Duna de Sal is a wide beach with a white dune, turquoise water and a calm atmosphere. Windy and wavy at times, it’s ideal for walking, photos and sunset views. Nearby services exist, yet the beach remains spacious and naturally open.
Duna de Sal – Sal Island
Duna de Sal: where the sea is perfect, the wind less so, and every photo looks amazing
The first time you walk toward Duna de Sal you think, “just another beach”. Then the white dune appears, the turquoise water glows, and the wind rearranges your hairstyle without warning. That’s when you realise this beach plays in its own league: wide open, bright and a little wild.
General description
Duna de Sal is one of the most spacious and photogenic beaches in the south of the island. Its main feature is a soft white sand dune that offers spectacular panoramic views, especially on calm days. The beach itself is long, quiet and painted in a turquoise tone that makes the Caribbean look like it’s trying too hard.
Nearby, small saltwater ponds attract occasional birds, and in summer certain areas become turtle nesting zones, marked and protected. More nature, less decoration.
The beach is public, but many amenities —umbrellas, sunbeds, bars— belong to the surrounding hotels. You can enjoy the beach freely; just don’t expect a promenade lined with services.
How to get there
You can walk from Santa Maria in about 40–45 minutes. It’s a beautiful walk… but with absolutely no shade, so come prepared.
By car, taxi or aluguer you can get there in around five minutes. From the main road, follow the signs to the nearby hotels and walk a short distance to the sand. Access is easy, even for people in “holiday walking mode”.
What to do
Duna de Sal isn’t a beach packed with activities. It’s a place to breathe, look far and let the wind decide your personality for the day.
- Swim calmly when the sea is gentle and the tide is low.
- Walk for kilometres along the shoreline — the beach feels endless.
- Enjoy huge sunsets that soften the mood of the entire day.
- Take landscape photos: white dune + turquoise water + clean horizon.
- Stop at one of the nearby bars for lunch or a cold drink.
In high season or near the resort areas it can get busier, but the beach is so long it almost never feels crowded.
Practical tips
Mind the wind: some days it’s strong and kicks up sand. Not painful, just mildly character-building.
Waves and currents: the sea can be powerful. Check the flags and avoid going too far out if the waves look grumpy.
Sunbeds and umbrellas: usually hotel-owned, but plenty of free space around.
Sun protection required: very open beach, zero natural shade.
Walking is great: from Bikini Beach to the pier it’s about 7 km of continuous sand.
Kitesurfers: keep an eye out for beginners landing their kites in creative places.
About the dune: it’s no longer as tall as years ago — wind and construction have reshaped it.
Best time to visit
Early morning: soft light and incredibly vibrant water colours.
Late afternoon / sunset: the whole beach turns atmospheric, and the wind usually calms.
Low-wind days: perfect for swimming without becoming a natural exfoliation experiment.
In peak summer, with calm seas, this is one of the island’s best areas for a relaxed swim.
Is it worth it?
If you want a huge, clean, bright beach with room to just exist for a while, yes — it’s worth it.
If you prefer zero wind, full services or a pool-like sea, other beaches may suit you better.
But for walking, photographing, feeling the open Atlantic and watching the sky melt into the water at sunset… Duna de Sal never disappoints.
