Sal Rei is the capital and only real town on Boa Vista, home to about half the island’s people. It’s a relaxed, colourful place and the natural base for exploring the island.
The town
Life centres on the main square, Praça de Santa Isabel, with its pastel church and shady trees. Browse the Mercado Municipal for fruit and crafts, and visit Sodade, Casa da Cultura, a cultural house and museum with a leafy courtyard where you can also lunch. It’s small — you’ll see it in a morning — but it’s the best place to feel local life.
The beach
The bay off Sal Rei, sheltered by the islet of Ilhéu de Sal Rei, has the calmest water on the island and is the best spot for a proper swim. It’s also where boat excursions for whales and turtles set off.
Getting there
Sal Rei is a 10–15 minute drive from Aristides Pereira International Airport; a taxi costs around €10. From here you can arrange island tours, boat trips and car hire.
Around the town
Sal Rei is built around a large sandy square where island life gathers: the blue-trimmed church, benches under scruffy trees, kids playing football at dusk. The harbour front is the working edge — fishing boats, the market hall selling the morning's catch, and desks for boat trips and whale tours. Behind the square, sandy backstreets hide craft shops, Senegalese stalls and some of the island's best small restaurants.
The town beach and Estoril
The bay in front of town, sheltered by the islet of Sal Rei, is the calmest swimming on Boa Vista — locals' children learn to swim here, which tells you what you need to know. Estoril beach, a short walk south, adds beach bars and kitesurf schools. For big empty sand, Chaves is ten minutes away.
Practical information
- ATMs, pharmacy, supermarkets and the island's restaurants are all here.
- Aluguers leave from the square; taxis gather by the harbour.
- Eat the catch of the day at the harbour-side grills — superb value.
- Evenings are relaxed rather than wild; live music several nights a week.
- Staying here vs the resorts: see where to stay on Boa Vista.