A blue-blue ocean with salt mines. 
New Year's Eve surrounded by palm trees and the beach? Sounds interesting? I have always dreamed of spending the last day of the old year in a warm country. That's why I went to . They consist of ten main islands located in the central part of the Atlantic Ocean. Why there?
The archipelago has many islands, I visited the one most frequented by thyrists. One of the main reasons is the location. Most airlines have flights to Espargos airport, the capital of the Sal Island.
What can you see?
The island of Sal has a lot to offer. One of the biggest attractions is the salt mines in Pedra Lume. In the crater of a former volcano, sea water is turned into salt. For a fee of 5 euros, you can lie down in the salt lakes and float. The salinity is so strong that the water lifts you freely to the surface without any effort. Local guides believe that such a bath rejuvenates the skin by 10 years. I admit they were right that the skin felt softer and more delicate.
Buracon Bay
Another point is Buracona, called Blue Eye. It is a natural pool formed by the ocean in lava rocks. When the light shines at the right angle, the pool turns into a turquoise blue paradise for the eyes. Right next to the pool there is a kind of bay where you can swim in good weather conditions. Entry costs 3 euros.
Shark Bay
When writing about Sal, one cannot fail to mention shark bay. The guide enters the water with us and leads us towards the ocean to see the little sharks. After reaching the right point, he throws out the food to make the sharks swim. Amazing feeling when you stand knee-deep in the water and little sharks are swimming around, touching your legs. The first and most important rule is not to touch them as they become aggressive. At a distance of about 20 meters (where the water is much deeper) you can see the mum or dad of small sharks watching us. The water is so clear that you can observe sharks and other sea creatures without any problems.
Santa Maria Pier
Of course, the island's "market" is the pier Santa Mariawhere around noon fishermen arrive with fresh catches. The astonishing sight of the locals bargaining for prices while the fishermen gut the fish and pack them for the buyers. It is on this pier that the annual fireworks show during New Year's Eve takes place. Little warning (don't know why), but fireworks go off at 23.30:XNUMX PM and end well before midnight.
Across the island with a 4 × 4 car
Getting to know the island is not only about spending whole days on the beach, quite the opposite. I recommend renting a decent car and going on a trip around the island. As you travel through the desert island, the feeling of freedom and adrenaline rises to a high level. There are not many main asphalt roads on the island of Sal, but there are run-down sand roads. It takes a lot of imagination and orientation in the field to traverse wild attractions. I also say that unsure drivers can not cope there (I speak from my own experience).
A blue-and-blue ocean with salt mines. Shells, shells and more shells
Another interesting place is the so-called Shell graveyard. There are many of them on the island, you can go to the one in Santa Maria. Literally 10 minutes walk from the center, there is a coast full of beautiful shells. Not many people go there, but I find it a perfect place to take some seashell souvenirs with you.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to combine relaxation with adventure and good local cuisine. Santa Maria, a beach town, is a safe place for everyone. Seafood, fish, beach, palm trees and sun - these are the words I can describe Sal i .
Read my next article: With a tent for ...
