Anyone been to Cape Verde( Sal) in recent years..

We’re going on 16th May. From what I can gather it’s best to take Euros, the local currency is strong and you can’t take it off the island???? Sounds like not many places take card payments. Going on a package holiday with TUI to the Rui Palace Hotel all inclusive. Are the electrity plugs same as Spain ?Any tips (sensible) appreciated.

 

Went in February, same hotel all inclusive. Yep euros are universally accepted. It's a beautiful place and TUI are everywhere. They give a lot back to the island through charity work. There is still a lot of poverty and undeveloped villages. The locals selling trips in Santa Maria are quite pushy although we were told they leave you alone after a firm no. Highly recommend it.

 

You'll be fine with Euros and the normal travel plugs, it's a lovely walk along a stunning beach from the Riu hotels into Santa Maria which is the local town with shops, bars, restaurants and a jetty where the fisherman bring their catch in which is well worth seeing.
In truth it's a chill out beach and nice hotel type holiday, have a good time mate.

 

We go on the 12th mate staying at the RUI Cabo Verde, everyone I've asked that's been reckon it's fabulous, can't wait.

 

Thanks all for the replies, much appreciated

 

Went to Sal last April and stayed in the TUI Blue. Superb place to visit and the all inclusive was excellent too. I recommend doing the island tour that TUI run - an all day trip that takes you all around the island and shows the real Sal. Also, take a walk down to Santa Maria along the coastline. A far way but the sand on that stretch (after the wind surfing shack) is some of the best I've ever been on.

Word of warning though - if you're not a strong swimmer be careful. The waves and currents can be extremely strong - even on the family beaches around the nightclub place (Bikini Beach Club) - which was bang opposite the TUI Blue.

Great place though - you'll love it!

Oh yeah - and as every one else has said Euros are probably the best currency to have with you.

 

Good advice there regarding the waves. Me and the wife are quite strong swimmers but got taken out by a wave that didn't look much. We'd turned our back on the sea and wham. Never experienced anything like that before. Thought we were gonners

 

Been 4 times stayed in the Melia Llana and the Palace , great chill out holiday sea proper rough tho knocked off my feet a couple of times can be very windy on the beach too

 

Enjoy, weve nivver been but av been looking at Hotel Rui Funana, looks lovely maybe 2025, were going to Majorca, October

 

heard about the sea issue before - apparantly it gets red flagged half the time and also reports of people getting limbs broken etc.