Kite Beach is a kitesurf-focused beach with constant wind, powerful waves, and plenty of action. Great for riding or watching. Less suited for quiet swimming or resting. If you know what you’re coming for, it often delivers.

Regona is a volcanic natural pool near Palmeira, free to access and usually uncrowded. Blue water, rewarding snorkelling and a wild feel. No facilities or supervision — best visited with calm seas and some confidence in the ocean. Perfect for real tranquillity.

Terra Boa is a brief stop in Sal’s interior where heat creates a perfect mirage: a lake that doesn’t exist. Curious if you’ve never seen one. Five minutes is enough. Better as a pause on the way than a destination in itself.

Shell Cemetery Beach is a different kind of beach in Santa Maria: kilometres of broken shells, rough sea and a quiet walk. Not for swimming or perfect photos. Ideal for strolling, listening to the waves and watching local life without decoration.

Serra Negra is a volcanic viewpoint in a protected area near Murdeira, offering open Atlantic views and near-lunar scenery. No services, no frills: walking, looking and silence. Best at sunrise or sunset; skippable if you expect instant spectacle.

Salina of Santa Maria is an easy walk (better by bike) among salt crystals, wind and sun-reflecting pools. Part free, part paid (around €6) to float. Facilities can be uneven and showers run on coins. Best visited late afternoon.

Costa da Fragata Natural Reserve is a vast protected area near Santa Maria, with wild beaches and turtle nesting zones. The landscape and silence are striking, but litter and loose control can disappoint. Best for long walks, observation and slow, thoughtful exploration.

Santa Maria Beach is Sal’s main beach: long, urban and always active. Light sand, turquoise water and daily water sports. There can be wind and persistent vendors, but it offers calmer stretches, good energy and the real pulse of the town by the sea.

Praia de Igrejinha is a wild beach near Santa Maria with a natural pool and turtle nesting areas. Quiet and isolated, but with no facilities and sometimes litter. Ideal for raw nature seekers… not for anyone who needs comfort or constant security.

Pontão de Palmeira is the small pier of Sal’s main port: boats, nets and freshly cut fish right on the steps. It’s not clean or decorative, but it’s real. Ideal for photos, watching daily work and understanding how the island functions.

Pontão de Santa Maria is the town’s old pier, now partially damaged and under reconstruction. Even so, it remains one of the liveliest spots: daily fishing, local trade, turtles in the water, and an unfiltered look at real island routine.

Ponta da Fragata is an exposed natural viewpoint on the south of Sal, with open Atlantic views and intense sunsets. It’s not comfortable or touristy: wind, height and rough ground dominate. Ideal if you want raw landscape with no concessions.