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What we liked: We loved the weather and sandy beaches. It was hot however with the constant breeze it was just right. The hotel is located literally at the beach which is a really good thing. Marley Bar at the resort is a must visit to chill, drink and eat. Taxis from the resorts to Santa Maria are about 6 euros and my suggestion is to stick with the one and the same taxi driver as we did with our many trips to Santa Maria. Taxi drivers all operate on whatsapp and if you got the ride you liked then stick with it. It pays off when you're go shopping for fish as the driver will walk with you and you won't be "constantly bothered with buying some souvenirs" from other locals. If you're one to get to see the Sal Island go and choose GUS travel. They're very knowledgeable and nothing is a bother when they show you the island. On the less good side: Food in the hotel was hit and miss and in our view the locals should focus on what Cape Verde has best to offer which is fish, fish and fish and ditch the European food. Luckily we did not go all inclusive so we have many more options. Mosquitoes are really annoying and nothing repels them, so take a mosquitoes net with you If are in Santa Maria 1st time, do not get overwhelmed by all the locals trying to sell you something, after all they make a living from selling things to tourists. And lastly travel insurance is a must. The healthcare is accessible for all but hospital miss even basic stuff. If you require special medicines if you get sick, best is if you could take them with you, otherwise you might need to cut short you holiday and get the travel insurance to get you back home early.

The beaches are beautiful but it's impossible to walk the streets without being literally harrassed by owners of shops trying to sell you something. I understand that they're trying to make a living, but insisting that you "just" take a look at their shop, trying to call you back to their shop, literally shouting to you at the streets to "stop" and to "wait" is just unacceptable. While I was walking on the streest, I didn't spend a single minute without being approached and harrassed by someone. They say "Cabo Verde, No Stress" but they pressure and attack you in such a form that you end up not buying anything, even if your intention was to buy something in the beginning. I'm from Turkey where we have a similar "seller approaching you" culture, and I've been to Morocco and Tunisia as well where similar stuff happens, but this was just too much for me. From what I understand, these are generally foreigners who come to Sal to sell stuff, the pure locals of this place are much frendlier and calmer in general. If it weren't for this people, I'd like to have stayed more, or I'd probably even return someday, but just because of this behavoir I'll never return to Santa María. If you want a calmer (and much more beautiful) place, just go Tarrafal on Santiago island.

Too much touristed. Too dry. Visit some of the other islands of Capo Verde. It's easy to take a flight to an other place and have a nice holiday. It's much more green at Sao Vicente and Sao Antao.

Well worth visiting. I've been there during 4 different seasons now, and this visit (January) was my favourite, as it wasn't too hot and the mosquitoes weren't so troublesome. October and September I struggled with because of the humidity and the mosquitoes. Depending on where you stay, most places are within either a short and not too expensive taxi ride, or a short walk. I stayed in Santa Maria which meant I could walk almost everywhere I wanted to go. From most of the big all inclusive hotels, you would normally need to take a taxi into town. The Cape Verdeans are a fun loving and cheerful lot, usually with a smile for whoever looks their way. The only annoying people are the African shop vendors who sometimes don't take no for an answer, although they didn't appear to be quite so bad during this visit. A firm but polite "no thanks" and keep walking should do the trick. There's a great choice of eating places, especially if you like fish and/or chicken, there is however something for everyone. Don't forget to consider eating in the places further away from the seafront, you will get better value for money - just don't be too snobby about the appearance of some of the establishments. I enjoyed the dune buggy experience, which was the only thing I did this time, as I was there for more of a family visit and not a holiday. Although previously I've tried horse riding, the catamaran, the island tour and the salt mine - all great. For those who mostly enjoy watersports, this is the place for you. Can't wait for my next visit.

Santa Maria is a nice, but small town in the South of the Island. It is the only town that is adapted to the tourists, with a lot of restaurants and bars. The other towns on the Island are mostly dead. We went every night to Santa Maria to get some nice diner. Plenty of choice and TripAdvisor is your friend. Go there for some strolling on the beach during sunset and enjoy the atmosphere. I could stay there until I'm 100 years old. Just relax and "No stress".

Santa Maria has beautiful places, beaches and good apart hotels to stay, wonderful people, friendly environment inside the bubbling city of Santa Mari, but be care of booking some apartments or hotels online, especially the ones at the outskirts, some of these hotels and apartments are just like scams. You eventually get to the address and realized it’s a trap to push someone to a highly expensive hotel when they have delayed you with stories until midnight and you are trapped.