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Pedra de Lume Salt Lake

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Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)

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The salt lake of Pedra de Lume is located in the northeastern part of Sal Island and is one of the most fascinating natural wonders of Cape Verde. It is situated within the crater of an extinct volcano whose floor lies below sea level, allowing seawater to seep in through the porous volcanic rock. The intense heat causes the water to evaporate, leaving behind a thick crust of salt that has been industrially harvested since the 18th century. Today, the salines are a protected cultural heritage site where visitors can bathe in high-concentration salt pools. Due to a salinity levels 26 times higher than the regular ocean, swimmers experience buoyancy similar to that of the Dead Sea. The landscape inside the crater is defined by brilliant whites, pinks, and browns that shift depending on the sunlight. Historical remnants, such as an old lighthouse and the ruins of a cable car system once used to transport salt to the port, testify to its past economic importance. The combination of geological uniqueness and industrial history makes Pedra de Lume one of the island's most photographed landmarks. A visit provides both therapeutic relaxation and insight into Sal's volcanic origins.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.

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Avg °C222121222223242626262523
Rain mm2523885473044232742

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The highly spectacular volcanic crater is incredibly accessible by standard road from most popular tourist areas on the island, usually involving a very straightforward drive followed immediately by a short, incredibly atmospheric walk directly through a historically carved rock tunnel.
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Best season
The consistently warm, delightfully arid climate naturally allows for deeply pleasant visits practically year-round. Arriving during the early morning hours or late afternoon is often highly recommended by locals to completely avoid the incredibly intense, sweltering midday sun.
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Terrain & paths
Visitors will carefully navigate somewhat uneven, rocky volcanic dirt pathways leading steadily down into the vast central crater, eventually reaching heavily salt-encrusted shores that directly border the unusually dense, strikingly hypersaline lake waters.
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What to bring
Essential daily packing strictly includes comfortable swimming attire, highly protective water-shoes to effectively guard bare feet from extremely sharp salt crystal formations, and ample fresh bottled water to thoroughly rinse off the heavy, irritating salt residue after floating.
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Parking
A clearly designated, reasonably spacious public parking area is typically situated right near the main entrance tunnel, providing highly convenient and immediate access for visitors arriving via private rental cars, local hired taxis, or organized large tour buses.
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Safety
It is absolutely crucial to strictly avoid getting the highly concentrated, incredibly stinging saline water anywhere near your eyes or mouth. Additionally, exercise constant caution when walking, as the thick, deceptive salt crusts near the water's edge can be surprisingly slippery and sharp.
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Time needed
A standard, highly satisfying visit to this unique geological site typically lasts roughly one to two incredibly enjoyable hours, which provides plenty of unhurried time to fully explore the crater basin, experience the surreal floating sensation, and photograph the stark volcanic landscape.

Geography

Coordinates
16.76000, -22.89000

Facts

  • Located inside the crater of an extinct volcano.
  • Salinity is 26 times higher than seawater.
  • Industrial salt extraction began in the 18th century.
  • The lake bed is situated below sea level.
  • Candidate for UNESCO World Heritage since 2004.
  • Features remnants of a cable car built in 1921.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Historical Salt Pans of Pedra de LumeHistorical Salt Pans of Pedra de Lume<1 km · SEExplore →
Shark Bay Lemon Shark ObservationShark Bay Lemon Shark Observation5 km · SWExplore →
SalSal5 km · SWExplore →
Monte CurralMonte Curral6 km · SExplore →
Monte GrandeMonte Grande6 km · EExplore →
Amílcar Cabral International AirportAmílcar Cabral International Airport7 km · SExplore →
MurdeiraMurdeira9 km · SWExplore →
Port of PalmeiraPort of Palmeira10 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (2)

Monte Cagarral🌿 nature

Monte Cagarral is a notable mountain peak standing out in the terrain near pedra-de-lume-salt-lake-nature-v2.

Farol de Pedra de Lume📍 landmark

Farol de Pedra de Lume is a coastal lighthouse guiding ships near the historic salt pans of Pedra de Lume.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in the salt lake?
Yes, the high salt content lets you float effortlessly on the surface, like in the Dead Sea.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, access to the crater costs about 5 euros per person for tourists.
Are there showers on site?
Yes, there are showers to rinse off the salt after your swim for a small fee.
Where exactly is the lake located?
The lake is located inside an extinct volcanic crater near the east coast of Sal.
What should you bring?
Swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops, as the salt crystals can be sharp.
Pedra de Lume Salt Lake: where is it located?
Pedra de Lume Salt Lake is located in Cape Verde.
Pedra de Lume Salt Lake: what is there to see?
Highlights include Monte Cagarral, Farol de Pedra de Lume.
Pedra de Lume Salt Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May.
Pedra de Lume Salt Lake: why is it worth visiting?
The salt lake of Pedra de Lume is located in the northeastern part of Sal Island and is one of the most fascinating natural wonders of Cape Verde.
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Nearby cities

Espargos — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Espargos
Espargos is the administrative center of Sal island, located in the interior.
Palmeira — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Palmeira
Palmeira is the main port town of Sal and a center for trade.
Santa Maria — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Santa Maria
Santa Maria is the main tourist center of Cape Verde, with miles of sandy beaches.
Murdeira — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Murdeira
Murdeira is a coastal village in a protected bay on the west coast of Sal.

History & landmarks

Amílcar Cabral International Airport — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Amílcar Cabral International Airport
The main airport of Sal Island, playing a central role for tourism in Cape Verde.

More places

Historical Salt Pans of Pedra de Lume — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Historical Salt Pans of Pedra de Lume
Former salt production facilities in a volcanic crater that shaped the economy of Sal island.
Shark Bay Lemon Shark Observation — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Shark Bay Lemon Shark Observation
A shallow coastal area on Sal where young lemon sharks can be observed at close range.
Sal — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Sal
The sunniest island of the archipelago, known for its vast sandy beaches and salt mines.
Monte Curral — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Monte Curral
A mountain in the heart of the city of Espargos on Sal, which today serves as a site for communication facilities.
Espargos Children&#39;s Playground — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Espargos Children's Playground
A central meeting point for children in Espargos, equipped with colorful play structures and shaded areas.
Monte Grande — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Monte Grande
Monte Grande is the highest point on Sal and stands out on an otherwise flat island.
Monte Tortolho — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Monte Tortolho
A small but striking volcanic hill in the south of Sal, rising out of the otherwise completely flat landscape.
Port of Palmeira — Pedra de Lume Salt Lake (Cape Verde)
Port of Palmeira
Porto de Palmeira is the main harbor on Sal, located by the fishing village of Palmeira.