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Plan Your Trip to Santa Maria: Best of Santa Maria Tourism

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Santa Maria, Cape Verde

Powdery sand meets turquoise water in Santa Maria, where morna music pours from beachside bars just a short drive from Ilha do Sal's airport and capital city. Add the sun-and-saltwater resort scene to energetic nightlife, and you get one of Cape Verde’s most popular escapes.

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Santa Maria travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Accommodation and Accessibility

According to forum posts, RIU Palace Santa Maria offers rooms that are suitable for guests with mobility issues, especially if they are located on the ground floor as the facility is generally flat. There are special tables in restaurants for people with disabilities and a pool equipped with a hoist lift.

Amenities and Services

Travelers have noted that RIU Palace Santa Maria provides an ashtray on balconies for smokers. Additionally, the resort appears to stay busy year-round but manages crowds well, except at meal times when the buffet can be crowded.

Entertainment and Recreation

Some travelers said that evening entertainment at RIU Palace Santa Maria often has many available seats, suggesting ample space for guests during these events. During the day, guests can enjoy various water sports and other recreational activities.

Guest Experience

For many users, the overall experience at RIU Palace Santa Maria has been positive, with reports of clean rooms and friendly staff. However, some guests have mentioned challenges such as finding tables during busy dining times and the need for more toilet facilities around entertainment areas.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
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Weather Overview

According to forum posts, Santa Maria experiences warm temperatures most of the year, with evenings being cool enough to consider wearing a cardigan or light jacket. Travelers have noted that the wind can be deceiving during the day, making sun protection necessary.

Seasonal Variations

Some travelers stated that December is generally windy and requires covering up in the evenings due to cooler temperatures. Additionally, it was mentioned that September might see rainy conditions, leading to an increase in flying insects.

General Climate

Overall, Santa Maria is described as having a pleasant climate suitable for various outdoor activities. However, it is advisable to prepare for wind and occasional cool evenings, regardless of the season.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
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Price and Variety

According to forum posts, Santa Maria offers a wide range of dining options with varying prices. Travelers can enjoy both budget meals at local restaurants and upmarket dining experiences. Some recommended budget-friendly local spots include Café Criolo, Cam’s, George’s, and Restaurante Compad. Ocean Café is also popular among visitors.

Experience and Recommendations

Some travelers have mentioned that while there are many dining options, the quality and service can be inconsistent. A visitor suggested avoiding Mar al Dentro due to frequent errors with orders. On the other hand, places like By Valeria, O Caranguejo, and Cape Fruit were praised for providing enjoyable dining experiences. For a casual treat, the local bakeries and ice cream places like Gerimundos were recommended.

Atmosphere and Location

For those interested in ambiance, the Dubliner and Ocean Bar were highlighted as good starting points for a night out, offering a lively atmosphere near the main street of Santa Maria. These venues occasionally feature live music, enhancing the dining and entertainment experience.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Maria


Some of the most popular restaurants in Santa Maria include:



If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Santa Maria between June and August, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between December and February.