Sal Rei

Sal Rei is the main town of Boa Vista, built low around a square with a church and a few colonial buildings, with sand blowing through the streets from the dunes behind. Offshore lies Ilhéu de Sal Rei, a small island with the ruins of the Duque de Bragança fort, built in the nineteenth century against pirates who had raided the town repeatedly. Boats cross to it and the water between is used for kitesurfing.

What you actually see

• The main square - the church and colonial buildings at the town's centre.
• The Ilheu de Sal Rei - the offshore island with its ruined fort.
• The Duque de Braganca fort - the nineteenth-century defence against pirate raids.
• The kitesurfing water - the channel between town and island.

When to go

November to June is the dry season, with the strongest wind from December to March. Turtle season runs June to October. Harmattan dust can be heavy in winter.

Honest expectations

The town is dusty and modest and most visitors stay in resorts outside it. The fort is a ruin with no facilities. Sand and wind are constant.

Nearby

Praia de Chaves is south, and Ervatao is southeast.