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The island of Sal, in view of its close proximity to the African continent, has a climate very similar to other zones with the same latitude. It is a very arid island, and although volcanic in origin, constant erosion throughout its history has made it almost flat.

The highest point is MONTE VERMELHO, with a height of 406 m. From north to south, it is about 30 km long but does not exceed more than 12 km in width. The overall surface area is 216 km2. The International Airport of Sal used to be the main gateway to the whole Archipelago until 2006 and beyond when international airports of Santiago, Boavista and S Vicente were completed.

History
Sal was discovered in 1640 and was first known as LLANA or PLANA meaning "flat'. It was given its present name when a lagoon in a crater of an extinct volcano was discovered and in this place, after the rains, salt was produced. This crater is now known as PEDRA DO LUME and a very attractive tourist destination.

Home to International Airport Amilcar Cabral, the island of Sal is therefore, first point of entry in Cabo Verde for most travelers. Major efforts were pursued by the government to acquire FAA security certification following the events of September 11th, 2001 which enabled flights from Cabo Verde to land in U.S. airports and the re-establishment of direct flights utilizing the country’s flag carrier, Cabo Verde Airlines.

Over the years, the island have been plagued by severe droughts causing most of its citizens to live abroad. Sal is constantly featured in songs about its beautiful beaches and natural landscape. Other than tourism, the island is basically quiet but the residents of this tiny island are actually a very happy kind of people. This happiness is often displayed in their hospitality.

Travel Guide and articles of interest. Must be V.I.P. Member and logged in to access:

Visiting the island of Sal
The landscape is unique and the soil, covered in salt, varies from turquoise blue to white and pink... [ Read More ] 

Sal - a pleasurable vacation
Santa Maria is the tourist village par excellence due to its natural environment with long white sandy beaches and cool breezes... [ Read More ]