Buracona Center is a large hardware store in Espargos offering wide choice for DIY, home goods and furniture. Well organised, friendly staff and solid quality, though not always cheap. Best suited for big purchases or longer stays on Sal.
When “I just need one thing” turns into a full morning
In Espargos there’s a kind of errand that never makes it to Instagram: fixing something at home. A hinge, a table, a lamp, or simply the realisation that no, this won’t fix itself. That’s usually when someone says, “go to Buracona Center, they’ve got everything”. More or less, they do.
A large hardware store… that does a bit more
Buracona Center is not a shopping mall, despite the name. It’s a large, well-organised hardware store with serious ambitions: DIY, home improvement, furniture, household items, and all the practical stuff that on Sal is usually scattered across several small shops.
It works especially well if you live on the island or you’re staying for a while. For a quick “one small thing”, maybe not so much.
From screws to dining tables
You come here to solve problems, not to browse for inspiration. Tools, materials, home goods and, to many people’s surprise, furniture too: tables, chairs, and solid pieces that don’t feel temporary.
Variety is one of its strongest points and comes up repeatedly: almost everything is here. Occasionally you’ll find a good deal, although prices are generally a bit above average, balanced by decent overall quality.
Space, order, and decent service
The store is large, bright, and easy to navigate. Products are clearly displayed, with prices visible, which in Cape Verde already counts as a win.
Staff are often described as friendly, helpful, and unhurried. They won’t follow you around, but they won’t disappear either.
It’s not exciting. It’s functional. And for a hardware store, that’s a compliment.
Distance, heat, and mixed expectations
It’s not central for everyone. Without a car, getting there can be inconvenient.
There isn’t always air conditioning, and you’ll feel it. And while many praise the wide selection, others find it expensive or less stocked than expected. It really depends on what you’re looking for… and what you’re comparing it to.
Going in with your eyes open
If you need several things at once, the trip is worth it. For a single screw, maybe not.
Ask about home delivery: it works and is usually on time.
Go with time and a clear idea; leaving with more than planned happens surprisingly often.
A necessary place, even if not perfect
Buracona Center fills a real gap on the island. It’s not cheap across the board, not convenient for everyone, and it doesn’t try to be pretty. But it gets things done.
And on Sal, having a place that solves everyday problems already feels like a small luxury.
You don’t come here to stroll. You come to fix your home… and most of the time, you do.
