Santa Maria, on the island of Sal in Cape Verde, is growing fast, and the best way to see it is from above. In our September 2026 drone update, we fly over the town’s active construction sites to show where Santa Maria is expanding and how far each project has come.

A bird’s-eye view of Santa Maria’s growth

From the ground, you notice a crane here or a closed street there. From the air, you see how much is changing across the whole town. This flyover covers projects at every stage:

  • Just breaking ground: sites where land is being cleared and foundations are being laid
  • Under construction: buildings rising and structures taking shape
  • Nearing completion: projects in their final stages and almost ready to open

Seen together, they show how Santa Maria keeps expanding beyond its original town centre.

Why Santa Maria is growing

Santa Maria is the main tourism hub of Ilha do Sal. It’s known for its long white-sand beaches, year-round sunshine and world-class kitesurfing and windsurfing. With direct flights from Europe and continued interest from visitors and buyers, the town keeps developing to meet demand for accommodation, housing and services.

Who this update is for

  • Investors and property buyers watching the Sal market and following how new developments progress
  • Residents and regular visitors curious about what’s being built in their town
  • Future travellers planning a trip and wanting to see what Santa Maria looks like today
  • Aerial footage fans who love seeing Cape Verde from the sky

Follow Santa Maria’s development with us

We film these drone construction updates regularly so you can compare progress over time. Subscribe to Discover Sal on YouTube so you don’t miss the next one. You can also support our independent coverage of the island on Patreon.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Santa Maria?
Santa Maria is a town at the southern tip of Ilha do Sal, one of the ten islands of Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), off the west coast of Africa.

Is Santa Maria still being developed?
Yes. As our September 2026 drone footage shows, several construction projects are active across town, at every stage from groundwork to completion.

How often do you post construction updates?
We film new drone updates regularly to track how Santa Maria and the rest of Sal are changing.

Can I suggest a site for the next update?
Yes! Leave a comment on the YouTube video or contact us through our website.


📍 Santa Maria, Ilha do Sal, Cabo Verde · 📅 September 2026