Amílcar Cabral Airport, on the island of Sal, is Cape Verde's main tourist gateway, approximately 2 km from Espargos, the island's main city.
Sal is famous for Santa Maria beaches, windsurfing and kitesurfing, with seasonal direct flights from several European cities.
How to get to Amílcar Cabral International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SID
Parking near Amílcar Cabral International Airport
Near the terminal is a parking area of limited size.
It is not staffed but video-monitored; rates are generally reasonable, in line with regional standards.
How to get to Espargos from SID
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Amílcar Cabral International Airport
Major international and local car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for exploring the island beyond Santa Maria.
You need a driver's license, passport and credit card; in most cases an International Driving Permit is also required.
Hotels near Amílcar Cabral International Airport
Santa Maria
17-20 km from the airport, 20-25 minutes by car or taxi; no direct train or tourist bus.
Best for: Those who want the beach, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and the island's tourist restaurants.
- Santa Maria beach, among the most famous in Cape Verde for kitesurfing and windsurfing, just steps from the hotels
- The pier and the pedestrian centre of town offer the widest choice of restaurants on the island
- No direct train or tourist bus from the airport: the only way is by taxi, private shuttle or rental car
- In high season (December-March) room prices rise noticeably
Recommended hotels
- Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort By the sea 5 minutes by car from Santa Maria's main square; eforea spa, casino and four restaurants serving local and international cuisine, opened in 2022 as the country's first Hilton. View availability
- 2Bed-Vila-Verde Sal Cape Verde-Balcony-Pool Two-bedroom apartment with a kitchen in the Água Hotels Vila Verde complex, about 2 km from Santa Maria with a free shuttle to the beach and the centre several times a day. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is appropriately sized for seasonal tourist traffic. From check-in to gate, you typically walk about 10 minutes.
Customs and security checks may take longer than expected during peak seasons: for international flights it's advisable to arrive at least 3 hours early.
Map of Amílcar Cabral International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you need a visa for Cape Verde?
No, not for most Western nationalities for stays of up to 30 days, but everyone must complete the online EASE registration (about €31) at least 5 days before arrival.
Q. Is Sal the best island for a beach holiday?
It's the most touristy, with the most direct flights from Europe, famous for Santa Maria; Boa Vista offers similar beaches with less development; the other islands (Santiago, Santo Antão) offer a more authentic, less beach-focused experience.
Q. What currency is best to use in Cape Verde?
The Cape Verdean escudo gives better value than paying directly in euros, which are nonetheless widely accepted in tourist areas.
Q. Is it worth buying a local SIM at Sal airport?
Yes, the operators CVMóvel and Unitel T+ sell prepaid SIMs right in the arrivals area, a handy option for having data straight away during your stay in Santa Maria.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
