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On Sal, you experience sun, sea and sand in a way you won't find anywhere else. The beaches are wide and open, and a gentle breeze drifts across the dunes. The island is ideal for travellers who love being outdoors: explore small villages or cycle to salt lakes sitting in the middle of the landscape. Cape Verde consists of several islands, each with its own atmosphere. At the end of the day, you sit on the beach and watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon. A great destination for when you're ready for a truly relaxed holiday.


Flying from Amsterdam to Sal: sun, sea and villages

What are the highlights of Sal?

On Sal, you quickly notice how different the island looks as soon as you venture a little further. One moment you're walking along a clear beach, and the next you're standing by salt pans inside an old crater or looking out over rugged rocks where the water glows a vivid blue. In the villages, you see how daily life quietly carries on, with small markets where you find yourself lingering. The places below give an idea of what you'll come across along the way. 

  • Santa Maria Beach: A long stretch of coastline with clear water and gentle waves, perfect for walking or swimming. 
  • Pedra de Lume salt lake: Explore the old salt pans and float in the water with views over the desert-like landscape. 
  • Buracona: Known for The Blue Eye, a lagoon where sunlight makes the water shimmer. 
  • Espargos: The main town of Sal, with markets, local shops and cafés where you experience the island up close. 

What can you do?

You can head out and be active or simply take it easy along the coast. The island gives you plenty of room to do whatever feels right: whether that's on the water, on a bike, or at a table in a local restaurant. 

  • Kitesurfing or windsurfing: The wind on Sal is perfect for water sports; instructors are available at every beach. 
  • Nature walk near the salt flats: Walk through the open landscape around Pedra de Lume and watch the light change above the old salt pans. 
  • Boat trip: Join a boat tour and spot dolphins, or enjoy the sun as you cruise along the coastline. 
  • Try the local cuisine: Enjoy freshly caught fish, grilled prawns or cachupa, Cape Verde's traditional dish. 
  • Sunset on the beach: End your day with a walk along the ocean and watch the sky turn shades of red and gold. 

Travel information for your flight to Sal

Sal is located in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the west coast of Africa. The climate is warm and sunny for most of the year. In summer, the wind picks up, which takes the edge off the heat, and in winter it stays mild and pleasant. The island is easy to get around, making it simple to travel from village to beach. 

Flight information

A direct flight from Amsterdam to Sal takes around 6 to 7 hours. The airport is close to the main town of Espargos, so you'll reach your accommodation quickly. 

Book your cheap flight from Amsterdam to Sal

Start your day on the beach and stroll at your own pace towards a village. Along the way, you see people getting their boats ready for the day and hear the sound of voices and music drifting from a café. The streets are quiet, so you naturally slow down and take in more of what's around you. And a last-minute trip here feels like arriving at exactly the right moment. Does that sound like your kind of day? Book your flight and discover for yourself how relaxed Sal is from the very first moment. 

Airport of departure

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Flight time

A flight from Amsterdam to Sal (Cape Verde ) takes about 05:00 hours.

Airport of arrival

Amílcar Cabral International Airport

Timezone

UTC -1 (summer time +0). It is 1 hour behind the United Kingdom.

Time zone

UTC -1. In winter, it is 1 hour behind the United Kingdom. In summer, it is 2 hours behind.

Currency

The currency used in Cape Verde is the Cape Verde Escudo (CVE).

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Frequently asked questions about Sal