Santa Maria Coastal Hike to Monte Leão: Sunset on Sal

Monte Leão sits on the horizon shaped like a resting lion, and you hike to it as the sun drops into the Atlantic.

A guided coastal hike on Sal Island starting at 3:00 pm from Santa Maria, climbing toward Monte Leão on the west coast while passing through Ponta Preta, Calheta and Murdeira. The route takes about 3 hours of hiking over 5 hours total, with an air-conditioned pickup truck stationed nearby for support. A live guide leads in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and other languages, and children from age 7 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided coastal hike and sunset

• Start hike at Santa Maria near Morabeza hotel
• Walk along the coast to Ponta Preta
• Explore Calheta Funda area
• Visit Murdeira bay and natural reserve
• Ascend Monte Leão hill
• Enjoy sunset views from Monte Leão

The experience

The hike starts at 3:00 pm near the Morabeza hotel in Santa Maria and follows the seashore northwest along Sal's west coast. You walk past Ponta Preta, known for its long stretches where the World Surf Championship once took place, then move inland toward Calheta Funda, about 5 km from town. The route hugs the ocean where possible (the slower, more scenic path rather than the highway), so the coastline stays in view as you move. An air-conditioned vehicle travels with the group, ready to assist if anyone needs a break or support.

Murdeira lies at the center of the island's geography, its bay ringed by crystalline water and coral formations. The area is a natural reserve protecting an underwater ecosystem with endemic species, nesting beaches for sea turtles and seabird habitat. From there, the hike continues to Monte Leão, the rocky hill on the mid-western coast that resembles a lion resting and facing the ocean: a landmark visible from the road between Santa Maria and Espargos. You reach the summit as the light changes, and the sunset happens while you stand there.

The full outing runs about 5 hours, with 3 hours spent actively hiking. A guide fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and additional languages leads the group, which stays small enough that you set your own pace through each stop. Children from age 7 can join. The pickup truck means you're never stranded if the terrain or the heat becomes too much, and the late-afternoon start means you avoid the midday heat entirely.

What’s included

• Guided hike with a live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and additional languages.
• air-conditioned vehicle support throughout the route.
• pickup from Santa Maria.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 36 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Spot Travel Tours

Is this one for you?This tour suits small groups and families with children from age 7 who want a guided coastal walk at a manageable pace, since the vehicle support means anyone can rest without holding others back, and the 3-hour hike spreads across the afternoon so the heat stays manageable.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (7 to 12 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the actual hiking time on this tour?

Three hours of the five-hour total is spent hiking. The rest covers transitions between stops and time at each viewpoint.

Can I bring my seven-year-old on this hike?

Children from age 7 are welcome, though the tour involves 3 hours of coastal hiking with uneven terrain and sun exposure, so moderate fitness is expected.

What makes Murdeira worth visiting on this route?

Murdeira is a natural reserve protecting an underwater ecosystem with endemic species and coral formations. The bay has nesting beaches for sea turtles and habitat for seabirds, making it ecologically distinct from the rest of the coast.

Does the pickup truck mean I can skip parts of the hike if I get tired?

The air-conditioned vehicle is on standby for support and assistance, so you can take a break or get a ride to the next stop if needed without abandoning the group.

Why does this hike start at 3:00 pm instead of the morning?

The afternoon start avoids the midday heat and positions the group to reach Monte Leão as the sunset begins, so the climb ends with the light show rather than in full sun.