If you can't wait to get to the beach, you might enjoy a trip to Santa Maria Beach located 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from central Santa Maria. If you want to continue walking by the waves, head to Shark Bay Beach and Kite Beach.
You can find out about the history of Santa Maria with a visit to Santa Maria Town Square. Stroll along this relaxing area's beaches, or simply enjoy its bars.
Check out reviews of Cape Verde hotels guests love
Barceló Praia Cape Verde
10/10 Excellent
"Overall, everything was great and the people were amazing. The only downside was that the tall PR lady, she did not come across as very friendly or approachable, and I also found a cockroach in my room. "
"Good breakfast and near to a supermarket and restaurants. 5 minutes from a beach. Be careful when i did check in they wanted to pay again the fares and taxes! Took 2 days to resolve the problem. They speak in escudos and we don’t understand cuz we think is the city tax ( 23€) and they wanted me to pay around 300€!! Take whit u all the receives to prove what u did already paid. The rest everything was good. "
"Very comfortable stay, nice pools, very good breakfast. Excellent position. Internet good enough to work. If we return to Sal island will stay in the same hotel. "
"Without a doubt, one of the best holidays we’ve had. We travelled as a group of friends with children 2 to 18 years old, and there was truly something for everyone. The hotel exceeded our expectations. It was huge and full of activities that after a full week, we still hadn’t explored it all!
The buffet restaurants were outstanding. The variety and quality of food were impressive, and the service was exceptional. A special mention must go to one of the waitresses, 'Miraculous', who was incredibly kind and patient with our lively group of children. Her warm and friendly nature made our visits a pleasure.
The pools were consistently clean, and the variety from kids’ pools to more relaxing area meant we always had something to enjoy. One day, during a temporary power outage, the slides at the water park weren’t working, but the lifeguard kept the kids entertained, which was appreciated.
The beach was breathtaking clean, beautiful, and easily accessible. The facilities nearby were convenient, and even the vendors offering excursions were great to deal with. 'Victor', in particular, was friendly, helpful, and never pushy. 'Jose' from VIP Guest Services also deserves recognition. Despite us not being VIP clients, he was incredibly attentive and helpful throughout our stay.
The only slight disappointment was with restaurants we booked. Unfortunately, the staff there were quite rude and the food didn’t meet the same standards as the buffet.
Was still a 10/10 holiday however!"
Cape Verde is an ideal spot for lovers of the seaside, offering stunning coastal experiences and a variety of activities. One of the highlights is Santa Maria Beach on Sal Island, known for its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, a dream for those who love to sunbathe and swim. For the adventurous, kite surfing and windsurfing at Ponta Preta are top-notch, providing thrilling rides on the waves. If you're interested in marine life, snorkeling at the natural pools of Tarrafal will immerse you in a vibrant underwater world. Don't miss the chance to explore the rugged beauty of Boa Vista's beaches, where you can witness the mesmerizing movement of sea turtles during nesting season. Staying in areas like Sal offers a range of hotels just moments from the beach, allowing you to wake up to the soft murmur of the ocean and enjoy leisurely strolls along the shore. With the inviting atmosphere and diverse activities, Cape Verde promises an unforgettable beach getaway.
