Sal, an island in a 10-island archipelago, has surpassed the Canary Islands to claim the top spot in easyJet’s Winter Sun Index. Known as ‘the new Canaries’ and ‘the Caribbean without the jet lag,’ Sal offers stunning white sandy beaches and is just a six-hour flight from the UK. With temperatures reaching 25C in January and only an hour behind the UK time zone, Sal is quickly becoming a popular winter sun destination without the hassle of jet lag.
easyJet’s ranking methodology considered various factors such as accessibility from the UK, winter weather conditions, hours of sunshine, rainfall, time difference, and on-arrival expenses like the average cost of a pint and a meal for two.
Sal, part of the Cape Verde islands, tops the list with January temperatures ranging between 24-25C, a significant contrast to the UK’s average of 8C. This island, located in the central Atlantic west of Africa, offers a sea temperature of 22-24C, ideal for swimming and water activities. With approximately 10 hours of sunshine per day, significantly more than Tenerife, Sal provides ample opportunities for sun exposure and vitamin D intake. The island experiences minimal rainfall during winter, making it one of the driest winter sun destinations compared to other popular locations like Gran Canaria and Agadir.
Flights to Sal start at £91.99 one-way, with easyJet Holidays offering package deals that include accommodations, meals, drinks, luggage, and transfers. For self-catering options, Santa Maria in southern Sal provides numerous choices with meals for two estimated at around £30-31. Additionally, the average cost of a pint in Sal is approximately £2.25, making it a budget-friendly destination for travelers.
While southern Sal is well-known for its pristine beaches and major hotels, there are vast undeveloped areas on the island for those seeking more secluded spots. Murdeira, located on the west side of the island, offers tranquil beaches with soft sands, providing a peaceful retreat for visitors.
Travelers can also explore neighboring islands by ferry, with Boa Vista just a three-hour journey away from Sal. Boa Vista features a charming town called Sal Rei, beautiful white beaches, clear waters, and the possibility of encountering turtle nesting sites during beach walks.