Secrets of Sal Island 4x4 tour with Pedra da Lume Salt Lake

The desolate beauty of inland Sal is in stark contrast to the white sands of its coast. On this off-road safari, you'll explore Murdeira Bay, the Buracona lagoon, the ocean-like sands of Terra Boa and Pedra de Lume. Beyond the most popular sights, you'll also get a glimpse of local life in Palmeira and Espargos. Rodrigo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘I've lived on Sal all my life, and I'm still fascinated by my island's colourful street art. It's a vivid reflection of our culture and our daily lives.'

Starting with a pit stop at Murdeira Bay, you'll trundle off in a closed 4x4 – we're the only ones using covered off-roaders – to the fishing village of Palmeira on the west coast. Its palm tree-lined streets are dotted with mural-painted cafés and tiny shops. Rodrigo says, ‘Palmeira's kaleidoscopic – and cluttered – souvenir shops are an attraction in themselves.' Then it's on to the Buracona lagoon, famed for how it shimmers when hit by sunlight.

Next, you'll witness the ocean-like sands and mirage of Terra Boa. An optical phenomenon, in which hot rays of light reflect distant objects and the sky, creates the illusion of a desert lake. Back on the road, there's a pit stop at a viewpoint, where you can enjoy an elevated panorama of Espargos, the island's capital. Wind down with a natural spa treatment in the Dead Sea-like lagoon of Pedra de Lume. Floating in one of the world's saltiest waters and inside an extinct volcano crater is a buoyant way to end the tour.

This experience is available as a morning or afternoon tour, so the itinerary timings change depending on which one you pick.

- 8:00am – pick-up from your hotel

- 8:15am – transfer to Murdeira Bay

- 8:30am to 8:45am – continue to Palmeira for a visit to the fisherman's village

- 9:15am to 9:30pm – transfer to Buracona lagoon with a chance to see the Blue Eye

- 10:10am to 10:20am – travel to Terra Boa with a photo stop at the Mirage

- 10:20am to 10:35am – proceed to Salinas Pedra de Lume and the Salt Lakes

- 10:35am to 11:15am – entrance to the Salt Lakes and time for swimming

- 11:20am to 12:00pm – transfer back to your hotel

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- 1:30pm – pick up from your hotel

- 1:45pm – transfer to Murdeira Bay

- 2:00pm to 2:15pm – continue to Palmeira for a visit to the fisherman's village

- 2:45pm to 3:00pm – transfer to Buracona lagoon with a chance to see the Blue Eye

- 3:40pm to 3:50pm – travel to Terra Boa with a photo stop at the Mirage

- 3:50pm to 4:05pm – proceed to Salinas Pedra de Lume and the Salt Lakes

- 4:05pm to 4:45pm – entrance to the Salt Lakes and time for swimming

- 4:45pm to 5:30pm – transfer back to your hotel

Please note, the times and stops may vary slightly on the day