D4UM-Saarland

Alex, SQ9UM will be running the D4UM event in Sal Island, Cape Verde, IOTA AF – 086, Cape Verde from August 16 to 26, 2024.
He will perform surgery on 80-6 meters.
Nearest DX Point D4UM
D4UM Log Searchsearch QSL via home phone, ClubLog.

Sal Island (Cape Verde) – For those who are not in a hurry

Sal Island is one of the Cape Verde Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa. Although the archipelago’s center is Santiago Island and its capital is Praia, more than half of tourists begin their acquaintance with Cape Verde on Sal Island.

Sal Island, Cape Verde. Author – Jiri Hodir.

History of Sal Island – Portugal, Spain, Independence

The history of Sal Island is inseparable from that of the entire Cape Verde Archipelago. Before the attention of Europeans, some African tribes tried to settle the island, while the Moors mined salt mines on their territory, which gave the island its name.

For Europe, Sal Island was discovered by the Portuguese in the middle of the 15th century – at a time when Spain and Portugal were engaged in a fierce war for maritime supremacy. 20 years after its discovery, the islands of the archipelago, especially Sal Island, began to be settled by Portuguese colonists, colonists and exiles. Later they were joined by the French, Spanish and Genoese. Portugal itself lost and regained control of these territories. Sal Island was a Spanish colony for about 60 years, but then it came under Portuguese jurisdiction. Slavery continued until 1878. In fact, the island was a transit point for the transport of slaves exported from Africa to American plantations. That’s why today 70% of the population here are descendants of African slaves and European colonists. But as you know, oppression can’t last forever – the people of Cape Verde began to fight for independence from Portugal.

This struggle lasted for about 20 years, and finally in 1975 the region declared independence from Portugal and became the Republic of Cape Verde. However, the main language is still Portuguese, used together with the local language Caboverdiano.
By the way, Sal Island is the oldest island in the archipelago. Although the diversity of vegetation on it is not impressive, but diving into the coastal waters, tourists will be surprised to find out how rich and dense the underwater world is.

Sal Island, Cape Verde. Author – Kari Mar.

Tourist center, starting point for trips to other islands

Sal has an international airport that receives flights from capitals and major European cities. Once here, visitors can go windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving and surfing, or just sunbathe on the beach. If that’s not enough, you can head to other Cape Verde islands to enjoy more natural beauty in Santo Antão, visit the birthplace of Cesaria Evora on São Vicente with its historical buildings, bars and restaurants, relax on the magnificent beaches of Boa Vista or hike to the active volcano of Fogo Island.

Notably, until her death in 2011, Cesaria Évora provided financial support for primary education and the entire education and healthcare system in Cape Verde.

Sal Island was once a refueling stopover for Russian airlines. In the last decade of the 20th century, a Russian crew was permanently stationed near the airport.

Sal Island, Cape Verde. Author – Mario Paes.

As early as the 19th century, people mined salt from mines located in the crater of an extinct volcano and exported it to Brazil and African countries. Today, tourists come here to see the remains of equipment from former salt mining sites. A pleasant bonus is the opportunity to play in the salt lake, which is reminiscent of the Dead Sea.

Another interesting place to visit on Sal Island is the caves, which are illuminated by blue light at certain times, as if there was a big blue eye at the bottom of the natural lake.

Sea turtles also come to Sal Island to lay their eggs, which is why its coastline is sometimes called the “Turtle Coast.”

Sal’s cuisine is a mixture of European (mostly Portuguese) and Portuguese dishes. The most popular among tourists is Cabaverdeño’s “cachupa”, which can be strong or weak, depending on the amount of ingredients. The more ingredients, the richer the taste. They add many different ingredients – corn, different types of meat, cabbage, onions, olive oil, etc. Each island in the archipelago cooks cachupa according to its own recipe.

You can catch your own fish here or buy it from the fishermen. Tuna is the most popular – it can be made into steaks and schnitzels, as well as many other delicacies.

Guests are always welcomed by the local residents. The residents of the island live a leisurely life, without running around or worrying about anything.

D4UM. Where is Sal Island located. Map.