Monte Curral is a simple viewpoint above Espargos with near-complete views of Sal island. You drive up, look briefly, and understand the layout. Very windy and short visit, but useful for orientation before moving on without wasting time or expectations.
When you climb a little… and understand a lot
Monte Curral doesn’t impress by height. 107 metres won’t make anyone sweat. But there’s a specific moment when you reach the top, look around, and suddenly the island clicks. Neighbourhoods, plains, airport, desert — all laid out, zoomed out, explained.
A functional viewpoint, not an excursion
Monte Curral is exactly that: a panoramic viewpoint over Espargos and much of Sal island. No epic trails, no wild nature. You drive or take a taxi up, step out, look, and you’re done.
That’s why it’s on almost every island tour: quick, accessible, effective. It never asks for more time than it gives back.
The island, unfiltered
From the top you can see all of Espargos, its clearly defined neighbourhoods, colourful houses, the nearby airport, and — on a clear day — most of the island: dry plains, inhabited areas, and wide stretches of emptiness.
For some, it’s just a nice view. For others, it’s the first time Sal’s real scale makes sense.
Two minutes… with gusts
The visit is usually very short. Some people stay two minutes, take a photo, and leave. That’s perfectly fine — the place doesn’t demand more.
What it does demand is awareness: it’s often very windy up there. Not tourist exaggeration — just practical reality.
It’s not that there’s nothing to do. It’s that you’ve already done it.
If you expect epic
If you’re looking for a long experience or a dramatic sense of place, Monte Curral can feel skippable. Some visitors are also surprised by a nearby military installation — harmless, but not exactly postcard material.
The value is the view, not the surroundings.
How to make it count
Go with clear weather and good visibility. Taxi or car is easiest; walking up adds nothing. Take a full loop for the 360° view.
Don’t treat it as a main plan — it works best as a brief stop between other places.
Clean light, less haze
It works most of the day, but morning or mid-afternoon usually gives the best light. With haze or low clouds, the whole point disappears.
Small, quick, and honest
Monte Curral doesn’t try to impress you. It simply shows the island as it is, from above, without decoration.
If that helps you understand Sal, it’s done its job. If not, at least it only took five minutes.
This isn’t a viewpoint to linger at. It’s one to understand.
