The island of Sal, being the flattest of the whole Archipelago, has Monte Grande as the highest point, with a height of 406 metros. The island has a surface of 216 Km2, and from North to South the maximum length is 30 Km and 12 Km in width, in the direction of East to West. It is so called due to the salt that was produced in the lagoon in a crater of a volcano, which became the major cause of development of the island, and its main export for many decades.

The construction of the International Airport, in the middle of the 20th century led to the growth of the economy of the island of Sal, and, therefore, to an increase in population as well as to a significant growth of tourism. The number of inhabitants has doubled in the last decade and the island of Sal is today the second of the country with the highest urban incidence (approximately 89%).

It is a very arid island, affected by constant erosion and very arid climate conditions, with an aspect of a desert like region, which should not be taken seriously into consideration for the charm of this island is great. In fact, by taking the direction to the South one will reach Santa Maria, a magnificent and long white sandy beach and sea with excellent conditions for practicing water sports. Santa Maria is the delight of those who arrive in the island, but there are many other places and tourist attractions by excellence that are worth visiting.

Source: Cape Verde Tourist Guide