FANTASTIC SAL - Suzi Dee. Date of travel: Apr 2006
Have just returned from an inspection trip to Sal, Cape Verde Islands. The flight was OK from LHR to Lisbon then onto Sal, but there are direct flights starting from October/Nov 2006 from Birmingham and Gatwick. I would highly recommend the trip, beautiful weather, people, food and atmosphere, good accommodation. In fact 10/10. Great beaches and fabulous salt mines to visit, full of charm. Go and enjoy!!!! Tour Operator: MRI

I loved Murdeira - Claire Hunt. Date of travel: Mar 2006
A lot of people are rude about Sal. But they forget that if there is very little rain, there is very little vegetation, except where people water twice daily. So it's not green, but you don't get the rain. The trade winds keep you much cooler than you would be in those latitudes, and the weather is temperate. The people are very friendly and the island has a good feel to it. I have travelled to nearly all the other Cape Verde Islands and Sal is my favourite as I love the ocean. With flights direct from Gatwick and Manchester you can book online, and from the previous posts, someone thought that you had to fly via Santiago. You could, but why would you want to do that? Yes, you do need to fill in white customs forms at the airport, but this is normal in many places. You also need to purchase a cape verde visa.

Sal/suprise and rectification - Elisa. Date of travel: Jan 2006
I am surprised by your comments about Sal and specially about the staff at the aeroport. What do you mean "no respect for eu or usa doc"? Do you have in your aeroports any respect for other docs, Africans specially. I think this is a comment from ignorant and close minded people. Hopefully you are not the only people going there and seeing the quick growth of the islands in tourism we can see that you don`t know what you talking about. For your information there is a direct flight to Sal and it is not boring.....

Water sports or nothing - Peter and Christine James. Date of travel: Jan 2006
Sal is flat and boring for families, and can only be reached at present via Santiago (Praia) which can be a nightmare. Visas are required, and are 20€ or less arranged in advance. The gestapo try to get you to fill out an application on arrival which will cost you 45€ and put you at the back of the queue. No respect for EU or US documentation. Watersports are fantastic as the wind blows like mad most of the time. This however can limit the scuba diving on many days. Gasoline is 1.34/litre but taxis are many and cheap. Outside Santa Maria there is only the salt mine, but dont miss it - taxi best. Dont be afraid to go freelance. Ask TVCA for any special flight packages.There is always someone around who speaks English, French &/or Italian, including taxi drivers. Tour Operator: Freelance