EasyJet’s First Flights to Sal Take Off: What the March 2025 Launch Means for Cape Verde Holidays

Refreshed November 19, 2025

UK flyers can now reach Sal, Cape Verde on a simple budget flight and build a beach holiday or an island-hopping loop without charter packages. This guide explains what EasyJet’s route means in real terms: schedules, prices, when to go, how to get around, where to stay, and how to link Sal with other islands. We keep it short and clear, with prices in Euros.

Quick answers for Sal, Cape Verde

• Best time to visit Sal: November–June for dry trade-wind days; July–October for warmer seas and a chance of short showers.
• How many days in Sal: 4–7 days is a sweet spot; add time if learning kitesurfing or island-hopping.
• Average daily budget (per person): €70–€110 shoestring, €120–€170 mid, €190–€260 comfort.
• Getting around Sal: Walk Santa Maria, use taxis for short jumps, hire a 4×4/buggy for dunes, or join small-group tours.
• Is tap water safe in Sal? Stick to bottled or filtered water; most hotels offer refill points.
• Power plug: European Type C/F, 220 V / 50 Hz.
• Tipping in Sal: Round up or add ~10% in restaurants; small coins work for cafés and beach bars.

What does EasyJet’s Sal launch mean for Cape Verde holidays?

In short: more choice and more control. You can now book seat-only tickets, mix them with a guesthouse or resort of your choice, and still keep costs sensible. Packages exist as well, but you are no longer tied to them. The three-times-weekly London service opened the door for short weeks and long weekends, and the Manchester service now widens access for the North of England. Expect more competition on price with established tour operators.

Two practical wins:

• Direct flights + transfers included on packages if you pick the holiday bundle.
• Seat-only lets you build a smarter loop: fly into Sal, hop to Boa Vista for dunes and turtles, then return to Sal for your flight home. See our 12-day Cape Verde itinerary for a ready-made route that works with these flights.

What is the best time to visit Sal?

Sal is steady year-round, but the feel changes by season. November–June brings bright skies, low rain, and a reliable breeze that keeps days comfortable. July–October is warmer and more humid, seas feel softer, and brief showers can appear. March–May often lines up with better visibility for boat trips and snorkel days. UV is strong all year, so plan shade time and pack reef-safe SPF.

Sal weather by month (handy baseline)

Use this to plan; always check a local forecast before you fly.

How to get to Sal with EasyJet

Airports: You’ll land at SID (Amílcar Cabral International) on Sal. The main resort town, Santa Maria, sits about 17–20 minutes south by taxi.

Transport options into Sal (practical view)

Tip: If you plan a Boa Vista add-on, keep our Boa Vista Travel Guide handy and use a short inter-island flight between Sal and Boa Vista. Round your stay with dunes, turtle walks (Jul–Sep), and whale trips (Mar–May) on the second island.

How to get around Sal

• Walking: Santa Maria is flat and compact, with a long beach promenade.
• Taxis: Handy for airport runs and short town hops; ask for the price first.
• Aluguer (shared minivan): Cheapest way between Espargos, Santa Maria, Palmeira. Leaves when full.
• Quad/buggy hire: Fun on firm sand tracks; follow local rules and give turtle sites space.
• Car hire: Simple roads; check for sand on side tracks and take it slow.

Where to stay on Sal (areas that work)

Choose based on your style: walkable town life, easy beach access, or a quiet bay between the two.

Areas and who they suit

(Rates are mid-range estimates; peak holidays can sit above the top end.)

What to do on Sal (top picks)

• Santa Maria Beach & Pier: Swim when flags show safe conditions, watch fishers at the pier, and time sunset on the boardwalk.
• Kite Beach: Book a lesson if the wind sits within your comfort range; bring a long-sleeve rash vest.
• Pedra de Lume Salt Crater: Float in salty water inside an old volcanic cone; rinse off after.
• Buracona “Blue Eye”: Go late morning on a bright day for the colour pop; combine with a stop at Palmeira.
• Shark Bay (baby lemon sharks): Wade with a guide; shuffle feet and follow briefings.
• Quad route to the dunes: Eye protection is a must; wrap a scarf or buff for sand.
• Snorkel trip to calmer coves: Morning seas are usually easier.
• Espargos food crawl: Simple, tasty grills; ask locals for the busy spots.
• Starry sky inland: Drive out of town a short distance, park safe, and look up.

Planning more than one island? Use our complete Cape Verde Travel Guide for a fast overview, then map your loop with the 12-day itinerary. Add dunes and turtles with Boa Vista and come back to Sal for your flight home.

Costs and money in Sal

• Coffee: €1.50–€3
• Casual lunch (grilled fish): €8–€15
• Dinner (mid): €15–€28
• Half-day quad tour: ~€55
• Taxi SID ↔ Santa Maria: €15–€20
• Daily budgets (pp):
  • Shoestring: €70–€110 (guesthouse, aluguer, simple eats)
  • Mid: €120–€170 (3*–4*, taxis, one tour/day)
  • Comfort: €190–€260 (4*–AI, private guides, beach clubs)

Cards work in supermarkets and hotels; smaller bars often prefer cash. ATMs are in Espargos, Santa Maria, and the airport. Decline dynamic currency conversion at card readers.

Is Sal safe?

Yes—take normal beach and city care.
Do: check flag colours before swimming; keep phones secure on the sand; use licensed guides for night turtle walks and follow red-light rules.
Don’t: leave bags unattended; ride quads on signed turtle sites; ignore wind and swell alerts.
Emergency number: 132 (police). EU 112 also works.

What to pack for Sal

• Beach kit: reef-safe SPF 50, hat, sunglasses, light cover-up.
• Wind kit: buff or scarf, sunglasses with strap, light jacket for evenings.
• Water kit: rash vest, snorkel set if you have one, dry bag for boat days.
• Basics: Type C/F adapter, refillable bottle, small first-aid kit.
• Respect wildlife: red-light torch for turtle walks.