Pharmacy Santa Maria is the town’s most central and convenient pharmacy: clean, well stocked, and used to tourists. The weak point is pricing, sometimes perceived as excessive, plus occasional friction with language or card payments. Useful, but with a tourist toll.

Hospital do Sal is the island’s public hospital: basic, resource-limited, and uneven. It can respond well to serious emergencies, yet draws criticism for waiting times, hygiene and communication. Not comfortable or predictable — but functional. Context, patience, and support help.

Clinitur is a 24-hour private clinic in Santa Maria with modern facilities. It performs well in clear emergencies, wound care and fractures, but faces serious criticism for questionable diagnoses and financial pressure in sensitive cases. Going informed — and thinking clearly — is essential.

Sahal, Health and Quality is a reference veterinary clinic in Santa Maria. Professional, approachable and highly effective, it stands out for its commitment to local animals and visitors alike. Not luxurious, but reliable, humane and essential on an island where animal care truly matters.

Projeto Biodiversidade is a turtle conservation project in Santa Maria. During the season, daily nest excavations take place at 4:30 pm. Free, honest and deeply impactful. This is not a show, but a real lesson in nature and human responsibility.

Pachamama Eco Park is a small botanical garden with rescued animals near Santa Maria. Calm, green and well kept, it’s ideal with kids or for a quiet break. Not spectacular, but pleasant and honest. Decent coffee helps.

OSPA Rehoming Centre is a dog shelter in Santa Maria run by volunteers. You can visit, walk dogs or donate supplies. It’s not touristy or pretty, but it’s honest and genuinely useful. Ideal if you want to help without performance.

Amílcar Cabral Airport is a small, modern and functional island airport in Sal. Efficient on arrival, sometimes intense on departure, it works well overall but comes with quirks that surprise first-time visitors. Knowing what to expect makes the experience far smoother.