Santa Maria City Tour & Cuscuz Tasting with a Local Family

This full-day tour in Santa Maria, Sal Island, suits travellers interested in local culture, cuisine, and coastal landscapes.

Highlights

• Meet a local family for a traditional food tasting
• Explore Santa Maria with a local expert guide
• Learn the traditional salt extraction process at the Santa Maria Salt Pans
• Visit Shells Beach for photography opportunities

Description

Your tour begins with a hotel pickup in Santa Maria, followed by a visit to the municipal market to learn about the introduction of legumes, fruits, and vegetables to Cape Verde's volcanic islands. Experience the local culture through interaction with residents and explore colorful houses decorated with street art that tells the story of Sal Island and its people.

Next, meet a local family and taste Cape Verdean dishes such as Cuscuz and Fidjos, made from organic ingredients like corn and banana.

Then, visit Shells Beach to capture photographs and learn about the importance of seafood fishing to the local community's economy.

Continue by exploring the city center and local souvenir shops, followed by a visit to the Pontão fishing area. After that, arrive at the Salt Pans of Santa Maria to observe the traditional salt extraction process that contributed to the island’s name.

The tour ends with a stop at Ponta Preta Beach, where you can walk along the shore and swim if conditions allow. Afterwards, you will be dropped off at your accommodation in Santa Maria.

Includes

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Santa Maria
• Transportation
• Fully licensed expert guide
• Tasting of local Cuscuz
• Time for a swim at Ponta Preta Beach
• Small group tour
• Liability insurance

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera. Morning departures are recommended to avoid midday heat and crowds.