Transport
The tour is very informative and I definitely learned a lot about the culture, the islands, etc. However, I must say, I wasn't blown away by the tour guide. Our driver was lovely, and so was the guide, but she kept talking about money, money money...making us feel like we are the rich tourist and she is barely even making it. She said, her salary hasn't arrived and she lives off of tips and what she's selling at the shop during the tour. As if we should pay her extra. It was frustrating to hear.
The desolate beauty of inland Sal is in stark contrast to the white sands of its coast. On this off-road safari, you'll explore Murdeira Bay, the Buracona lagoon, the ocean-like sands of Terra Boa and Pedra de Lume. Beyond the most popular sights, you'll also get a glimpse of local life in Palmeira and Espargos. Rodrigo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘I've lived on Sal all my life, and I'm still fascinated by my island's colourful street art. It's a vivid reflection of our culture and our daily lives.'
Starting with a pit stop at Murdeira Bay, you'll trundle off in a closed 4x4 – we're the only ones using covered off-roaders – to the fishing village of Palmeira on the west coast. Its palm tree-lined streets are dotted with mural-painted cafés and tiny shops. Rodrigo says, ‘Palmeira's kaleidoscopic – and cluttered – souvenir shops are an attraction in themselves.' Then it's on to the Buracona lagoon, famed for how it shimmers when hit by sunlight.
Next, you'll witness the ocean-like sands and mirage of Terra Boa. An optical phenomenon, in which hot rays of light reflect distant objects and the sky, creates the illusion of a desert lake. Back on the road, there's a pit stop at a viewpoint, where you can enjoy an elevated panorama of Espargos, the island's capital. Wind down with a natural spa treatment in the Dead Sea-like lagoon of Pedra de Lume. Floating in one of the world's saltiest waters and inside an extinct volcano crater is a buoyant way to end the tour.
