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.

Research Your Holiday Options - Santa Maria Holiday Package

Name: Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
Price range: £159
Rating: 7.2

Top Santa Maria Flight + Hotel Deals

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

Hotel Pontao

£378

per person

4 Sept - 11 Sept

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

London (LGW) to Sal Island (SID)

7.6/10 Good! (114 reviews)

Murdeira Village Resort

£418

per person

4 Sept - 11 Sept

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

London (LGW) to Sal Island (SID)

7.8/10 Good! (230 reviews)

Accommodation is very dated. Website photos do not reflect the hotel. Many of the properties on the resort are old and dilapidated. Wifi in room was the worst I have experienced in the last 10 years and we was lied to about this. For example you will have Wi-Fi on the sofa but less than three metres away you can’t use Wi-Fi in the bed to make a phone call. It was that bad. It was explained as a blackout across Cape Verde however good internet in bar area and other parts of Sal. Friendly and helpful staff especially Duke and the restaurant and bar staff. Free shuttle to Santa Maria twice a day was useful.

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

Melia Laguna Beach Resort - Adults Only

£1,146

per person

19 Sept - 26 Sept

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

London (LGW) to Sal Island (SID)

7/10 Good! (2 reviews)

Royal Horizon Beijo Mansão - Ponta Sino

£1,304

per person

19 Sept - 26 Sept

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

London (LGW) to Sal Island (SID)

No reviews

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

£1,153

per person

19 Sept - 26 Sept

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

London (LGW) to Sal Island (SID)

8.8/10 Excellent! (349 reviews)

Perfectly located. Great staff. Amazing food.

Reviewed on 31 May 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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	72.0°F (22.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	70.0°F (21.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	69.8°F (21.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	72.0°F (22.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	72.9°F (22.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	77.7°F (25.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	79.7°F (26.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	79.2°F (26.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	77.0°F (25.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	74.1°F (23.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly 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.

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

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

Melia Tortuga Beach

Urbanizacao da Cabocan ZDTI Ponta Preta Sal

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£202

14 Jul - 15 Jul

includes taxes & fees

8/10 Very good! (232 reviews)

"Not impressed with the room, or the style of seperate houses. We stayed at Melia Unas for 5 days their set was better, paths of tiles not gravel. I asked for a hairdryer it never came. Food was good and all the staff very helpful and pleasent."

Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

Avenida dos Hoteis CP230 Sal

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£171

6 Jul - 7 Jul

includes taxes & fees

8.8/10 Excellent! (350 reviews)

"Perfectly located. Great staff. Amazing food."

Reviewed on 31 May 2026

Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

Rua Andrade Corvo Sal

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£159

5 Jul - 6 Jul

includes taxes & fees

7.2/10 Good! (190 reviews)

"Lovely place, lovely staff great selection of food etc"

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026

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.

Stay near popular Santa Maria attractions