Salinas de Pedra de Lume

In nestled within the northeastern expanse of the island of Sal, Cape Verde, lies the surreal and historic locale of Salinas de Pedra de Lume. This unique site unveils itself in the crater of an extinct volcano, 39 meters above the sea level, encapsulated within an area spanning 40 hectares. With its proximity to a sheltered cove, it’s a blend of the island’s rustic past with the tranquil whispers of the ocean​. The essence of Salinas de Pedra de Lume is encapsulated by its long-standing salt mines, where the relentless caress of seawater against the crater’s heart transforms into a spectacle of salt. The scenery is nothing short of surrealistic, with the salt pans painting a mosaic of white and bright pink, stark against the contrasting backdrop of snow-white salt mountains and the unfathomable blue of the sky​.

As if stepping into a scene from another planet, visitors to Salinas de Pedra de Lume are greeted by the fascinating geological features of the region. The crater, with a radius of around 900 meters, cradles salt evaporation ponds, a testimony to the island’s enduring relationship with the saline treasure. The ponds, named Salinas de Pedra de Lume, rest over a natural salt lake, a creation birthed from the sea’s infiltrating waters. This unique geological design, where the base of the crater lies below sea level, marks the lowest point in Cape Verde, forming a natural conduit for the sea’s embrace to nurture the salt lake within​​.

But Salinas de Pedra de Lume is not just a feast for the eyes; it beckons the weary traveler to partake in a rare earthly delight. The muddy waters, a blend of the salt and the land, hold a promise of buoyancy akin to the wonders of the Dead Sea. The salt concentration here is a whopping 26 times more than that of the ‘normal’ sea, lending a unique and relaxing sensation of floating effortlessly. This ethereal experience, a dance between the earth and the sea, draws many to the tranquil yet invigorating embrace of Salinas de Pedra de Lume​​.

Your voyage into the heart of Salinas de Pedra de Lume promises a sensory respite, a chance to float in the tender cradle of nature, with the salt under your skin and the sky above. As you recline in the arms of the crater, the water lifts you into a serene drift. But be wary, for the concentrated salt is not kind to the eyes, a small caution in an otherwise gentle haven. And as you step out of this saline dream, a small token of 1 Euro gifts you a refreshing freshwater shower, a gentle return from the salt’s embrace to the vibrant essence of Cape Verde​.