Santa Maria is a coastal city situated on the southern coast of Sal island in Cape Verde. You can reach this sunny destination by traveling about 16 kilometers south from Amílcar Cabral International Airport, or 20 kilometers south from the island capital of Espargos. Originally founded in 1830 as a salt production hub, the area has transformed into a primary travel center, accounting for nearly half of Cape Verde's available tourist beds on the island of Sal.
At the heart of the city's coastline lies Praia de Santa Maria, a beach set along an arid shoreline where ocean waters range from 23°C in the winter to 26°C during the summer and fall. The local environment is defined by warm temperatures, minimal annual rainfall of just 76 millimeters, and an average of only three rainy days a year. Nearby, you will find coastal landmarks such as the Ponta de Vera Cruz lighthouse and historic saltpans.
The atmosphere around Santa Maria blends history and modern hospitality, centered around vibrant spots like Praça Marcelo Leitão, the main city square. Visitors can explore the area's rich salt-mining heritage, visit protected landscapes, or stay near the southern and southwestern coastal areas where resort development took off following the opening of Hotel Morabeza in 1967. It is an ideal spot for travelers seeking an arid, warm island retreat with easy access to culture and history.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport | Located about 16 km south of Amílcar Cabral International Airport. |
| Road | Located about 20 km south of the island capital, Espargos. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-13 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Where to stay
Resorts, towns and areas near the beach — the closer you stay, the easier the early-morning and sunset hours when the light is best and the crowds are thin.
Cape Verde's first resort hotel, opened in 1967 by Georges Vynckier and Marguerite Massart.
04 Best time to visit & the water
| Season | When | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Warm Season / Fall | September | Peak mean temperatures reach 27°C with water temperatures around 26°C, though September is the wettest month with 33 mm of rain. |
| Cooler Season / Winter | January | Mean temperatures drop to a low of 22°C with ocean water temperatures around 23°C. |
| Dry Season | March to June | Extremely dry conditions with 0 mm of average rainfall. |
Conditions vary with weather, tides & season · Last updated: 2026-09-13
05 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- Santa Maria has an extremely arid climate with only about three rainy days per year.
- The Santa Maria Saltpans are designated as a protected landscape.
- Water temperatures remain mild year-round, ranging between 23°C and 26°C.