A salt on the senses

NIGEL THOMPSON explores spectacular Cape Verde

- 

IDYLLIC: From top, Bounty chicken Caesar salad; Sal Island tuna and Santa Maria

WE ENTERED the 100-yard long rock tunnel at a windswept car park on an island in the Atlantic Ocean. We exited at the edge of a vast crater, mesmerised by an otherworldly sci-fi view.

Before us lay a (dormant) volcanic landscape of ochre, pinks and whites. It could be Mars were it not for the fact there is water in a lake below. But this is no “ordinary” water at the Pedra de Lume salt flats at Sal island in Cape Verde.

The lake is more than 20 times saltier than the sea - double the levels in the Dead Sea.

Locals swear that bobbing around in the brine leaves people looking 10 years younger after a dip.

Entry is €6 and a freshwater shower afterwards (you will need it) is €1. There's also a small cafe and souvenir shop with cash preferred.