Sal Rei

Our expert Cape Verde

Sal Rei

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Sal Rei beach A small beach next to the town centre, it is often full of fishing boats. 200m further on, Praia Estoril beach is better suited to swimming. © Patrice Hauser

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At first sight, Boa Vista's administrative centre is not particularly alluring. Dusty roads lined with small buildings lead to a rectangular square where most of the island's activities take place. Yet, the little streets between the square and the port are not lacking in charm. At one bend in the road you come across fishing boats resting on the beach, where a handful of women are selling fish while chatting and fishermen are mending their nets in the shade... The market (mercado municipal) is held every morning but it's best to go on Monday, Wednesday or Saturday.
Life in Sal Rei is nonchalant until the evening, when the day starts to fade and some of the town's entertainment spots come to life. At the fishing port, the Té Manché bar on a wharf is where locals meet up, while expatriates and tourists head for the Esplanada on the big main square. However, to really live it up, it's best to wait until Friday evening.
The island's airport is located in Rabil (the island's second biggest town -or village rather- and main oasis), just under 4 mi away from Sal Rei.