Pedra de Lume Salt Flats Sal Cape Verde
Float effortlessly in a dormant volcanic crater filled with hyper-saline water, a unique historical site on Sal Island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for floating & photos
Pedra de Lume Salt Flats Sal Cape Verde
Best Time
Best for floating & photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Float effortlessly in a dormant volcanic crater filled with hyper-saline water, a unique historical site on Sal Island.
"Must do when in Sal, Cape Verde - float in the salt mines!"
Bring Cash Only! 💰
Entry and showers are cash-only. No cards accepted, so get escudos beforehand!
Don't Get Salt in Your Eyes! 💧
The water is extremely salty. Avoid swimming and be careful not to splash water into your eyes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Floating in the Salt Crater
Salt Lake
Effortlessly float in the super-salty waters of an extinct volcano crater. A truly unique sensation!
Volcanic Crater Views
Crater Rim
Marvel at the vast, otherworldly landscape of the dormant volcano's crater. Great for photos!
Historical Salt Production
Salt Pans
Learn about the island's past economy and the importance of salt extraction in this historic site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King at the Crater
Float Your Worries Away
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash Only! 💰
Entry and showers are cash-only. No cards accepted, so get escudos beforehand!
Don't Get Salt in Your Eyes! 💧
The water is extremely salty. Avoid swimming and be careful not to splash water into your eyes.
Float Like a Pro! 🛟
Embrace the buoyancy! Relax and enjoy the unique sensation of floating effortlessly.
Shower Off the Salt 🚿
Showers are available for a small fee to rinse off the salt after your float.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash Only! 💰
Entry and showers are cash-only. No cards accepted, so get escudos beforehand!
Don't Get Salt in Your Eyes! 💧
The water is extremely salty. Avoid swimming and be careful not to splash water into your eyes.
Float Like a Pro! 🛟
Embrace the buoyancy! Relax and enjoy the unique sensation of floating effortlessly.
Shower Off the Salt 🚿
Showers are available for a small fee to rinse off the salt after your float.
Souvenir Salt 🧂
You can purchase a kilo of the local salt as a unique souvenir.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Pedra de Lume an impressive and historical site, especially enjoying the unique experience of floating in the highly saline waters. While some wish for more historical information and better facilities, the novelty of the salt crater makes it a must-visit for most tourists on Sal Island.
"It is impresive, great view, historical. I would have liked more banners of historical date and better changing/showering facilities and bar offers. Otherwise is a great place ! And for those who never tried floating on a salty lake - must do :)"
Alina Balaci
"Dormant volcano with a crater full of salt water. The water is so salty that you can easily float.
We were told that bathing in the salt water is medicinal and can make you 10 years younger.
The cost is €6 & showers cost €1 to use too.
Snack bar and souvenir shop onsite.
It's sad to know that the proceeds from this CV attraction go not to Cape Verde but another country. 😞
There's not much else to do, but float around. How long depends on you.
3☆ based on the cost for the activity."
Global With DS (부인)
"This place should be visited by every tourist who comes to this island. You can understand the name of the island here. Don't forget to take your swimsuits - you won't come across a lake with such a salt content every day. This place is the crater of an old volcano."
Bilovus Maksym
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi from Santa Maria, which costs around €35-40 one way. Alternatively, take a minibus to Espargos (€1.20) and then a taxi to Pedra de Lume (€5). Renting a car is also an option for more flexibility.
It's recommended to get the taxi driver's mobile number to arrange your return trip from the salt flats.
Yes, many tours include Pedra de Lume as a stop. However, visiting independently allows for more time to float.
If you're in Espargos, you can take a taxi directly to Pedra de Lume.
Direct public transport is limited. Minibuses go to Espargos, from where you'll need a taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is €6 per person. Make sure to bring cash, as cards are not accepted.
Yes, showers to rinse off the salt cost an additional €1.
Currently, tickets must be purchased on-site with cash only.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or with your tour operator.
There isn't a strict time limit, but tours may have scheduled departure times. Visiting independently allows you to stay as long as you wish.
🎫 🛟 Onsite Experience
You'll enter a dormant volcano crater where you can float effortlessly in highly saline water, similar to the Dead Sea. It's a unique and historical site.
Absolutely! The water's high salt concentration makes floating incredibly easy and a must-do experience.
Yes, there are changing areas and showers available for a small fee to rinse off the salt.
Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel. Comfortable shoes are also recommended for walking around the crater.
While you can float, it's not recommended to 'swim' as the water can be painful if it gets into your eyes.
🍽️ 🧂 Food & Dining
There is a snack bar and a souvenir shop on-site.
Yes, a snack bar offers some refreshments.
It's a good idea to have a meal before or after your visit, as options are limited to snacks.
The immediate area around the salt flats is quite remote. You'll find more dining options back in Espargos or Santa Maria.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally best to consume snacks at the designated snack bar area.
📸 📸 Photography
The vast salt pans, the crater rim views, and people floating in the water offer stunning photographic moments. 
Late afternoon often provides softer light, while midday offers dramatic contrasts.
The rim of the crater provides panoramic views, and the entrance tunnel also offers a unique perspective.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape. Protect your gear from any salt spray.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to teach them about natural buoyancy and the science behind it. Remember to keep a close eye on children and ensure they don't get salt water in their eyes, as it can sting. Bring plenty of water and snacks, although there is a snack bar on-site. The changing facilities and showers are useful for a quick rinse-off after the salty dip. The historical aspect of the salt pans can also be an educational element for older children interested in how things were done in the past.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks to save on costs at the on-site snack bar. If you're on a very tight budget, you might consider skipping the shower if you have a place to rinse off later, though it's recommended for comfort.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for midday for high contrast or late afternoon for softer, more atmospheric light. Capture the surreal experience of people floating effortlessly, the textures of the salt pans, and the panoramic views from the crater rim. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vastness of the landscape. Be mindful of protecting your gear from any salt spray.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science of Floating
+1When you enter the water, the density created by the dissolved salt supports your body, preventing you from sinking. It's a surreal experience that many describe as feeling weightless. Remember to avoid vigorous swimming and keep your head above water to prevent the salty water from irritating your eyes.
While the floating is the main draw, the historical significance of the salt pans adds another layer to the visit. For years, this natural resource was crucial for the island's development, and remnants of its past operations can still be observed.
A Glimpse into Sal's History
Historically, the salt was harvested by hand and transported from the crater. The infrastructure, though now largely disused, tells a story of a bygone era. Visitors can learn about the methods used for salt production and the importance of this natural resource to the Cape Verdean people.
While the economic importance has waned, the salt flats remain a powerful symbol of Sal's heritage. The site offers a unique opportunity to connect with the island's past and understand how its natural resources have influenced its development.
Practicalities for Your Visit
Facilities include changing rooms and showers to rinse off the salt. While there's a snack bar and souvenir shop, it's advisable to have a meal before or after your visit, as dining options are limited. Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel, and consider comfortable footwear for navigating the site.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, consider visiting independently rather than as part of a rushed tour, allowing you to float for as long as you desire.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit