Digital Nomad’s Guide to Sal, Cape Verde: Work, Explore & Live by the Ocean

Why Choose Sal as a Digital Nomad Destination?

🏝️ Endless Sunshine & Beaches – Sal gets 350+ days of sunshine a year.
💻 Reliable WiFi & Growing Coworking Scene – Decent internet speeds for remote work.
🌍 International Community – Expats, surfers, and digital nomads make Sal feel welcoming.
🍹 Affordable Cost of Living – Comfortable living at a fraction of Western European prices.
🏄 Outdoor & Adventure Activities – Surf, kitesurf, snorkel, or simply unwind by the beach.
✈️ Well-Connected Airport – Direct flights to Europe and other parts of Africa.

Where to Live: Best Areas & Coliving Spaces

Sal is a small and walkable island, but picking the right area can enhance your experience. Here are the best places to stay:

• 🌊 Santa Maria – The Heart of Digital Nomad Life

  ✔️ Close to the beach, cafés, and coworking spaces.
  ✔️ The best area for social life, restaurants, and expat-friendly vibes.
  ✔️ A mix of apartments, guesthouses, and coliving options.

  
  🏠 Best Coliving Spaces:

  Surf House Hostel – A modern, beachside hostel, guesthouse and coliving space with strong WiFi.

  Nomad Cape Verde – A digital nomad-friendly accommodation with networking events.
  CoworkSurf or Casa Pau – A guesthouse, converted into a super cosy ecofriendly accommodation and coliving space using recycled materials.
  

• 🏝️ Murdeira – Peaceful & Scenic

  ✔️ A quieter village, great for nature lovers.
  ✔️ Slower pace, perfect for deep work sessions.
  ✔️ Limited coworking options—better if you already have a SIM card or WiFi setup.
  

• 🏠 Best for Long-Term Stays:

  Private beachfront apartments on Airbnb – Ideal for a tranquil work-life balance.
  

• 🌅 Espargos – Local & Budget-Friendly

  ✔️ More affordable compared to Santa Maria.
  ✔️ Closer to the airport and local markets.
  ✔️ Less touristy but still close to beaches and coworking spaces.
  

• 🏠 Best Budget Stays:

  Residencial Santa Maria – A simple, budget-friendly option with good connectivity.

Best Coworking Spaces & Cafés with Excellent WiFi

The remote work scene in Sal is still developing, but you can find great places to work with reliable WiFi and a welcoming atmosphere.

🏢 Top Coworking Spaces for Digital Nomads

• 💻 TUI FutureShaper House – A new coworking space catering to remote workers with solid internet and a great community.
  💻 Surf Hub CV (Santa Maria) – A coworking space & surf house with high-speed WiFi and a laid-back vibe.
  

☕ Best Cafés with WiFi & Work-Friendly Atmosphere

• ☕ Angulo Beach Bar – Work with your feet in the sand, sip fresh juice, and enjoy fast WiFi.

• ☕ Cape Fruit Café – Fresh smoothies, healthy snacks, and a relaxed setting for work.

• ☕ Cam’s Surf Café – Small but cozy café with good WiFi and excellent coffee.

• ☕ Esplanada Bom Dia – A hidden gem for getting work done while enjoying an ocean breeze.
  

💡 Pro Tip: SIM cards from CV Movel or Unitel offer great backup internet if you need a hotspot.

Community Events & Networking: Where to Meet Other Digital Nomads

🔹 Nomad Meetups at Nomad Cape Verde – Regular social and professional events for networking.
🔹 Sunset Networking at Angulo Beach Bar – Meet expats and fellow digital nomads over drinks.
🔹 Yoga & Surf Retreats – Join a local surf or yoga retreat for a mix of work, wellness, and networking.
🔹 Facebook Groups:

• Digital Nomads Cape Verde – Great for finding events and making connections.

• Expats in Sal, Cape Verde – Useful for housing, job postings, and local insights.

What to Do in Sal: Work-Life Balance at its Best

Sal isn’t just a work destination—it’s an adventurer’s paradise. Here’s how to make the most of your free time:

🏄 Try Kitesurfing at Kite Beach – One of the world’s best kitesurfing spots!
🐠 Snorkel with Lemon Sharks in Shark Bay – A unique Cape Verde experience.
🚤 Take a Catamaran Cruise & Spot Dolphins – Sail along Sal’s coastline with epic sunset views.
🌊 Swim in the Blue Eye (Buracona) – A natural cave pool with stunning blue waters.
🐢 See Turtles at Ponta Preta Beach – Watch baby turtles hatch (seasonal).
🏜️ Explore the Salt Mines of Pedra de Lume – Float in saltwater like the Dead Sea.
🍹 Enjoy Live Music at Buddy Bar – A favorite among digital nomads for social nights.

Local Etiquette & Practical Tips

🇨🇻 Languages: Portuguese & Creole (English is widely spoken in tourist areas).
💶 Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE) – Euros are accepted in most places.
📡 Internet: WiFi is good in Santa Maria but can be slower in remote areas.
🚖 Getting Around: Taxis & alugueres (shared minibuses) are affordable.
🌴 Weather: Warm year-round—pack light, breathable clothing!

Staying Healthy & Balanced

🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers:

• Fit Sal Gym (Santa Maria) – Modern equipment & group classes.

• Outdoor Beach Workouts – Many expats and locals gather for beachside fitness sessions.
  

🥗 Healthy Food Spots:

• Cape Fruit Café – Great for fresh, organic meals.

• Giramondo Ristorante – Mediterranean-inspired dishes with vegetarian options.

• Sabores e Livros – Delicious seafood and local flavors.
  

🏥 Healthcare:

• Clinica Santa Maria – Good for expats needing urgent care.

• Farmácias (Pharmacies) – Easily accessible for common medications.

Quick Checklist: Key Takeaways

✅ Best Areas to Stay: Santa Maria (social & coworking), Murdeira (quiet & scenic), Espargos (budget-friendly).
✅ Top Coworking Spaces: Surf Hub CV, Nomad Cape Verde Coworking.
✅ Best WiFi Cafés: Cape Fruit Café, Cam’s Surf Café, Josh Angulo Beach Bar.
✅ Where to Meet Other Nomads: Nomad Cape Verde meetups, Facebook groups, expat bars.
✅ Must-Do Activities: Kitesurfing, snorkeling with sharks, floating in salt mines.
✅ Local Tips: Get a CV Movel SIM card, taxis are easy, and always greet with a friendly "Bom dia!"

Final Thoughts: Is Sal the Right Digital Nomad Destination for You?

If you’re looking for a laid-back island lifestyle with solid remote work infrastructure, warm weather, and a welcoming community, Sal is an amazing choice for digital nomads.

🏝️ Why not make your next office an island paradise? 🌊💻🌞