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Santa Maria, Cape Verde 🇨🇻
#2098
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Maria is a popular resort town located on the southern coast of Sal Island in Cape Verde, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 10,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15-20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 110 CVE (Cape Verdean Escudo). Local banks and ATMs are available, including Banco Comercial do Atlântico. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/A sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include CVMovel and Unitel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and apartments; average price for rentals is about €500/month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; many restaurants and shops accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available, with prices starting around €40/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Beach House offer budget lodging starting from €20/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachfront area along Avenida dos Ilhéus is popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying near the area of Ponta Preta for a quieter environment and better coworking access. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Tropicana Beach Club offers a great coworking space with good internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Mar provides a comfortable atmosphere with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional expat meetups at local bars; check local Facebook groups for announcements. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats gather for beach clean-up events and social evenings at local pubs. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; Uber is not present, but rides can be arranged via local networks. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent a bicycle or scooter from retailers along the beachfront starting from €10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Santa Maria Beach is the main beach, easily accessible and popular. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Binter Cabo Verde is the primary regional airline connecting to other islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | TAP Air Portugal and Cabo Verde Airlines offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The CV-3 road connects Santa Maria with other parts of Sal Island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Limited public transport; taxis and rental vehicles are the primary modes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific public transport passes as public transit is minimal. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries and small planes connect to other islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Dr. José Maria Neves offers basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are available at Yoga Sal and other local wellness spots. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Several gyms in the area like Fitness Club offer daily passes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available, as well as laundry services through hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Delivery services like Eats Sal offer meal delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Cachupa, a traditional Cape Verdean stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Several restaurants offer vegetarian options, including Restaurante Ocean Lounge. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Bénin is known for delicious pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Santa Maria offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local products can be found on sites like Piccolo Fiore. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local grocery stores offer delivery services; inquire in-store. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The promenade along the beach has several lively bars and nightclubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Praia Lager is a local favorite available in most bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinho Verde offers excellent Cape Verdean wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try grilled fish from beach vendors for a taste of local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like L'Apero serve international dishes including Italian and seafood. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Santa Maria pier and the famous salt flats nearby are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Sal Museum showcases the island's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the remnants of old salt mines that shaped the island's economy. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário church is a key religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Santa Maria Music Festival hosts local and international artists every June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the local artisan markets for crafts and traditional artworks. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host cultural performances and events periodically. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets sell fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is featured at bars like Bizarre and Onda Azul. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout the town, celebrating local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at local culinary schools to learn Cape Verdean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists display their work at various small galleries around town. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the colonial-era buildings that depict Cape Verde's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cabo Verdean Creole culture is deeply rooted in music, dance, and storytelling. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the nearby salt flats and nature reserves for scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Serra Negra offers hiking and nature trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal promenade in Santa Maria provides beautiful walkways. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Ponta Preta offers fantastic sunset views over the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the salt flats are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the beach allow for bonfires during certain times. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL and local post offices are available for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Santa Maria can handle basic device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools provide classes in Portuguese and English. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited, but some cafes provide quiet study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers offer events and workshops for residents and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, but some cafes provide gaming computers for online play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no dedicated casinos on the island. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €120,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €102,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €168,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income with progressive rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rate varies but generally low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 2% applies for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Cape Verde offers a 0% tax on certain income sources for digital nomads under specific conditions. |