Home

Solo Travel

Africa

Cape Verde

Sal

Solo female travel in Sal

Sal is a sun-soaked island paradise located in the northern region of Cape Verde archipelago, off the Northwest coast of Africa. The island, marked by its vibrant Creole culture, is renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches such as the Santa Maria and Palmeira beaches, which are an ideal venue for a variety of marine activities including diving, surfing, and fishing. Its moon-like volcanic landscapes, featuring impressive natural formations like Buracona lagoon, are perfect for adventure seekers. Furthermore, Sal is also famous for its traditional music performances which come alive on the vibrant streets of its sleepy towns at night, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant African rhythms.

Travel rating

3.5 /5

Based on 3 experiences

3.7 /5

Based on our research

3.5 /5

Based on safety reports

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.

Is Sal good for solo travel?

Safety:Safe

Sal generally stands as a safe destination for solo female travelers. Predominantly, locals are friendly and respectful towards tourists. However, like anywhere, it's important to exercise common sense and vigilance, particularly during the night or in less populated areas. Petty crime such as pick-pocketing may occasionally occur, yet violent crime is relatively rare. Tourism and safety for tourists are high priorities for the local authorities.

Transport:Moderate

Navigating Sal is moderate. While the island is not enormous, there are a few areas with public transportation and taxi services for longer distances, but routes may be infrequent. It's often possible to walk or cycle to many places, but weather conditions might make this challenging at times. The local language is Portuguese, which could be a barrier if you don't speak it, but most locals also understand English or French. Finally, tourist locations are usually well-signposted.

Things to do:Interesting

Sal provides a broad spectrum of activities for solo female travelers. The array of stunning beaches lets you engage in snorkeling or just lazing around the sand. Being known for its warm and vibrant local inhabitants, it's effortless to interact and get to understand the local traditions. Adventure enthusiasts can go paragliding, trekking or surfing. The nightlife in Sal is lively, with music playing an integral part of their culture, hence a plethora of venues to watch live music or dance. As for safety, Cape Verde is considered relatively safe but normal precautions should be taken.

Food:Above average

Food in Sal is a delightful mix of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences. Fresh seafood dominates the menu, with dishes like lobster, shrimp, and fresh fish regularly featured. Traditional dishes such as Cachupa, a slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, and meat or fish, are must-tries. Vegetarian options are limited, but with the increasing tourism, international food is becoming more readily available. Local markets are great for sourcing tropical fruits and other local produce.

Budget:Affordable

Sal offers numerous activities and amenities at a relatively affordable rate. Basic necessities such as food, transportation, and accommodation are quite reasonable. You can also enjoy many of the natural attractions, like beaches, hiking trails, and tide pools at no or minimal cost. However, certain tourist activities, like water sports, can be a bit pricier. Overall, it is a good option for those looking to enjoy an exotic location without breaking the bank.

Is Sal worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.5 /5

based on 3 experiences

Things to do

3.3/5

Safety

3.5/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Solo travel experience

Sal took a bit of getting used to as a solo traveller. I usually enjoy very active solo holidays with plenty of hiking but Sal is very much a beach destination. There are things to do but make sure you book online with a tour provider, it’s cheaper plus I found taxis a little expensive and public transport next to non-existent. I did a half day sailing tour (an absolute highlight as I saw humpback whales and turtles) and a visit to shark bay with wonderful marine biologists. The locals are lovely and friendly but you will get a lot of comments from men. Initially I felt really unsafe and harassed especially as I was staying away from the tourist area but eventually I relaxed and realised this is very much part of the culture and not a threat! The men ARE flirtatious though so say hello and then move on. Most locals speak Portuguese and creole so I really recommend finding people to meet up with, joining tours or staying in a hotel (rather than Airbnb) if you don’t speak those languages and feel you want company. In the end I really enjoyed my stay but I’m not sure it makes a great solo destination unless you plan better than I did. Despite always avoiding tourist areas I would actually recommend staying in a hotel here and planning excursions in advance especially if you want to see more of the island. Don’t believe the suggestions of island hopping here, it’s very difficult, unreliable and expensive to get to the other islands unless you have plenty of time and money! Unless you can comfortably sit on a beach for a week on your own (I can’t!) then some thinking ahead will make all the difference but expect beautiful beaches, lovely locals and tonnes of delicious seafood

Posted: April 19, 2024

Things to do: 3/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 3/5

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Group travel experience

I felt really safe there. We spent a lot of time outside the hotel, attending parties with local residents and we never had any problems. Everyone was really friendly and open. The island itself is small and can be explored in one day, but it offers many additional attractions.

Posted: October 10, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I was alone and stayed for over a week. You can visit the island in one day, but if you like water sports or like to laze on the beach for a few days, this is paradise. I tried windsurfing and I would gladly return, because the winds are amazing.

Posted: October 8, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0