Santa Maria was founded in 1830 for the production of salt. Up to 30,000 tons of salt were shipped from Santa Maria each year.
A pier was built in the area of Ponta de Vera Cruz and a small rail track was built to carry the salt to the pier. Most of the product was exported to Brazil, which was halted in 1887 when Brazil imposed a high tax on imported salt to protect its own salt production.
he town went into a deep decline, only to recover in 1920 when a Portuguese investor resumed salt production. This continued until 1984.
In 1967, Belgian industrialists and engineers Georges Vynckier and Marguerite Massart opened Cape Verde's first resort hotel named Morabeza.
After 1986, tourism became an important industry on the island, and many resorts and hotels were built in the southern and southwestern coastal areas near Santa Maria.
In 2017, 48.2% of the country's available beds were on the island of Sal.
Santa Maria
SAL ISLAND
Shipwrecks
BORIS
Sal Island is home to several famous shipwrecks that have become popular diving destinations.
Boris (Kwarktzik) is the name of the wreck of a Soviet commercial vessel sunk by the Cape Verde authorities in January 2006. It is currently home to several species of fish and manta rays can sometimes be spotted at the edge of the shipwreck.
Sant' Antao is the wreck of a Portuguese commercial vessel that sunk in front of the village of Santa Maria in 1966. This wreck is fairly derelict but the visit is always a fun experience. Ideal for intro dives, beginners, and photographers.
These wrecks have also become home to a variety of marine life, making them excellent spots for underwater photography and exploration.
