Discover Sal Rel

Sal Rel is on the island of Boa Vista in Cabo Verde. Street murals, Praia Diante on the north coast and the Museu dos Naufragos offer very different points of interest: public art, coastal scenery and island history. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by considering whether the sea, culture or activities will be the main focus of your trip.

Art and Island History at the Museu dos Naufragos

The permanent exhibition at the Museu dos Naufragos covers three themes: the history and culture of the islands of Cabo Verde, the universal language of art, and the journey of a shipwreck survivor to safety. It also features relics from historic shipwrecks off the coast of Boa Vista, as well as objects from the period of pirate attacks and the slave trade to the Americas. Maritime history and art are presented alongside a glimpse into island life and history.

The building itself is also remarkable: it was built entirely from local white limestone and volcanic rock. Mosaics, stained-glass windows, paintings and sculptures illustrate the history of the islands of Cabo Verde. At the museum, visitors can also sample typical island products and view a contemporary art collection; confirm that these offerings are currently available before your visit.

The Coast and Nearby Djeu Island

Praia Diante on the north coast of Sal Rel is known for its sunsets: the sky and evening light on the horizon turn pink, orange and violet. Sports events and beach games are held there from time to time, particularly in connection with the S. Isabel festival. The festival of the patron saint, Santa Isabel, includes, among other things, a mass, dances, horse races, regattas and football tournaments. If you’re travelling specifically for such events, check the current programme. Estoril and Cabral beaches are also in the Sal Rel area.

The uninhabited island of Djeu lies about one kilometre west of Sal Rel. It covers 89 hectares, its highest point is 27 metres above sea level, and it is designated a natural monument. Its western tip is called Ponta de Espuma. Fort Duque de Bragança stands on Djeu, in front of Sal Rei Bay. The Portuguese built it during the colonial period to protect the bay from pirate attacks. You can swim and snorkel at the island’s beach.

The Ponta Espuma Lighthouse also stands on Djeu. Built in 1888, it is 7.9 metres tall, and its light is visible up to 11 nautical miles away. The lighthouse is still operational; check its operating status before relying on it.

Compare Excursions and Activities

Bottom fishing in Sal-Rei Bay takes place at depths of 15 to 20 metres, up to about three miles offshore. The fishing trip is described as suitable for everyone, including children aged seven and over; equipment, bait and a bottle of water are included. As services and conditions can change, confirm these details with the provider. Departures from Sal Rel are possible in the morning between 8 a.m. and noon or in the afternoon between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; you should also confirm these times with the provider before your trip.

A seasonal, four-hour boat trip is also offered on Boa Vista in Sal-Rei Bay, including swimming in the bay’s calm waters. Before making plans, check whether the tour is currently available. This experience is quite different from the coastal scenery on land and the fishing opportunities in the bay.

Boa Vista in Its Island Context

Boa Vista offers other landscape and cultural attractions that should not be confused with the sights in Sal Rel. The island’s Viana Desert is about one kilometre wide and around five kilometres long; its pale sand is mixed with grains of black earth. In the Morro de Areia nature reserve, sand dunes reach all the way to the ocean. In Rabil, the Boa Vista pottery school was established in 1960; it preserves traditional clay-shaping techniques developed by local craftspeople.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Sal Rel, you can use your interests as a guide: Praia Diante and the beaches offer a different focus from the museum, murals or activities at sea. This can help you choose accommodation to suit the kind of holiday you want, without combining the island’s different destinations into a single itinerary.

For the wider travel overview: Boa Vista.