Palmeira
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Palmeira

Sal: Island Experience Tour with a Certified Local Guide

Sal: Island Experience Tour with a Certified Local Guide

After being picked up from your accommodation, make your way to Santa Maria. Once there, get to know the history of this city, which has transformed from the extraction of its salt to the biggest tourist city in Cape Verde. Next, make your way to Kite Beach, which is one of the best places in the world to practice kite surfing (from October to April) and is usually chosen to hold the world kite surfing championships.  Then visit Porto Palmeira, which is a simple place where people take their sustenance from fishing and working in the port. See the arrival of the crafts, as well as all the activity around the sale of fish. Take a walk among the colorful colonial houses and check out the beautiful street art. Next up, go to Pedra de Lume Beach, Pedra de Lume, and Ilha do Sal.  There, visit the first village on Sal island, which was founded in 1804, to learn about the history and development of the local economy based on the export of salt. Continue to Miragem, where you will see the effects of Fata Morgana water illusions in the desert. Travel then to Buracona, where you will see the Blue Eye, one of the 7 wonders of the island. Swim in its natural pool if the conditions are ideal for bathing. Following the pool, explore the Pedra Lume Salt Crater, where you will learn all about the nourishing benefits this salt center has for the locals. Make a stop to experience floating in this thermal water which is inside an inactive volcanic caldera. Discover Shark Bay, where you will have the experience to see lemon sharks in their natural environment up close. Travel to the village of Murdeira that lies in a natural reserve in the bay. Finally, visit Espargos, the economic centre of the island, where you can see more of the local life, finish your tour with a transfer back to your hotel or airbnb.

Sal: All-Inclusive Salt Lake, Blue Eye and Shark Bay Tour

Sal: All-Inclusive Salt Lake, Blue Eye and Shark Bay Tour

Get out for an adventurous sightseeing tour that is perfect for discovering the desert and, the hidden treasures of this popular and most deserted destination. This trip will take you to Salt Lake Salinas of Pedra de Lume, the second saltiest water in the world after the Dead Sea, an incredible lake where you can lie down and float, even if you can't swim, and you will be left with smooth skin as if you had a natural scrub. Next, you will travel to Buracona, where you will see the "Blue Eye", one of the 7 wonders of the island and its natural pool, where you will have time to swim in its crystal clear waters if the conditions are ideal for bathing. Then you will move on to Miragem, where you will see the fata morgana effect of water illusions in the desert. Admire the natural reserve of Murdeira Bay and enjoy the beautiful view of Lion mountain. At the end, you will visit Shark Bay, where you will experience lemon sharks in their natural habitat up close. Enjoy a half-day island tour and visit places like Blue Eye, Miragem, Salinas Salt lake and Shark Bay. Swim in the salt lake and Buracona natural pool with your group, before heading out to sea to see some lemon sharks.

From Sal Island: Blu eye, Salt lake, Lemon Sharks & Palmeira

From Sal Island: Blu eye, Salt lake, Lemon Sharks & Palmeira

We'll pick you up from your hotel by minibus at 9am. We'll start the route by travelling along the south of Sal Island, where we'll see the pontoon and the salt pans of Santa Maria. We'll then head towards Murdeira Bay. After swimming in its refreshing waters, we'll head to the fishing village of Palmeira. From there, we'll go to the Buracona lagoon, a beautiful natural pool. We'll continue the tour through the Terra Boa desert, whose landscapes will surprise us with a curious mirage. We'll make our next stop in the island's administrative capital: Espargos, where you'll have an hour of free time to have lunch on your own. With our energy recharged, we'll climb up to a famous viewpoint to contemplate the views of the island. The tour continues towards the shores of Parda Bay, famous for being the natural habitat of lemon sharks. Very close by are the Pedra de Luma salt pans. Next to them is a series of lagoons where, like in the Dead Sea, you can float in their waters. A perfect opportunity to tone your skin naturally! Then we'll start the journey back to your hotel on Sal Island. Arrival is scheduled for 5pm.

Sal: All-Inclusive Half-Day Lounge Catamaran Cruise

Sal: All-Inclusive Half-Day Lounge Catamaran Cruise

Hop aboard the luxurious Lounge Catamaran Sodade and be whisked away for half a day to unwind. Cruise down the western coast of Sal on the spacious boat, and enjoy a different view of the island's rocky shores. Take the children with you for a fun day out at sea, or select the adults-only tour option to enjoy a kid-free experience. Sip on unlimited beer and soft drinks throughout your trip. After pickup at your hotel, board the catamaran for your half-day trip. The catamaran has a capacity for 90 people but numbers are limited to 60 people per trip to ensure plenty of space for everyone. On the sunlit deck, relax on the comfortable lounge beds while bobbing along with the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and relish a refreshing cocktail, a nice glass of (sparkling) wine, or a cold beer. Halfway through the trip, freshen up with a cool dive into the ocean to swim and snorkel, try some local fishing with the crew, or simply relax on board while a delicious snack is prepared. A private inflatable pool provides a safe opportunity for the smallest guests to enjoy time in the water too. On the way back to the harbor, the ambiance is awakened with African vibes of local music, drums, and dance. Long story short: With a fresh breeze, a combination of soothing and uplifting music, and all-inclusive food and drinks, this catamaran trip makes the perfect getaway.

Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch

Sal Island: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour with Lunch

Be ready to be picked up from your accommodation and depart toward the village of Murdeira, where you will have a short visit to its nature reserve and enjoy the views of the Lion Mountain. Then, meet the locals in the fishing village of Palmeira before travelling to Buracona to see "Blue Eye" and, weather permitting, swim in its beautiful natural pool. Move on towards Miragem, grab some pictures of the effects of water illusions in the desert and take a well deserved lunch-break. Enjoy the local cuisine and discover the Cape Verdean gastronomy. Next, drive to Espargos and get to know its street arts that portray the Cape Verdean woman, her Morabeza and history. After that, head to the Shark Bay, a must-see when visiting Sal. Put on your water shoes, enter the ocean, see and get close to the Lemon Sharks in their natural environment. This species poses no threat to humans. Finally it is time for Your last "No Stress Adventure" at Pedra de Lume, in a salt pan located below sea level. Cross its cave, get into its extinct volcano crater and reach the lagoons from which the salt is extracted. Bring your book and enjoy reading while floating in the world's second saltiest thermal water, an unforgettable experience. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation.

Santa Maria: Salt Mine, Natural Pool, and Shark Bay Tour

Santa Maria: Salt Mine, Natural Pool, and Shark Bay Tour

Join a small group tour and enjoy your experience smoothly and without much stress. I will personally pick you up at your hotel's main entrance to ensure punctuality and safety, and after a short briefing we will begin our journey. Here are some spots we will visit: Kite Beach It is one of the best places in the world to practice kite surfing (from October to April) and is usually chosen to hold the world kite surfing championships. The salt mines In a moon like crater of an old volcano seawater turns into salt. You can also float in the medicinal salt water of the salt pans and become 10 years younger, For even more relaxation there are also scrub and mud treatments. Miragem There is sand as long as you can see and flat land exept for the brown mountains, the best place to make several creative photos that last forever, the scenery is just breathtaking and you can feel the nature and the African breeze so close. The surroundings is basically an illusions in the desert. This is a true experience on Sal island. Buracona the Blue Eye The Blue Eye is a cave 24 meters deep that is connected to the ocean. When the sun reaches the center of the sky, the sunlight illuminates the sandy bottom of the cave that gives visitors an amazing reflection that resembles an amazing and natural Blue Eye. A natural swimming pool resides adjacent to the Blue Eye, time to have fun. Palmeira Village Palmeira is the village of the fishermen, where you can find the typical colorful capeverdean houses and can still feel the real capeverdean vibes. Here, you can also find the main port of Sal. There are some traditional restaurants with delicious fresh fish and to taste, it is really a perfect place to taste the local cuisine of Cabo verde and feel its taste. Lemon sharks Bay It is a magic place where lemon sharks swim in the shallower waters. Their fins stand firm, cutting through the water. You will catch a glimpse of their sleek, grey bodies gliding along below the surface through a break in the waves. You can decide to watch from afar or even go into the water to see the animals up close. At the end of the tour I will drop you off at your hotel again and safely.

Santa Maria: Sal Island All-inclusive Adults-only Catamaran

Santa Maria: Sal Island All-inclusive Adults-only Catamaran

The Sal coastline is a perfect backdrop for a cruise – and this adults-only catamaran trip makes the very best use of it. Sailing leisurely through the azure seas between Palmeira and Monte Leão, you'll sunbathe, sip on cocktails and enjoy a stop for swimming too. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The crew on board really make this experience stand out. Super professional yet always ready for fun, and talented at creating a stylish, celebratory and relaxed atmosphere for the cruise.' Your day of relaxation kicks off with pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Palmeira, where you'll hop aboard a brand-new catamaran. Setting sail, you'll soon be watching the coastline glide by as your captain cruises along the island's west coast. All you need to do is pick the perfect spot to sit back and soak up some rays – and choose which drink you'd like first. The friendly and knowledgeable crew will be on hand to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the journey. Sounds like ultimate relaxation, right? On board, you'll be spoilt for choice with complimentary drinks and snacks, with local music to really get you in the holiday mood. As we approach our idyllic location near Monte Leão, your skipper will anchor the boat, allowing you to take a swim in open waters. After we've dropped anchor, you can also lounge on the nets above the shimmering water – the ideal place to bask in the warm Cape Verde sun.

Sal island: Secrets of a Native Guide Day trip with Lunch

Sal island: Secrets of a Native Guide Day trip with Lunch

We'll pick you up from your accommodation and head to Santa Maria. There, you can learn about the history of this town, which was transformed from salt extraction into Cape Verde's largest tourist town. You will then go to the salt pans of Santa Maria to see how salt is extracted for consumption on the island, and then we'll ride through the surrounding white sand dunes to Kite beach to see how they do kite surfing (from November to March). Next, we'll visit Cape Verde's only Marine Nature Reserve, Murdeira, which has a great marine diversity of corals and fish and marvel at the view of Monte Leão, a true postcard of Sal island, then we'll head to the city of Espargos, the capital and economic centre of the island, where most of Sal's population is concentrated. Next, we'll head to Miragem, where we'll see the fata morgana effects of water illusions in the desert, where the guide will take fun photos, something to remember. Next, you'll travel to Buracona, one of the 7 wonders of Sal island, where you can see the "Blue Eye", a natural effect of the sun's reflection in a cave in the shape of a blue eye, swim in its natural pool whenever the conditions are ideal. After the pool, we'll visit the fishing village of Palmeira, a simple place where people make their living from fishing and working in the harbour, you'll see the arrival of the local boats, as well as all the activity surrounding the sale of fish. This beach is the kind of beach you see in adverts and never actually visit. We do a rest stop where you can have lunch or just a snack or drink and access the internet. Next, you'll have the shark experience and see lemon sharks up close in their natural environment. Finally, discover the Caldeira Salina da Pedra Lume, an extinct volcano full of salt lakes where you can float and relax while looking 10 years younger, with baby skin.

Sal: Full-Day Trip Around the Island with Lunch and Snorkel

Sal: Full-Day Trip Around the Island with Lunch and Snorkel

Meeting at the front desk of your hotel at 9:15 AM, then make your way to the first destination, Ponta Preta (Black Edge). Witness a contrast between white natural sand dunes and dark-colored volcanic rocks entering the sea. This amazing combination creates huge and beautiful waves, making this location the stage for world-famous water sports competitions like surfing and windsurfing. While in Ponta Preta, you'll be introduced to the itinerary and provided with a brief history of Cape Verde. Next, head to Murdeira, located at the center of the island. Snorkel in the bay's crystal clear, coral-filled waters, and catch a glimpse of Monte Leão, one of the island's most prominent landmarks. From Murdeira, go north to the capital of the island, Espargos. Enjoy a local tour of the city ending in a panoramic view through the belvedere. Make your next stop at the fishing village of Palmeira, the only port on the island and an industrialized zone extremely important to the local economy. To the east of Palmeira, spot Buracona, a place with natural pools and an incredible rocky landscape of volcanic origin. This combination creates a wonderful phenomenon called "Blue Eye". From 10:30 AM–1 PM, the sun shines inside a 25-meter (82-foot) deep cave, allowing you to glimpse the image of a shiny blue eye staring at the majestic sky. More to the west of the island is Terra Boa, the only land for growing crops where you can enjoy another spectacle of nature, a mirage in the middle of the desert. On the way back to Espargos, pass the peripheral area of the island and visit some social institutions, such as kindergartens and schools. In Espargos, take a break for lunch in a local restaurant and taste a typical dish or savor one of the best pizzas in town. After lunch, continue to Pedra de Lume, where the famous Salinas (salt pans) are found inside of an extinct volcano crater. Bathe in the therapeutic waters before heading to the Baia de Parda around 4 PM to catch sight of lemon sharks. You'll return to your hotel around 5 PM.

Full Day Sal Island Tour in Santa Maria

Full Day Sal Island Tour in Santa Maria

1st Stop At: Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Ilha do Sal The first stop is Santa Maria, the pier. This is where the fishing boats arrive at the pier in the morning. The fish are cleaned and sold on the pier. A beautiful scene to see. We drive through the local streets and go to the vegetable market. We end at kite beach. Duration: 2 hours 2nd Stop At: Murdeira, Murdeira, Ilha do Sal We visit the small village of Murdeira. Duration: 15 minutes 3rd Stop At: Palmeira, Palmeira, Ilha do Sal We go to a school, there is time to shop for souvenirs and we see fishermen at work. Duration: 1 hour 4th Stop At: Buracona: The Blue Eye of Cabo Verde Shop, Santa Maria, Ilha do Sal Cape Verde During the tour we also stop at the blue eye. We take a look at the blue eye created by nature. There is also a lookout point where you can see the beautiful blue sea. Duration: 1 hour 5th Stop At: Espargos, Espargos, Ilha do Sal We will stop in the capital Espargos for a delicious lunch Duration: 1 hour 6th Stop At: Pedra de Lume, Pedra de Lume, Ilha do Sal We go to the Pedra de Luma salt mine. Here you can float in salt springs or hike the mountains around the mine. Duration: 45 minutes Last Stop At: Feijoal, Cabo Verde Sharkbay! We go to the bay where the lemon shark has settled. You walk a bit into the sea and can see the sharks swimming between your legs. How cool! Duration: 1 hour

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What people are saying about Palmeira

Overall rating

4.8
(832 reviews)

Our Guide, Eluisio, was fantastic and told us lots about the history of the island and life on the island now. we got to see so much and really enjoyed it all. The sites were great as were the lemon sharks and floating in the salt lake. We now know where we want to go to and spend more time there

All the stations were an experience. At the station with the lemon sharks, I recommend taking up the offer to rent shoes. My beach shoes were definitely too thin and you could really feel the stones in the water. The best part was lunch with a local family.

shark bay was fantastic...the lemon sharks swim right to you,around you and between your legs with no fear. some of them are over a mwtre in length. well worth the money for this alone.

the activity was great! seen the most beautiful places. kenneth is a sweet boy, helpful and gave a lot of information. we enjoyed it! saw beautiful nature!!!!

The day was great, we got to see the entire island