Santa Maria Holidays from £717

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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.
Hotel Dunas de Sal
Hotel Central Santa Maria
Murdeira Village Resort
Halos Casa Resort
BIA D'Olaf Apartments

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

Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Rua Andrade Corvo Sal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £175 per night from 1 May to 2 May
£175
1 May - 2 May
includes taxes & fees
7.2/10 Good! (177 reviews)
Room was dated. TVs dud not work. Room was never cleaned. Towels never changed, Beds never made! Too many kids!

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Cabocan Lote E2, Santa Maria Sal Cape Verde
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £291 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
£291
25 Apr - 26 Apr
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (89 reviews)
Hotel spotlessly clean, food varied and really good. Pools and beach had plenty of sunloungers, plenty of shade. Staff polite and friendly. Minor problem with light switch in room was solved in half an hour. Everything you'd expect from a Riu hotel.

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026

Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria - All Inclusive
Hotel Sobrado

Hotel Sobrado

3.5 out of 5
Entrada Santa Maria Ilha Do Sal Sal Sal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £89 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
£89
4 Apr - 5 Apr
includes taxes & fees
8.2/10 Very Good! (92 reviews)
Lovely hotel, great value for money. Small issues fixed promptly.

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Hotel Sobrado
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.

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What to do in Santa Maria

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* 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.