We took on The Gauntlet — hitting EVERY happy hour in Santa Maria, Sal in one epic night. 🍹🔥 That’s 13 bars, 13 happy hours, and 13 drinks in a single run. No shortcuts. No quitting.
If you’re planning nightlife in Santa Maria, Sal (Cape Verde) or looking for the best happy hour deals, this is your ultimate guide to where to drink, when to go, and what to order. From beach bars to late-night party spots, we tested them all so you don’t have to.
👉 Watch till the end to see:
Which bar had the BEST happy hour
Where the strongest drinks were
Which stop nearly ended the challenge
And if we actually survived The Gauntlet 😵
Whether you’re visiting Sal, Cape Verde, living in Santa Maria, or just love wild bar challenges, this video is for you.
🍻 Bars featured: The Gauntlet – Santa Maria Happy Hour Crawl (13 Bars)
📍 Location: Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde 📆 Filmed during real happy hours:
Seafood corner – 12:00 – 6:00 Africa – 12:00 – 6:30 Britannia – 4:00 – 6:00 Kyles -4:00 – 6:00 Josy’s – 4:00 – 6:00 Colonial – 4:00 – 6:00 Picador – 5:00 – 6:00 Relax – 5:00 – 7:00 ( was closed while we filmed) Calema – 4:00 – 7:00 The garden – 6:00 – 7:30 Hotel Morabeza – 6:30 – 7:30 Calema – 7:00 – 8:00
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After a powerful storm in October 2024 damaged the Santa Maria Pier, the area entered a new phase of transformation. The pier is now being rebuilt, and right behind it, a new beachfront hotel by the Spanish company Barceló is taking shape.
Right now, it’s busy and a little chaotic — but this is progress.
This video is part of a monthly update series documenting how the Santa Maria beachfront is evolving and what it could look like in the future.
📍 Santa Maria Beach 🏗️ Pier reconstruction 🏨 New Barceló hotel
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An intimate live concert at Palha Verde, Sal Island — our first time here. A quiet night turned into a shared musical moment, discovering a new place through live sound and atmosphere.
Featuring live performances by Toy Cabecina, Ally Garrido (2nd place winner of The Voice Portugal), and Clovis Davero — an evening shaped by voice, presence, and connection.
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We spent New Year’s Eve in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, exploring the town, hopping between bars and restaurants, and experiencing the island’s incredible nightlife. From live music and DJs to an unforgettable fireworks display over the beach, Santa Maria knows how to celebrate the New Year in style.
The night ended with an amazing luau party, bringing together music, dancing, and island vibes right by the ocean. If you’re planning a trip to Sal Island or wondering what New Year’s Eve in Cape Verde is really like, this video shows it all.
What you’ll see in this video:
Exploring Santa Maria town at night
Bars, restaurants & nightlife
Live music and DJs
Fireworks over the beach
Luau party to end the night
If you enjoy travel vlogs, nightlife, beach destinations, and New Year celebrations, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment!
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oin us on an epic budget travel adventure to Santa Maria on Sal Island, Cape Verde, where we set ourselves a bold challenge: can we survive an entire day with only 25€? 💸 This fun and realistic travel challenge puts budget travel in Cape Verde to the test, showing exactly how far your money can go on this stunning island.
Sal Island is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed island vibe—but is it possible to enjoy everything Santa Maria has to offer without spending a fortune? From local food spots and affordable meals to free and low-cost activities, we push our budget to the limit while still making the most of our day in paradise. 🌴🌞
In this video, you’ll follow us as we explore Santa Maria on a tight budget, searching for the best cheap eats, discovering local Cape Verdean food, and finding fun things to do on Sal Island that won’t break the bank. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, unexpected moments, and honest insights into what budget travel in Cape Verde is really like.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Sal Island, traveling on a budget, or just love travel challenges, this video is packed with practical tips and real experiences. It’s perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, and anyone curious about affordable travel in Cape Verde.
💬 Let us know in the comments if you think we succeeded—and if you’ve ever visited Sal Island on a budget, we’d love to hear your tips!
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Celebrate the festive season in Santa Maria, Sal Island, Cape Verde, one of the most popular winter sun destinations in the Atlantic. In this guide, we explore the best things to do during Christmas and New Year in Santa Maria, from beach celebrations and live music to fireworks, restaurants, nightlife, and local traditions.
Whether you’re visiting Sal Island for the holidays, planning a winter escape to Cape Verde, or already on the island, this guide will help you make the most of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year celebrations in Santa Maria.
What to Expect During Christmas & New Year in Santa Maria
Santa Maria combines tropical weather, vibrant culture, and festive energy, making it an ideal place to celebrate the end of the year. Expect sunny beach days, lively evenings, and unforgettable celebrations across the town.
🎉 In This Guide, You’ll Discover:
Christmas traditions in Santa Maria, Sal
The best beaches to visit during the holidays
New Year’s Eve parties and fireworks
Where to eat and drink during Christmas and New Year
Nightlife and live music hotspots
Useful tips for tourists visiting Cape Verde in December
Best Places to Eat, Drink & Celebrate
If you’re looking to book restaurants, bars, or New Year’s events featured in the video, here are the details:
These venues are popular during the festive season, so advance booking is highly recommended, especially for New Year’s Eve.
Christmas Church Services in Santa Maria
Unfortunately, I was unable to confirm specific Christmas church service times in Santa Maria. For up-to-date information, it’s best to check locally once you arrive or ask at nearby churches or hotels.
Why Santa Maria Is a Top Holiday Destination in Cape Verde
Santa Maria is one of the top holiday destinations in Cape Verde, offering the perfect mix of:
Warm weather in December
Beautiful beaches
Local food and culture
Live music and nightlife
Unique Christmas and New Year celebrations
It’s an ideal destination for couples, solo travelers, families, and anyone looking to swap winter cold for island sunshine.
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What’s Happening in Sal & Santa Maria This Week – Bars, Restaurants & Activities
Looking for the best things to do in Sal Island this week? Whether you’re visiting Santa Maria or exploring the surrounding areas, there’s always something exciting happening. From lively bars and vibrant nightlife to top restaurants and fun-filled activities, Sal has something for everyone.
This week, discover the must-visit bars where you can enjoy creative cocktails, local drinks, and live music performances that bring the island’s nightlife to life. Whether you want a relaxed evening sipping a cocktail by the beach or a lively night dancing to local rhythms, Santa Maria’s bars have you covered.
Food lovers can also explore Santa Maria’s restaurant scene, featuring everything from traditional Cape Verdean cuisine to international dishes. Enjoy fresh seafood, flavorful local specialties, and stunning beachfront dining experiences. Our weekly roundup includes the best restaurants to try, complete with menus, opening hours, and insider tips to make your meal unforgettable.
For those looking for more action, there are daily activities and tours to keep your week full of adventure. Whether it’s water sports like kitesurfing, diving, or paddleboarding, or guided tours to explore the island’s natural beauty and hidden gems, Sal offers endless opportunities to make your trip memorable.
Check out our curated list below for all the events, bar specials, restaurant highlights, and activities happening in Sal and Santa Maria this week. We update it regularly so you can plan your days and nights with ease, ensuring you don’t miss out on the best the island has to offer.
From sun-soaked afternoons to lively evenings. Sal Island and Santa Maria are ready to welcome you! explore, taste, and experience everything this stunning destination has to offer!
Join me live from Colonial Sports Bar in Santa Maria, Sal Island, as we experience one of the biggest moments in Cape Verdean football history — the 2026 World Cup Group Stage Draw. This is Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup appearance, and excitement is building across the islands as we wait to see which nations will face the Blue Sharks on the world stage.
As the draw unfolds, we ask the big questions every Cape Verde fan is thinking: Will we be placed in a group of death against global football giants? Or will Cape Verde catch a historic break and land in a more balanced group? Who will our national team stand against as they make their long-awaited World Cup debut?
This live reaction captures the full energy of the moment, surrounded by football fans inside Colonial Sports Bar — known for its lively atmosphere, great drinks, and passionate local support for the Blue Sharks.
In This Video You’ll See:
🏆 Live reaction to the official 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage draw 🔵 Cape Verde’s group placement, revealed in real time ⚽ Predictions for Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup matches 🍻 Atmosphere from Colonial Sports Bar in Santa Maria 🌍 Thoughts and insights on Cape Verde’s chances, opportunities, and path to making football history
Whether you’re a dedicated Cape Verde football supporter or simply excited to follow the 2026 World Cup journey, this is a moment you won’t want to miss.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Cape Verde sports updates, match reactions, and exclusive Blue Sharks content from Sal Island!
Santa Maria, on the beautiful island of Sal, Cape Verde, is undergoing an exciting transformation — and we’re taking you above it all with stunning 4K drone footage showcasing the latest construction progress. From the sky, you can clearly see how two major developments — the Santa Maria Pier renovation and the construction of the new Barceló Hotel — are reshaping the coastline and preparing the area for a vibrant future.
Our aerial update highlights the incredible work happening along Santa Maria’s iconic waterfront. The drone captures sweeping views of crystal-clear water, golden sandy beaches, and the evolving structure of the pier as it moves closer to completion. These breathtaking visuals offer a unique perspective on how Santa Maria is expanding while still preserving the natural beauty that draws visitors from around the world.
The Santa Maria Pier is set to become more than just a landmark. Once completed, it will serve as a dynamic community space designed to support local tourism, create new opportunities for small businesses, and enhance the overall seaside experience for both locals and travelers.
Alongside the pier, the Barceló Hotel Sal Island is rising on one of the most visited stretches of coastline in Cape Verde. This new addition will bring world-class hospitality, modern facilities, and increased accommodation options, further boosting the region’s appeal.
As Santa Maria continues to grow, these developments represent a major step forward for the island’s future. We’ll be documenting every milestone with new drone footage, construction updates, and detailed insights.
Stay connected and follow the transformation from above — subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss the latest Santa Maria construction news and aerial views.
