Flights to Espargos

The town beside the airport

Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) is on the edge of Espargos, a couple of minutes by taxi from the centre. Most visitors head straight to Santa Maria, about 18 km south and around 20 minutes by road, but Espargos is the island's administrative centre and the place to see everyday life on Sal. Shared minibuses called aluguers run between the town, Santa Maria and Palmeira. UK visitors don't need a visa for short stays, but must pre-register online and pay the airport security fee before arrival.

Monte Curral and the town centre

Espargos grew up around the airport, which opened in the years around the Second World War and later served as a refuelling stop for long-haul flights across the Atlantic. A short walk up Monte Curral, the hill beside the town, gives views over the rooftops, the runway and the flat, dry interior of the island. In the centre, the main square, church and market are busy in the mornings, and small restaurants serve cachupa, a slow-cooked stew of maize, beans and fish or meat.

Salt, pools and fishing villages

About 6 km east, Pedra de Lume is an old volcanic crater where seawater evaporates to form salt pans, and the water is so salty that swimmers float with ease. On the west coast, Palmeira is a small fishing port about 10 minutes from Espargos. Further north, the Buracona natural pool sits in black lava rock beside the Blue Eye, a hollow where sunlight turns the water bright blue around midday. Shark Bay, on the east coast, has lemon sharks in shallow water.

Weather, money and time

Sal is warm, dry and breezy all year, with highs of around 25 to 30°C and very little rain outside August to October. The steady wind suits kitesurfing at Kite Beach and Ponta Preta. Cape Verde uses the escudo, which is pegged to the euro, and euros are accepted in many places. The islands are one hour behind the UK in winter, and driving is on the right.

Want to add a few days on Boa Vista or Santiago? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll plan the connections.