Starting from a remote car park on an island in the Atlantic Ocean, we ventured into a 100-yard long tunnel made of rocks. Exiting the tunnel, we were greeted by a breathtaking view of a vast crater, resembling something out of a science fiction movie.
The landscape before us displayed vibrant hues of ochre, pink, and white, reminiscent of a Martian setting, except for the presence of a lake below. This unique location is the Pedra de Lume salt flats on Sal island in Cape Verde.
The lake boasts salt levels more than 20 times higher than the sea, surpassing even the renowned Dead Sea in Israel and Jordan. Similar to its Middle Eastern counterpart, tourists are drawn to this spot for the novelty of effortlessly floating on the water’s surface.
Local residents advocate for a dip in the lake, claiming that the salty water revitalizes the skin, making individuals appear younger by a decade after emerging. While not a Benjamin Button transformation, the experience of floating is enjoyable, albeit with a slight sting from any minor skin abrasions.
Entrance to the site costs €6, with an additional charge of €1 for a freshwater shower post-immersion. Facilities include a small cafe and a souvenir shop, where cash transactions are preferred.
Cape Verde, situated 350 miles off the Senegalese coast, is gaining popularity among British travelers as a predominantly relaxing destination, offering consistent tropical weather throughout the year. A key attraction is its minimal jet lag impact, accessible via a direct six-hour flight due south.
Covering a distance of 2,700 miles, equivalent to crossing the Atlantic to Newfoundland in Canada, our lodging for the trip was the luxurious Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, located on the outskirts of Santa Maria, the primary tourist hub.
The resort offers upscale accommodation with excellent amenities, including attentive service, spacious rooms, a delightful central pool area, a serene spa, and various watersport activities by the breezy ocean.
Conveniently within walking distance to Santa Maria’s center, guests can explore shops, bars, and restaurants via a promenade along the expansive beach. The resort is part of the easyJet holidays package offerings.
A notable feature of the hotel is the airy Bounty Beach Restaurant and Bar, a sophisticated yet relaxed venue with stunning sea views. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, including the chicken Caesar salad, local Strela lager, and surprisingly delightful Cape Verdean wines.
After reluctantly leaving the Bounty, we embarked on another aquatic adventure – a pleasant catamaran excursion in the Atlantic with the friendly crew from Cape Verde Sailing. While enjoying the ocean, we also had the chance to snorkel at an underwater statue of Jesus.
During our leisurely sail, we witnessed skipjack tunas leaping out of the water
