Geography of Sal

Sal (216 km2) is one of Cape Verde’s easternmost islands, along with Boavista and Maio. It is very flat with very few mountains: Monte Grande, the highest (406 m), in the north, Monte Leste and Monte Leão, on the west coast, and Monte Cagarral and Serra Negra, on the east coast. Plains of sand and stone cover most of the surface, along with large stretches of dunes in the southern half. Although the climate is arid, monsoon-like rains make an occasional appearance. Wind is a constant feature for most of the year, particularly the trade winds from the northeast.