ILHA DO SAL Sal is the most developed island and is 30 km long and one of the most populated. Most of its 11.000 inhabitants live in the town of Espargos, which is the commercial town, situated near the international airport, while the small colourful village of Santa Maria with its 8 km long white sande beach and crystal clear water, is considered the touristic center. Excellent conditions for many water sports like windsurfing, fishing and diving.       Santa Maria is the turistic center of the islands. All turistic structure, as hotels, residence, villages are concentrated around this small town. Santa Maria takes its name from the white sanded beach which starts from the small town and is 8 km long. On the way back to the airport you will find the smal oasis of Fontona, a very nice green area, with palms and coconut threes. Going to the north, near the Airport you can reech the town of Espargos, the capital and administrative center of the island. Here you will find all type of shops, and is the most populated town of Ilha do Sal. Proceeding to the north you can reach the small town of Palmeira, the most important commercial place of Sal, thanks to its harbour where all ships coming from Europe, Africa and Brasil come every day, with food, fresh fish, "pescado", furnitures, and any kind of other item.       if you have a trip around the island, you cannot forget to visit the most fascinating place of Sal: Pedra de Lume. it's thanks to the salted mines thatthe economy of this island started developping in the XX century. This is the old crater of the volcan, which has been transformed into "salinas". Here you can take a bath in this charming atmosphere in the very salted waters. From here, by jeep, you can proceed to the north, but do not forget about taking with you a big bottle of spring water, from here on the life will be hard. Sun and desert will take you to the beautiful place called Burracona, a natural swimming pool, a fascinating place, but be carefull, the ocean here has a real strenght when gets inside the rocks, creating spectacula waves and colourful springs. The northern side of Ilha do Sal is called Fiura where the wild ocean is the God of the intire nature.