Sal is the liveliest and most touristy of the Cape Verde Islands, the town of Santa Maria being the centre of the action. Crystal clear waters lap long stretches of white sandy beach, drawing water sports enthusiasts and holidaymakers who make the most of the rapidly developing hotels and resorts. Nearer the international airport is the town of Espargos, where shops, bars and restaurants do good business, the strains of live music usually filling the air. The island's main port, Palmeira, is a working fishing harbour and import station, but is currently improving its tourist infrastructure in line with the rest of the island.

Sal's landscape is unexciting, being flat and arid, but there are some interesting features to visit including the salt lake at Pedra de Lume and a volcano crater. Tourists also enjoy day trips to the nearby island of Boavista, known for its sand dunes, by catamaran.