Full Day Postcards of Sal Tour with Kite Beach and Lunch

Sal’s vibrant landscape and charming villages make for a surprisingly full day of sightseeing. While the tour covers many highlights, it’s not without its quirks. We love the variety of scenic stops, especially the chance to float in Pedra de Lume’s salt lakes and enjoy a local three-course meal. The guides’ local knowledge and friendly vibe really add to the experience. That said, some travelers have noted logistical hiccups, like missed pickups, which can be frustrating. This tour best suits those eager to see a broad slice of the island’s natural beauty, culture, and culinary traditions in one day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering major sights of Sal, ideal for first-timers.
• Expert local guides with in-depth knowledge, enhancing the visit.
• Variety of scenery, from beaches to salt flats, giving diverse photo opportunities.
• Includes a local three-course lunch, adding authentic flavors.
• Potential logistical issues may occur, so be prepared.
• Not suitable for people with mobility or back problems due to the nature of some stops.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Full Day Postcards of Sal Tour

This tour promises a broad look at Sal’s diverse landscapes and culture, making it a good choice for travelers who want a well-rounded introduction without the hassle of planning each stop themselves. We appreciate that the trip is led by a local guide—Maria, for example—whose insights turn sightseeing into a storytelling experience. She describes Pedra de Lume’s salt flats as a volcanic accident, giving travelers a vivid picture of how these salt lakes are formed.

The tour’s structure is designed to maximize sightseeing while offering some downtime for relaxation or photos. Starting at Kite Beach, named due to its popularity with kite surfers, you’ll see a lively stretch of coast with colorful sails filling the sky. Next, the journey continues along the coast to Murdeira Bay, where the rocky shores and tranquil waters provide excellent photo ops and a sense of the island’s rugged beauty.

Then, you’ll visit Palmeira, a small, vibrant fishing village lined with palm trees and murals—an authentic taste of local life. The tour then heads inland to Buracona lagoon, home to the famed ‘blue eye,’ a natural optical illusion where the water’s turquoise hue contrasts sharply with the dark rocks. Be aware that viewing the blue eye depends on the sun’s position, so it’s not always guaranteed.

After exploring the lagoon, your group will visit the Terra Boa mirage plains, which create the illusion of shimmering water on the flat plains—an Instagram-worthy moment. From here, a family-run restaurant serves a locally sourced three-course lunch, giving you a flavorful break in the middle of the day.

Following lunch, the tour shifts to Espargos, the island’s capital, where vibrant street art highlights the local culture. Then, it’s off to Pedra de Lume salt flats for a float in the salt lakes, often compared to the Dead Sea because of its buoyancy. Visitors who’ve tried it say it’s a unique experience, with one noting it as “a special experience” in reviews.

The final stops include Viveiros Botanical Gardens, an oasis of flora, and a relaxing cocktail at Ponta Preta Beach Club—a perfect way to unwind after a busy day.

The Itinerary in Detail

Kite Beach and Murdeira Bay

Starting your day at Kite Beach, you’ll witness the vibrant scene of kite surfers slicing through the wind, which creates a lively backdrop for photos. This beach’s reputation for wind makes it a magnet for water sports lovers, but it’s equally beautiful just for the view. Moving down the coast, Murdeira Bay offers a calmer, rocky cove with crystal-clear water. Its peaceful vibe makes it ideal for a quick dip or a leisurely walk along the shoreline.

Palmeira Village

Next, Palmeira is a snapshot of local life. The streets are lined with murals and palms, creating a colorful, laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and soak in the authentic Cape Verdean charm.

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Buracona Lagoon and Terra Boa

The highlight for many is Buracona, famed for the ‘blue eye’. This natural pool of vivid blue water, framed by volcanic rocks, is a must-see. While the view depends on the sun’s angle, many visitors find it mesmerizing when conditions are right. Our guide Maria shared that this optical illusion is sun-dependent, so there’s a chance you might miss the full effect.

Just a short drive away, Terra Boa is a mirage plain that looks like a shimmering water surface from afar. This illusion creates fantastic photo opportunities, especially for those who enjoy natural phenomena.

Pedra de Lume Salt Flats

No trip to Sal would be complete without a visit to Pedra de Lume, where you can float effortlessly in the salt lakes. The salt flats are the remnants of a volcanic crater, which is why it’s often called Cape Verde’s Dead Sea. Reviewers highlight this as a “special experience,” with one traveler noting how unusual it is to float weightlessly in a natural setting.

Lunch at a Family-Run Restaurant

Midday, your group will dine on locally sourced ingredients at a family-run restaurant. The three-course meal offers a taste of Cape Verdean cuisine, often accompanied by a refreshing local drink. This meal adds cultural depth to your day and offers a break from sightseeing.

Espargos and Botanical Gardens

After lunch, a visit to Espargos introduces you to the town’s colorful street art, which reflects local culture and daily life. It’s a lively contrast to the natural and village scenes, giving a well-rounded view of the island’s spirit.

Ponta Preta Beach Club

The day wraps up with a visit to Ponta Preta Beach Club, where you can relax with a cocktail and enjoy views of the ocean. This spot offers a laid-back vibe to end your busy day, with a chance to reflect on everything you’ve seen.

Practical Insights

Transportation and Group Size

The tour includes transportation, typically in a comfortable van, which makes the extensive sightseeing manageable. While the exact group size isn’t specified, tours like this tend to be moderate in number, balancing intimacy with social vibe.

Duration and Timing

Running roughly a full day, expect to start early and finish in the late afternoon. The schedule includes enough time at each stop to explore without feeling rushed, but keep in mind that the timing of natural sights (like the blue eye) can vary with sunlight.

Price and Value

At $93 per person, this tour offers a surprisingly comprehensive experience considering the variety of stops and the inclusion of a three-course meal. Many travelers have noted the guides’ local knowledge and the authentic flavor of the lunch as highlights that add value.

Notable Considerations

Some reviews mention logistical issues—like a guest who was not picked up despite waiting outside the hotel—so it’s worth confirming your reservation and being ready on time. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for travelers with mobility or back problems, as some stops involve walking on uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts

This Full Days Postcards of Sal Tour provides a convenient way to see many of Sal’s highlights in one go. The variety of scenery—from beaches to salt flats—means you’ll get a broad sense of the island’s natural beauty. The inclusion of a local meal and visits to cultural sites like Espargos give the trip a genuine, authentic feel.

The tour’s strength lies in its expert guides and the opportunity to capture striking photos of volcanic landscapes, turquoise lagoons, and colorful villages. While logistical hiccups have been reported, many travelers appreciate the value for money, especially given the diverse stops and engaging commentary.

If you’re visiting Sal for the first time and want a well-organized, relatively affordable day of sightseeing, this tour is worth considering. It’s best for curious travelers eager to see a little bit of everything, from scenic beaches to salt lakes, with the chance to learn about local life and enjoy some tasty regional food.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation, a knowledgeable local guide, all entrance fees, and a three-course lunch with a drink at the final stop.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately a full day, starting early and ending in the late afternoon, allowing ample time at each site.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
While it’s generally suitable for most, it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or back problems due to walking on uneven terrain and some physical exertion.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen and beachwear, as some stops involve outdoor activities and time at the beach.

Can I book this tour and pay later?
Yes, booking is flexible—reserve now and pay nothing until closer to your trip.

Are the sights guaranteed to be visible?
Not always—viewing of the ‘blue eye’ and Terra Boa mirage depends on the sun’s position, so there’s a chance you might miss the full effect.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
The included lunch is a set menu, typically made from local ingredients, so consider informing the provider if you have specific dietary needs.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a comfortable vehicle suitable for a full-day excursion over varied terrain.

What if I am late or want to cancel?
Late arrivals may miss the tour, and cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a fantastic snapshot of Sal’s natural and cultural treasures, perfect for travelers wanting a guided, all-in-one experience without the hassle of planning it themselves. It’s ideal for those who value insightful guides and picturesque scenery, and are okay with some minor uncertainties regarding natural sight conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: