Excursion around the island of Sal (Part 3) – Pedra de Lume
Sal means salt in Portuguese and it is easy to see why it was given this name when one visits the saltpans at Pedra de Lume. High above the coastal town are a series of salt pans situated inside the caldera of a long extinct volcano. For many centuries salt has been extracted and exported from here, although production is now only for local demand. It is now possible to don a swimming costume and float in the water, which has 26 times more salt than seawater. After a dip in the water we made our way to the village below for a meal in the local restaurant.
Entrance to the caldera
Our first view of the saltpans
Ann was there too!
The saltpans with the old machinery
The changing facilities
This picture shows clearly how salt is forming at the edge.
Salt crystals that could be gathered along the edge of the water
We wade into the salty water
Floating!
The birth of Venus!
The trek back to the mini bus
View of the work area and caldera exit viewed from the swimming area
Visiting the church of Pedra de Lume
Inside the church
Lunch was at the restaurant Cà da Mosto.
The local speciality: Cachupa
The Cachupa was tasty and we took several helpings.
View of the harbour from the restaurant
Fantacha – Cinderela