Santa Maria Holidays from £564

Book a Hotel + Flight or Car together to unlock savings

  • Plan, book, travel with confidence

  • Better together

    Save up to £750 when you book a flight and hotel together*

  • Find the right fit

    With over 300,000 hotels worldwide, it's easy to create a perfect package

  • Rest easy

    Packages with flights are ATOL protected

Your Santa Maria Holiday

When you book a holiday package to Santa Maria, all the planning is done before you leave. This gives you extra time to discover some of the things that characterise this seaside city, such as its laid-back lifestyle, beaches and welcoming locals. Santa Maria Beach, Santa Maria Pier and Santa Maria Town Square are just a few of the sights you'll want to explore during your trip to Santa Maria. Stop dreaming and start doing. Browse the range of options on Expedia today and put your Santa Maria holiday plans into action!

Top Santa Maria Flight + Hotel Deals

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Marialva Tropical T2

Marialva Tropical T2

£564
per person
16 Oct - 23 Oct
found 1 hour ago
Return flight included
London (LON) to Sal Island (SID)
No reviews
Melia Tortuga Beach

Melia Tortuga Beach

£2,255
per person
1 Nov - 8 Nov
found 18 hours ago
Return flight included
Birmingham (BHX) to Sal Island (SID)
8/10 Very good! (234 reviews)
Hotel Dunas de Sal

Hotel Dunas de Sal

£1,955
per person
1 Nov - 8 Nov
found 18 hours ago
Return flight included
Birmingham (BHX) to Sal Island (SID)
8.2/10 Very good! (92 reviews)
Great location, clean and tidy, and the breakfast had a good selection. The air conditioner was quiet and the “do not disturb/clean room” door handle tag was a cute touch.

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026

Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

£2,034
per person
1 Nov - 8 Nov
found 18 hours ago
Return flight included
Birmingham (BHX) to Sal Island (SID)
7.2/10 Good! (196 reviews)
Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive - Adults Only

Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive - Adults Only

£2,240
per person
1 Nov - 8 Nov
found 18 hours ago
Return flight included
Birmingham (BHX) to Sal Island (SID)
8.6/10 Excellent! (171 reviews)
Disappointing stay. Beautiful location but things like the cleaners taking towels and not replacing them, which happened every day, black mould in the pool of the swim up rooms and swim up bar, cats roaming around all bars and restaurants, even in kitchen areas and on furniture and not being able to book à la carte restaurants during the stay as they were allegedly fully booked but then appeared to have ample availability each evening made it a disappointing experience.

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2026

Things to do in Santa Maria

Santa Maria offers a delightful blend of beach and outdoor activities for holidaymakers. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere at the public market, relax on the stunning Kite Beach, or revel in vibrant party nights. For the adventurous, fishing tours and exhilarating water slides await, while a village tour provides a glimpse into local culture. Whether you're seeking relaxation or excitement, Santa Maria has something for everyone.

Shopping

The Santa Maria Municipal Market is a vibrant public market where you can experience local culture and shop for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, the Praia Shopping Centre, located over 16.1km away, offers a larger selection of shops and brands.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation with yoga sessions on the beach, indulge in soothing spa treatments using local ingredients, and partake in holistic workshops. For adventure, try windsurfing or kite surfing, and enjoy leisurely strolls along the picturesque coastline, immersing yourself in the tranquil island atmosphere.

Adventure

Experience windsurfing or kitesurfing at Ponta Preta Beach, known for its ideal conditions. For a unique adventure, take a quad bike tour through the stunning landscapes of Sal. Don’t miss snorkelling at the natural pools of Buracona, where vibrant marine life awaits.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Santa Maria is vibrant and lively, with a variety of bars and clubs to explore. Enjoy cocktails at the beachfront bars or dance the night away at local clubs like Disco Gamboa. The atmosphere is friendly, making it easy to mingle with fellow travellers and locals.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Santa Maria

Santa Maria, located on the picturesque island of Sal, Cape Verde, is ideal for beach, outdoor, and city-themed vacations. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches, including the famous Santa Maria Beach, along with vibrant local culture at the jetty and piazza. The area boasts popular resorts and a variety of attractions that cater to those seeking an outdoor experience or a relaxing beach getaway, making it a perfect destination for travellers of all interests.

  • Santa Maria Beach: Experience the stunning beauty of Santa Maria Beach, known for its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. This beach offers a perfect spot for sunbathing and water sports, creating a vibrant atmosphere ideal for relaxation and fun.
  • Santa Maria Pier: Stroll along Santa Maria Pier, where luxury meets budget-friendly options. Enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, and perhaps indulge in a leisurely meal at a nearby café while soaking up the relaxing vibe of the waterfront.
  • Santa Maria Town Square: Immerse yourself in the local culture at Santa Maria Town Square. This lively piazza serves as a hub for community events, markets, and socialising, offering a true taste of city life in Cape Verde.

Best time to go to Santa Maria

The best time to visit Santa Maria is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. March is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January72.0°F (22.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
February70.0°F (21.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
March69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April70.5°F (21.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May72.0°F (22.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July74.8°F (23.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August77.7°F (25.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October79.2°F (26.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November77.0°F (25.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December74.1°F (23.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Maria

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Santa Maria during the low season (May to June and September) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Santa Maria Beach Holiday

Fresh sea air and fabulous ocean views are some things to look forward to on your Santa Maria holiday. If you're eager to save on your trip to Santa Maria, we'll let you in on a secret — choose one of our Santa Maria holiday packages. Grab one near Santa Maria Beach, only 1 mile from the town centre and a must-see while here. Alternatively, select a package that puts you close to Shark Bay Beach, another tempting strip of coast. Either way, you'll be left with extra dollars in your holiday budget to play with.

Things You Should Know About Santa Maria

  • Spend your holiday by the water and let the stresses of daily life drift away with the sea breeze. Check out our Santa Maria beach hotels and indulge in a little beachside bliss.
  • Our apartments, like Antonio Sousa Beach 3 Bedroom Apartment and Vila Verde Resort- Ground floor Apartment, are a hit with travellers of all types. Consider the facilities and get set for your holiday in Santa Maria!
  • Santa Maria is home to 17,200 people and has lots to keep the whole gang busy. Want to start planning some exciting activities? Head straight to our Santa Maria things to do page.
  • If you're looking for places to visit during your stay, add Santa Maria Beach, Shark Bay Beach and Santa Maria Town Square to your must-see list. Also, take a look at our Santa Maria holiday deals to get great deals on your experiences, hotels and more.

Santa Maria Essential Information

Language
Portuguese
Currency
Cape Verdean escudos
Local Welcome
Olá
Local Goodbye
Adeus
Closest Airport
Amilcar Cabral Intl. Airport (SID)
Population
17,200
Max Temp Winter
24ºC
Max Temp Summer
24ºC
Top Sights
Santa Maria Beach, Shark Bay Beach and Kite Beach

Top hotels in Santa Maria

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

Avenida dos Hoteis CP230 Sal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
£178
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (355 reviews)
"I enjoyed the ocean view and the placement of my rooms and how helpful their staff were. It was a great experience"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2026

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive

Cabocan Lote E2, Santa Maria Sal Cape Verde
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
£371
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (97 reviews)
"Ich hatte zwei Kakerlaken bei mir im Zimmer. Die Klimaanlage hat laut gequietscht und wurde auf Nachfrage nicht repariert. Das Gym war nicht gut ausgestattet. Das Restaurant war gut. Der Strand wunderschön!"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2026

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive
Hotel Pontao

Hotel Pontao

Edificio Pontao Sal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
£69
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Hotel Pontao
See all 307 properties in Santa Maria
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
All Inclusive Holidays
All Inclusive Holidays
Beach Holidays
Beach Holidays
Family Friendly Holidays
Family Friendly Holidays
Golf Holidays
Golf Holidays
Luxury Holidays
Luxury Holidays
gay friendly holidays
LGBTQ+ Holidays
LGBTQ+ Holidays
Romantic Holidays
Romantic Holidays
Ski Holidays
Ski Holidays
Pet Friendly Holidays
Pet Friendly Holidays
Holiday in Month
Where to go when
Where to go when

Stay near popular Santa Maria attractions

Santa Maria Beach

9.2/10 (241 reviews)
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Santa Maria Beach during your travels in Santa Maria? You can enjoy the bars while in the area.
See properties

Santa Maria Town Square

8.4/10 (220 reviews)
You can find out about the history of Santa Maria when you stop by Santa Maria Town Square. Stroll along this relaxing area's beaches or simply enjoy its bars.
See properties

Kite Beach

8.8/10 (119 reviews)
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Kite Beach during your trip to Santa Maria? Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its bars.
See properties

Santa Maria Pier

8.6/10 (253 reviews)
Santa Maria Pier is just one of the places to see in Santa Maria, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its bars.
See properties

Shark Bay Beach

8.6/10 (134 reviews)
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Shark Bay Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Santa Maria. You can enjoy the bars while in the area.
See properties

Ponta Preta

8.4/10 (125 reviews)
You can find out about the history of Santa Maria when you stop by Ponta Preta. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its bars.
See properties

Viveiro Botanical Garden & Zoo

8.6/10 (54 reviews)
Why not visit the animals who call Viveiro Botanical Garden & Zoo home during your holiday in Santa Maria? Stroll along this relaxing area's beaches or simply enjoy its bars.
See properties

Santa Maria Municipal Market

7.8/10 (66 reviews)
You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Santa Maria Municipal Market during your trip to Santa Maria. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its bars.
See properties

What to do in Santa Maria

Complete Adventure Ride on a Monster Truck Cabo Verde

Complete Adventure Ride on a Monster Truck Cabo Verde

£21
per adult
Complete Adventure Ride on a Monster Truck Cabo Verde
Santa Maria: Salt Mine, Natural Pool, and Shark Bay Tour

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

£25
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Maria: Salt Mine, Natural Pool, and Shark Bay Tour
Picture 7 for Activity Santa Maria: Snorkeling Boat Tour

Santa Maria: Snorkeling Boat Tour

£32
per adult
Santa Maria: Snorkeling Boat Tour
See all activities in Santa Maria

Frequently asked questions

Why should I book my Santa Maria holiday with Expedia?
Expedia has your back for every aspect of your next Santa Maria trip. You'll always land the best prices around, but when you bundle your accommodation, airfares and/or car hire into a holiday package, you'll score even bigger savings. Keen to truly make the most of your adventure? Add some exciting tours and activities to your customised package. We offer flexible cancellation policies on almost all bookings, so there's no need to worry if your travel plans change. Visit our Customer Service Portal link to learn more.
When is the best time of year to holiday in Santa Maria?
If you're eager to experience the vibe of Santa Maria in peak season, plan your getaway for May, September and October. March, November and December are usually the quietest months of the year. To give you an idea of what type of weather you can experience, the average temperature during the day in February, the coolest time of year in Santa Maria, is 21ºC. The warmest time here is September, when temperatures average 26ºC.
What is the top hotel for my holiday in Santa Maria?
Unwind in Santa Maria by choosing Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria as your home base and gateway to fun and adventure.
How do I get a cheap holiday to Santa Maria?
Combining your hotel and flight with Expedia won't just save valuable time — it'll save you a tidy sum too. A Santa Maria holiday makes it a cinch to create the ideal trip. With more than 400 airlines all over the world to pick from, finding convenient flights that suit your schedule won't be a problem. In addition to that, we've got over 321,000 hotel options globally to pick from. Now that's what we call choice. No matter who you are, Expedia puts more of the world within your reach. Learn more about how you can save money on your next holiday when you bundle your flight and hotel bookings with Expedia.
What should I do on my Santa Maria holiday?
Make sure your holiday in Santa Maria is one to remember by stopping by its best attractions. Santa Maria Beach, Santa Maria Pier, Santa Maria Town Square and Shark Bay Beach are some of the things you must see while you're in this city.
What is the best area to stay in when on holiday in Santa Maria?
There's so much to see in Santa Maria, so stay near its attractions and treat yourself to more time sightseeing. Santa Maria Beach is one place to put on your must-see list.
Do I need a visa for my Santa Maria holiday?
Check the most up-to-date information on official government websites. Your nationality and whether you're visiting for business, study or leisure will determine if you'll require a visa for Santa Maria. Familiarise yourself with the application process, including the required documentation, turnaround times and fees. Submit your application well in advance to allow enough time for processing. Some visas may take many weeks or even months to obtain, depending on the country.
What should I wear on my Santa Maria holiday?
Consider the type of activities planned during your trip to Santa Maria and travel with pieces that can be mixed and matched. For fashion inspiration or even information on dress codes, browse style blogs or social media accounts. Pack with confidence by looking up the weather forecast in Santa Maria. September brings the warmest temperatures, with daytime averages of 26ºC, while February days average 21ºC, making it the coolest time of the year.
What does an Expedia Santa Maria holiday include?
Expedia has everything you need to organise your Santa Maria trip, but how your package is structured is totally up to you. Choose from a combination of hotels, flights and hire cars. Looking for some activities or tours to keep you entertained? Once you've made your booking, you can add them on too. Whatever your style or budget, there's a deal to suit your needs. Apartments and private holiday homes are a couple of sought-after property types in Santa Maria. Whatever your holiday style or group size, you can count on Expedia for the flexibility to personalise your dream escape.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Santa Maria holidays?
Expedia has partnered with online lender Klarna to make your next getaway easier on your budget. Paying in instalments means you can spread the costs of your next adventure, leaving you with more cash to play with while you're travelling. Klarna has several payment plans to choose from, so you're sure to find something that falls within your budget. Consider these flexible payment options:
  • Pay monthly holidays: Jet off on that dream holiday sooner with Klarna's manageable monthly instalment plans. If paying bite-sized amounts each month sounds right for you, choose this option at checkout.
  • No-deposit holidays: Clicking on the "book now" button is easier with this payment plan. With no deposit required for your holiday, you can Book Now, Pay Later and start packing your bags.
Can I choose my airline with a Santa Maria Expedia holiday?
You certainly can. Expedia has access to more than 400 partner airlines all over the world, so choose the carrier that best fits your needs.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected.