Getting around Sal Island often seems simple… until questions start popping up.
Do you need a car? Do taxis work well? Will transport end up being expensive?
The reality is that moving around Sal is easier than many people think, as long as you understand how the island works and don’t treat it like a big city.
Let’s put things in order.
Before talking about transport: one key idea
Sal is a small island, but it doesn’t work by distance — it works by logic. Not everything is connected like in an urban environment, and that shapes how you move around.
It’s not about choosing the “best” transport option, but the one that makes sense for your trip:
- where you’re staying,
- how many days you have,
- what kind of plans you’re making.
On Sal, you don’t move fast — you move with purpose.
Taxis: the most common day-to-day option
Taxis are one of the most widely used ways to get around, especially if you’re staying in Santa Maria or making specific trips.
In practice:
- they work well for short distances,
- they’re easy to find in tourist areas,
- they save you from parking hassles.
They’re not the cheapest way to explore the whole island, but they’re very practical for occasional trips.
Organised excursions: comfort without planning
Organised tours are another common way to get around, especially if you want to:
- see several places in a short time,
- avoid worrying about routes,
- skip driving altogether.
They usually include transport, stops and a set schedule. They work well if you prefer to delegate logistics and simply enjoy the experience.
Tours don’t give you freedom, but they remove the hassle.
Getting around independently: when it makes sense
Getting around on your own is possible on Sal, but it’s not always the most logical option for everyone.
It makes sense mainly if:
- you want to explore at your own pace,
- you plan to visit places outside Santa Maria,
- you enjoy improvising without fixed schedules.
This usually means renting a car, or occasionally combining taxis with short walks.
Car rental: freedom… with limits
Renting a car gives you independence, but it’s not essential for every trip.
It’s especially useful if:
- you’re staying outside Santa Maria,
- you have limited time and want to optimise it,
- you want to reach less accessible beaches or areas.
On the other hand, it may be unnecessary if:
- you stay mostly in one area,
- you plan a few organised excursions,
- you’d rather not drive.
On Sal, renting a car is a tool — not an obligation.
Walking: useful in specific areas
Walking works well within places like Santa Maria, where many spots are relatively close together.
That said:
- the sun is stronger than it looks,
- the wind can be misleading,
- distances outside urban areas aren’t walkable.
Thinking of the whole island as “walkable” usually leads to unrealistic plans.
Common mistakes when getting around Sal
A few mistakes come up often:
- trying to move around as if it were a European city,
- underestimating distances outside tourist areas,
- renting a car without really needing it,
- relying on just one transport option.
None of these are serious, but they often result in wasted time or unnecessary spending.
Final recommendation
Getting around Sal isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of common sense. The island doesn’t demand complex solutions — it asks for coherence with the way you travel.
Taxis work well for daily movement.
Tours make it easy to explore without planning.
Car rental offers freedom, but isn’t always necessary.
Walking works… within specific areas.
Choose how you move based on your real plans, not by default.
There’s no need to rent a car “just in case”, or rely only on taxis if you want to explore more.
When transport fits your travel style, the island becomes much easier to enjoy and moving around stops being a concern.
