Salt Mine Tunnels | Pedra de Lume

Location and Setting
The Salt Mine Tunnels are located beneath the Pedra de Lume Salt Crater on Sal Island, Cabo Verde. These tunnels were carved into the crater’s volcanic rock centuries ago to extract salt from the rich deposits below. Narrow passageways wind beneath the crater floor, with rough-hewn walls encrusted with natural salt crystals. The tunnels are cool and dimly lit compared to the bright, sun-drenched crater above, providing a sharp contrast in atmosphere.

Visitor Experience
Exploring the Salt Mine Tunnels offers a glimpse into the island’s industrial and cultural history. Guided tours lead visitors through the labyrinthine passages, explaining traditional salt-extraction methods and how workers once manually mined the crystalline salt. The air carries a distinct, briny scent, and the floor crunches underfoot as salt flakes break loose. Some tunnels open into small chambers where visitors can touch thick salt deposits, creating a tactile connection to the island’s heritage.

Scenery and Atmosphere
Inside the tunnels, the atmosphere is quiet and almost mystical. Light filters through small openings, casting glimmers on the white salt-encrusted walls. Shadows highlight the rough textures of the volcanic rock and the sparkling salt, giving the space a subterranean sparkle. The temperature is noticeably cooler than outside, offering a welcome relief from the sun-baked desert above. The combination of geological formation and human activity gives the tunnels a unique, layered sense of history.

Nearby Landmarks
The tunnels are directly linked to the Pedra de Lume Salt Crater above, where visitors can float in highly saline pools. Nearby roads lead to other eastern Sal attractions, including the scenic volcanic landscapes and small coastal villages. Buracona Blue Eye lies northwest and can be visited as part of a broader day tour of the island’s natural wonders.

Tips for Visitors

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip; some areas can be uneven or slippery due to salt deposits.

Bring a light jacket if visiting during cooler parts of the day.

Photography is possible but may require a camera capable of low-light capture.

Follow guided paths closely; some tunnels can be narrow and maze-like.

Touching the salt deposits is encouraged, but avoid excessive contact that may damage formations.

The Salt Mine Tunnels offer a fascinating subterranean adventure, combining geological spectacle with historical insight, and give a deeper understanding of Sal Island’s centuries-old salt industry.