at a nearby café with a refreshing drink as you watch the world go by.
Indulge in dinner at a local restaurant, savoring delicious seafood dishes paired with the region's renowned wines. Enjoy the laid-back vibes of the town as you take an evening walk along the beach, where the sunset paints the sky with beautiful colors. Wind down with some live music at a beach bar, immersing yourself in the local culture.
Head out early to Praia de Chaves, a breathtaking beach known for its crystal-clear waters. Spend some time sunbathing and swimming in the pristine waves, enjoying the secluded atmosphere. Look for opportunities to try your hand at windsurfing or simply relax with a good book.
After lunch at a beachside eatery, take a guided tour of the nearby sand dunes. Experience the thrill of a quad bike adventure through the golden sands, capturing panoramic views of the coastline. Finish the afternoon with a visit to an artisanal shop selling local handicrafts.
Return to Sal Rei and enjoy a sunset seafood barbecue dinner on the beach, where you can taste the catch of the day. As the stars begin to twinkle, share stories with fellow travelers gathered around a bonfire. Take in the peaceful ambiance before heading back to your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local taxi/short ride | $2-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $1.50-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning beaches and dunes with fewer crowds than many tourist destinations
- Excellent wind and water-sports opportunities (kitesurfing, windsurfing)
- Warm, year-round climate and friendly local culture
- Good base for wildlife experiences like turtle nesting and birdwatching
- Limited medical and infrastructure services—serious cases require evacuation
- Transport between islands can be costly and subject to weather
- Fewer dining and entertainment options compared with larger tourist hubs
- Wind and sea conditions can limit some water activities at times
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Boa tarde" - Good afternoon
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female)
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica...?" - Where is...?
- "Com licença" - Excuse me / May I?
Places to Visit in Sal Rei
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque views of fishing boats, the small islet with ruins and colorful town buildings—excellent at golden hour and sunset.
Expansive sand dunes with dramatic textures and shifting patterns—dramatic for sunrise, sunset and drone shots.
Long sweeping white-sand beach with powerful Atlantic surf and minimal development—great for wide seascapes and coastal portraits.
Wetlands and shallow salt pans that attract birds and sometimes flamingos; good for wildlife and reflective water shots near sunset.
Iconic lighthouse on Boa Vista’s eastern coast—photogenic from a distance or as part of coastal panoramas.
Bright houses, local markets and street scenes showing daily life and Creole culture—ideal for candid photography of people and architecture.
Food in Sal Rei
Sal Rei Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The national staple stew of corn, beans, vegetables and slow-cooked fish or meat; find it at local restaurants and family eateries in Sal Rei for breakfast or lunch.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught and simply grilled with garlic and lemon—widely available at waterfront restaurants and beach grills.
Savory pastries and breads sold at bakeries and food stalls; great for a quick snack while exploring the harbor.
Local stews made with beans or fish, seasoned with local peppers and herbs—comfort food in many family-run restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small market near the center where fishermen bring in catches early morning; good for seeing fresh fish, local produce and buying fruit or snacks.
Simple stands near the pier selling grilled fish, pastel and local drinks—ideal for a casual lunch with a view of the boats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'Bom dia' (good morning) or 'Boa tarde'—handshakes are common and a warm smile goes a long way.
Show deference to older people and local customs; ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in smaller villages.
Beachwear is fine on beaches, but dress more modestly in town, churches and villages—avoid walking through villages in just swimwear.
Expect a relaxed pace in service and transport—be patient and polite; timekeeping is more flexible than in big cities.
Avoid littering, respect nesting areas for turtles, and follow guide instructions—wildlife conservation is important on Boa Vista.
Safety
Tipping in Sal Rei
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—round up small bills for taxi drivers, leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, and tip guides or hotel staff a few euros for attentive service.
Cash (Euro and Cape Verdean escudo accepted in practice; local currency is the escudo) is widely used—carry cash for markets, taxis and remote areas. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but not everywhere; ATMs exist in Sal Rei but can be unreliable, so bring backup cash or cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry and breezy—ideal for sun and wind sports; turtle-nesting season peaks in some months so guided night tours are possible. Expect stronger trade winds, making sea conditions choppier but great for kitesurfing.
Warm with decreasing winds and occasional short rain squalls; good months for calmer seas, snorkeling and beach time while still avoiding heavy tourist influx.
Mild and pleasant temperatures, cooler evenings and lower humidity—peak tourist season in Cape Verde with more flights and higher prices; good for comfortable daytime exploration.
Warming up with steady trade winds returning; good visibility for diving and boat trips. Shoulder-season crowds and reasonable prices.
Sal Rei at Night
Hiking in Sal Rei
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest point on Boa Vista offering panoramic views of the island; a relatively short hike with rocky terrain—best early morning or late afternoon.
Informal walks across the Viana sand dunes and surrounding areas—bring water, sun protection and consider a guide to navigate shifting sands.
Long beach walk connecting remote stretches of sand and small rocky outcrops—excellent for solitude and coastal scenery.
Easy flat trails around salt pans and lagoons with birdwatching opportunities and seasonal flamingo sightings.
Coastal route offering dramatic cliffs, sea views and photographic vantage points—terrain varies from rocky to sandy.
Airports
How to reach Sal Rei by plane.
The island’s main airport, about 5–10 km from Sal Rei (Rabil area). It handles domestic and international flights; taxis and hotel transfers connect the airport to Sal Rei in roughly 10–20 minutes.
Major inter-island and international hub on Sal island; used for connections to Boa Vista via short inter-island flights or occasional ferries depending on schedules.
Located on Santiago island (Praia), this airport is an option for some international routes and domestic connections; reaching Boa Vista requires a domestic flight.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are Cape Verdean Creole, with deep roots in local traditions, music and fishing/farming livelihoods.
A modest community of expatriates and seasonal workers involved in tourism, hospitality and water-sports instruction.
International tourists (Europeans and others) who come for beaches, watersports and nature—numbers rise in peak months.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Top water sports due to consistent trade winds; Boa Vista attracts wind-sport enthusiasts and offers schools for all levels.
The island’s most popular spectator and participatory sport—local matches are community events.
Good surf breaks along the coast for experienced surfers; conditions vary with swell and wind.
Fishing trips are available for visitors interested in offshore species; local fishermen also supply town markets.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sal Rei.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited—expect salads, rice, beans and vegetable stews; ask staff to omit fish or meat and seek out hotels and larger restaurants for more variety.
Vegan options can be sparse outside larger hotels; carry snacks, communicate clearly about ingredients, and favor simple plant-based staples like beans, corn, rice and fresh fruit.
Not widely advertised—rice-based dishes and grilled fish are generally safe, but verify bread, sauces and pastéis for hidden wheat.
Bring prescription medicines and allergy cards in Portuguese if possible; explain allergies to restaurant staff and avoid cross-contamination in small kitchens.