Santa Maria: The Jewel of Cabo Verde

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeTchau
  [chow]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [pour fah-vohr]
• Thank youObrigado/Obrigada
  [oh-bree-gah-doo/oh-bree-gah-dah]
• Excuse me/SorryDesculpa
  [dess-kool-pah]
• How are you?Kusé ki bu ta?
  [koo-seh kee boo tah]
• Fine. And you?Bem. É bu?
  [behm. eh boo]
• Do you speak English?Bu ta papia Inglés?
  [boo tah pah-pee-ah een-glehs]
• I don't understandN ka ta intendê
  [n kah tah een-ten-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi ta kria mustra menu, por favor
  [mee tah kree-ah moos-trah meh-noo, poor fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatN ka kome karne
  [n kah koh-meh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi ta kria paga, por favor
  [mee tah kree-ah pah-gah, poor fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-zhoo-dah]
• Go away!Bai sinti!
  [by seen-chee]
• Call the Police!Liga Polísia!
  [lee-gah poh-lee-zee-ah]
• Call a doctor!Liga médiku!
  [lee-gah meh-dee-koo]
• I'm lostN sta perdido
  [n stah pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illN sta duenti
  [n stah doo-en-tee]

• I'd like to buy...Mi ta kria kumpra...
  [mee tah kree-ah koom-prah]
• I'm just lookingN sta só konsê
  [n stah soh kohn-seh]
• How much is it?Kuantu é?
  [kwan-too eh]
• That's too expensiveEs ka ta kusta demais
  [ehs kah tah koos-tah deh-mah-ees]
• Can you lower the price?Bu podi baixa preçu?
  [boo poh-dee by-shah preh-soo]

• What time is it?Kuantu ora é?
  [kwan-too oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÉ ás un ora
  [eh ahs oon oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meiu di (10)
  [may-oo dee (10)]
• MorningManhã
  [mahn-yah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• YesterdayOnti
  [ohn-chee]
• TodayOji
  [oh-zhee]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-yah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Kuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Sinku
  [seen-koo]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Seti
  [say-chee]
• 8Oitu
  [oy-too]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehs]

• Where's a/the...?Undi é...?
  [oon-dee eh]
• What's the address?Kusé ki é adrés?
  [koo-seh kee eh ah-dreh-s]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bu podi mustra mi (na mapa)?
  [boo poh-dee moos-trah mee (nah mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kantu ki é prósimu (bus)?
  [kahn-too kee eh proh-see-moo (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (pa ....)
  [oom beel-yeh-tee (pah)]

Santa Maria, located on the southern tip of the island of Sal, was founded in the early 19th century. Initially, it was a small fishing village, but its strategic location and natural harbor soon attracted settlers and traders. The town's establishment was driven by the salt industry, which became the cornerstone of its economy for many decades.

The mid-19th century saw Santa Maria thrive as a result of the booming salt trade. Salt pans were constructed, and the white gold of the island was exported to Brazil and other countries. This era brought significant economic growth to Santa Maria, transforming it from a sleepy village into a bustling hub of activity. The salt trade also fostered cultural exchanges and brought diverse influences to the area.

By the mid-20th century, the global demand for salt diminished, and Santa Maria's economy faced a downturn. However, the town began to reinvent itself, shifting its focus from salt to tourism. Investment in infrastructure and the natural beauty of the island attracted visitors from around the world, gradually transforming Santa Maria into a popular tourist destination.

Santa Maria is rich in cultural heritage, influenced by its history of trade and migration. The town is known for its vibrant festivals, such as the annual Santa Maria Festival, which celebrates local music, dance, and cuisine. These events showcase the town's unique blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian cultures, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Today, Santa Maria is a thriving tourist hotspot, renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. The town has preserved its historical charm while embracing modernity, offering a wide range of activities from water sports to cultural tours. The local community remains deeply connected to its heritage, ensuring that the history and traditions of Santa Maria continue to be celebrated and preserved.

Santa Maria is located on the southern tip of Sal Island in Cabo Verde. The nearest airport is Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID), situated approximately 18 kilometers from Santa Maria. Direct flights are available from various European cities, including Lisbon, Amsterdam, and Paris. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a pre-arranged shuttle service to reach Santa Maria, with the journey taking around 15-20 minutes.

Santa Maria is a compact town, and many attractions are within walking distance. Taxis are readily available and the most convenient option for getting around. There are also alugueres (shared minibusses) that connect Santa Maria with other parts of Sal Island. Renting a car, scooter, or bicycle is another excellent way to explore the island at your own pace.

The official currency in Cabo Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). Euros are also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas like Santa Maria. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and activities. ATMs are available in Santa Maria, but it's wise to have some cash on hand in case of technical issues.

Santa Maria is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. While Santa Maria does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, petty theft can occur, especially on the beach and in busy markets.

In case of emergency, dial 132 for police assistance, 130 for medical emergencies, and 131 for fire services. The main hospital on Sal Island is located in Espargos, about 20 kilometers from Santa Maria. There are also clinics and pharmacies in Santa Maria where you can seek medical help for minor issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, but avoid wearing overly revealing clothing, especially away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, wear modest clothing and remove your hat. Public Transport: Do be polite and respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Olá.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Cachupa and fresh seafood. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Santa Maria like a local, visit the municipal market early in the morning for the freshest produce and local fish. Engage with locals, who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Attend a live music performance to enjoy traditional Cabo Verdean Morna and Funaná. Don't miss taking a walk along the stunning Santa Maria Beach at sunset or trying water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding.