Salinas de Pedra de Lume
Sal
Salinas de Pedra de Lume are salt evaporation ponds situated within the crater of an extinct volcano on the island of Sal, Cape Verde. These natural salt ponds are unique because the saline waters rise from deep underground rather than from lateral ocean infiltration. Established in the 18th century by Manuel António Martins, salt extraction here became a significant economic activity. A tunnel to access the ponds was built in 1804, followed by the construction of a port in 1805 to facilitate salt export. The salt industry flourished throughout the 19th century until the Brazilian import ban in 1887 caused a decline. In the 20th century, the French company Salins du Cap Vert revitalized production and installed an aerial tramway in 1921 to transport salt. Today, salt extraction is limited and primarily serves the beauty and thalassotherapy industries. The salinas, together with the nearby mountain Cagarral, form a protected landscape area covering over 8 square kilometers, making it a notable natural and historical site on Sal Island.
Planifica tu viaje a Cabo Verde con IA
Crea un itinerario detallado en minutos. La IA sugiere los mejores lugares, restaurantes y una ruta optimizada.
Consejo: The best time to visit Salinas de Pedra de Lume is during the dry season when the salt ponds are most visible and accessible. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets or arranging guided tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. While salt production is limited, some local products related to salt and thalassotherapy are available for purchase. The site is accessible by road from Espargos, and comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring the crater area.
Datos interesantes
- •The saline waters in the Pedra de Lume salt ponds originate from deep underground sources rather than from the ocean.
- •The salt ponds are located inside the crater of an extinct volcano, creating a unique natural setting.
- •An aerial tramway installed in 1921 was used to transport salt from the ponds to the port.
- •The protected landscape area including the salinas and Mount Cagarral covers over 8 square kilometers.
Historia
Founded in 1796 by Manuel António Martins, the salt ponds of Pedra de Lume began extensive exploitation in the late 18th century.
Infrastructure improvements included a tunnel to the ponds in 1804 and a port in 1805, boosting salt export.
Salt production thrived during the 19th century but declined after Brazil banned salt imports in 1887.
The industry was revived in 1921 by the French company Salins du Cap Vert, which installed an aerial tramway for salt transport.
Today, production is small-scale and focused on wellness products.
Guía del lugar
Salt Evaporation Ponds
These ponds are situated within the volcanic crater and are the main feature of Pedra de Lume. Visitors can float in the dense, salty water and observe traditional salt harvesting methods.
Tunnel to the Salt Ponds1804
Built in 1804, this tunnel provides access from the village to the salt ponds inside the crater, showcasing early engineering efforts to exploit the salt resource.
Farol de Pedra de Lume Lighthouse
Located near the village and salt ponds, this lighthouse has historically guided maritime traffic along the east coast of Sal Island.
Contacto
Teléfono: 951 32 83
