Is Santa Maria Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Santa Maria is known to be quite safe, generally. However, like anywhere else, it is always important to take certain precautions, especially while traveling alone at night. The area is known to be peaceful but occasional petty crime can occur. It is always advised to stay in well-lit areas, avoid deserted streets, and be aware of your surroundings to ensure personal security. If adhering to these precautions, it's fairly safe to go out at night.

Public transportation in Santa Maria generally tends to be reliable and safe. It consists primarily of minibuses known as 'Yasi', which are frequent and cover most areas of the city. However, it's always wise to be vigilant about your personal belongings, especially during peak hours. It's worth noting that routes and timings may sometimes be irregular so planning your journeys in advance could prove useful.

In Santa Maria, while it is generally safe and welcoming for female travelers, you may experience some occasional street harassment. Local men can sometimes be forward and persistent, often in the form of unsolicited attention or comments. Always be vigilant and assertive.

Santa Maria in Cape Verde has generally low petty crime rates. As a solo female traveler, you may encounter occasional instances of pickpocketing or bag snatching, especially in crowded places or tourist areas. Therefore, it is advisable to take basic precautions, such as not flashing expensive items, avoiding isolated places, and being vigilant about your belongings. Despite this, the local community is often friendly and welcoming to tourists, and instances of crime are not common.

In Santa Maria, it's generally recommended to not drink the local tap water as it might not be purified to the standards most visitors are accustomed to. The mineral composition may also be significantly different from what you're used to, which may lead to stomach discomfort. Instead, prefer sealed bottled water which is easily obtainable. However, for tasks like brushing your teeth, tap water generally doesn't pose any risk.