population: 0.34 million

extension: 242 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Santa Maria, Cape Verde and interested in visiting museums, a great place to start would be the Museu de Arqueologia e Etnografia. It's located in the capital city of Praia on the island of Santiago, which is about a 45-minute flight from Santa Maria. If you're looking for other similar museums nearby, you might consider checking out the Museu da Tabanka in Ribeira Grande on the island of Santo Antão or the Museu da Praia in Praia on the island of Santiago.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Santa Maria, Cape Verde according to local people are:

1. Cachupa: a stew made with beans, corn, vegetables, and meat or fish.
2. Catchupa rica: a variation of cachupa with more ingredients and spices.
3. Lagosta grelhada: grilled lobster, usually served with rice and vegetables.
4. Polvo guisado: octopus stewed in a tomato-based sauce with onions and spices.
5. Espetada: skewered pieces of marinated beef, chicken, or fish.
6. Pastel com diablo dentro: a pastry filled with spicy tuna or shrimp.
7. Bolo de coco: a coconut cake often served as dessert.

These dishes are widely available in restaurants throughout Santa Maria and other parts of Cape Verde.

Activities

Some fun activities that locals in Santa Maria, Cape Verde enjoy include:

1. Going to the beach - Santa Maria has a beautiful sandy beach where locals love to swim and relax.

2. Taking part in water sports - Activities such as kiteboarding, windsurfing, and surfing are popular among locals and visitors alike.

3. Exploring the town - Santa Maria is a small town with colorful buildings, street art, and local markets that are worth exploring.

4. Enjoying local cuisine - Cape Verdean food is delicious and locals love to share it with visitors. You can try some traditional dishes such as Cachupa, Pastel com diabo dentro, and Grogue.

5. Listening to live music - Music is an important part of Cape Verdean culture, and there are many bars and restaurants in Santa Maria where you can enjoy live music performances.