The best hotels in Sal
Sal has 8,000+ places to stay, and most of them are generic all-inclusives with zero personality or beachfront photos that lie. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Sal
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Residencial Paraiso
Town Center, Santa Maria
Free cancellation & Pay later
Oasis Salinas Sea Hotel
Ponta Preta, Santa Maria
Free cancellation & Pay later
Morabeza Hotel
Santa Maria Beach, Santa Maria
Free cancellation & Pay later
Odjo d'Agua Hotel
Santa Maria Waterfront, Santa Maria
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Riu Garopa
Santa Maria Beach East, Santa Maria
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Dunas de Sal
Murdeira Bay, Murdeira
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Melia Tortuga Beach
Tortuga Beach, Santa Maria
Free cancellation & Pay later
Llana Beach Hotel
North Sal Coast, Llana Beach
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
Santa Maria Beach West, Santa Maria
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Residencial Paraiso | Town Center, Santa Maria | $45–75/night | 6.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Casa Mira | Espargos Center, Espargos | $55–85/night | 7.2/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 3 | Oasis Salinas Sea Hotel | Ponta Preta, Santa Maria | $105–160/night | 8.1/10 | Most Popular |
| 4 | Morabeza Hotel | Santa Maria Beach, Santa Maria | $120–185/night | 8.9/10 | Top Rated |
| 5 | Odjo d'Agua Hotel | Santa Maria Waterfront, Santa Maria | $130–190/night | 8.5/10 | Best Location |
| 6 | Hotel Riu Garopa | Santa Maria Beach East, Santa Maria | $140–200/night | 8/10 | Family Friendly |
| 7 | Hotel Dunas de Sal | Murdeira Bay, Murdeira | $155–220/night | 8.3/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 8 | Hotel Melia Tortuga Beach | Tortuga Beach, Santa Maria | $180–245/night | 8.6/10 | Best Value |
| 9 | Llana Beach Hotel | North Sal Coast, Llana Beach | $260–380/night | 9.1/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria | Santa Maria Beach West, Santa Maria | $280–420/night | 8.8/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Residencial Paraiso
This small guesthouse sits on the main strip in Santa Maria, walkable to the beach and local restaurants. Rooms are basic but clean, with air conditioning and decent beds. The shared areas are a little dated but the staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. Good option if you just need a base and plan to spend most of your time outdoors. Do not expect resort amenities at this price.
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Casa Mira
Casa Mira is a small family-run guesthouse in Espargos, the island capital a few kilometers inland from the coast. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and the owners cook breakfast from local produce. It is quieter here than Santa Maria, which suits travelers who want a more authentic local experience. The airport is only about ten minutes away, making it practical for early flights. Espargos has fewer tourist facilities but real neighborhood restaurants worth trying.
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Oasis Salinas Sea Hotel
This all-inclusive resort is positioned near the famous Ponta Preta surf and kitesurf spot, just outside Santa Maria. The beach access is excellent and the pools are well maintained with plenty of lounge space. Food quality is above average for an all-inclusive, with a decent variety at the buffet. Rooms in the newer wings are noticeably better than the older blocks, so request an upgrade at check-in if possible. It draws a sporty crowd due to its proximity to the kite beach.
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Morabeza Hotel
Morabeza is one of the most respected hotels on the island and sits directly on the white sand beach in Santa Maria. The service consistently stands out, with staff who remember guest preferences and go out of their way to help. Rooms are stylishly decorated with local touches and most have sea or garden views. The beachfront restaurant serves excellent grilled fish and the cocktails at the bar are strong. This is the best mid-range option on Sal for overall quality.
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Odjo d'Agua Hotel
Odjo d'Agua translates to eye of water, and the hotel delivers on that theme with a stunning beachfront position right in Santa Maria. The infinity pool merges visually with the Atlantic, which is a genuine highlight. Rooms are bright and well furnished, with the sea-facing balconies being worth the extra cost. The restaurant is solid, particularly the fresh seafood caught locally. Staff are attentive and the check-in process is smooth.
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Hotel Riu Garopa
Riu Garopa is a large all-inclusive resort on the eastern end of Santa Maria beach with strong facilities for families. Multiple pools, a kids club, and direct beach access make it popular with families from Europe. The entertainment program runs nightly and the food covers enough variety to keep most guests satisfied across a week-long stay. Rooms are functional and clean without being particularly distinctive. It works best if you plan to stay on the resort rather than explore.
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Hotel Dunas de Sal
Dunas de Sal sits in Murdeira Bay, a quieter cove on the western side of the island well away from the Santa Maria crowds. The bay is sheltered and the water is calm, making it ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Rooms are spacious and decorated in warm tones with good sea views from the upper floors. Dining options are limited in Murdeira itself so most guests eat at the hotel restaurant, which is reliable. Couples looking for peace rather than nightlife will appreciate this location.
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Hotel Melia Tortuga Beach
Melia Tortuga sits on its own stretch of beach just west of Santa Maria town and is one of the better large resorts on the island. The beach here is quieter than the main Santa Maria strip, which is a genuine advantage. Rooms are modern and well equipped, with the recently renovated premium rooms being noticeably superior. The main pool area is large and well staffed, and the food options go beyond a standard buffet. It hits a good quality level for the price relative to Sal's overall market.
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Llana Beach Hotel
Llana Beach Hotel sits on a remote stretch of coastline in the north of Sal, far from the resort clusters around Santa Maria. The isolation is the whole point, with a pristine private beach and a design that feels genuinely upscale without being stuffy. Rooms are large, minimalist, and finished to a high standard with private terraces overlooking the sea. The restaurant focuses on fresh local ingredients and the wine list is well chosen. It is the best overall luxury experience on the island.
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Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria
Riu Palace is the flagship luxury all-inclusive on Sal and occupies a prime beachfront position at the western end of Santa Maria. The property feels genuinely premium compared to other Riu resorts on the island, with butler service, upgraded rooms, and a adults-only pool area. Food and beverage quality is a clear step above the standard all-inclusive formula. The spa is spacious and well run, with good treatment options. Guests pay more here but the gap in quality is noticeable.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Sal
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Santa Maria vs. Espargos: which side of Sal should you choose?
Santa Maria is the tourist hub and there's a reason for that. The 8-kilometer beach, the restaurants on Rua 1 de Junho, the dive shops, the kite schools near Ponta Preta. it all clusters here. You can do everything on foot.
Espargos is the actual capital city of Sal, but it functions more like a working town than a resort. Casa Mira there is a solid find at $55-85/night, and you're near Espargos market and local cafes. But you'll be taking a 20-minute shared taxi every time you want the beach. factor that in.
The honest guide to Sal's beaches. and which hotels are actually close
Santa Maria Beach is the main act, running from the pier near Odjo d'Agua west toward Monte Leao. Morabeza Hotel and Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria both sit right on this strip. Tortuga Beach is quieter, a 10-minute drive east, where Hotel Melia Tortuga Beach sits almost alone on a gorgeous stretch.
Ponta Preta is for kitesurfers and serious windsurfers. Oasis Salinas Sea Hotel is the closest base, about a 5-minute walk. Llana Beach on the north coast is the most dramatic: raw, windswept, and almost empty. But you're 30 kilometers from Santa Maria, so pack like you mean it.
Budget travel in Sal: what $45-85/night actually gets you
Two of our picks come in under $90/night. Residencial Paraiso in Santa Maria town center runs $45-75/night and puts you 8 minutes walk from the beach on Rua Amilcar Cabral. Casa Mira in Espargos is a step up in quality at $55-85/night, though you trade beach proximity for local authenticity.
At this price in Sal, don't expect resort pools or sea views. But you do get clean rooms, decent Wi-Fi, and a real neighborhood outside your door. The savings let you eat at actual restaurants. a fresh grilled tuna at a local spot on Rua 1 de Junho runs about $8-12.
Luxury in Sal: what you get for $260-420/night
Two properties justify the top price tag for completely different reasons. Llana Beach Hotel at $260-380/night gives you a near-private beach on the north coast, serious isolation, and some of the best snorkeling in Cape Verde at Buracona just 10 minutes away. Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria at $280-420/night is all-inclusive luxury on the main Santa Maria Beach West strip. polished, large, and built for people who want everything handled.
Morabeza Hotel at $120-185/night punches well above its price and sits in the sweet spot: genuine beachfront on Santa Maria Beach, a pool that actually looks the part, and a restaurant good enough to eat at more than once. It's the luxury pick for people who think $400/night is hard to justify on a beach island.
How to get around Sal without getting ripped off
Alugers are shared minibuses running fixed routes between Santa Maria and Espargos for around 100-150 CVE (under $1.50). They leave from the main square near Rua 1 de Junho when full, not on a schedule. For Pedra de Lume, Murdeira, or the north coast, you're negotiating a private taxi. agree on the price before you get in, expect $15-25 one way.
Renting a quad bike or small car is genuinely useful if you want to explore Sal independently. Several rental shops on Rua Amilcar Cabral in Santa Maria charge $40-60/day for a basic car. The entire island is 30 kilometers long, so you can cover it in a day with stops.
When to book. and why Cape Verde has a different peak season logic
Sal's peak season runs November through March, driven almost entirely by Northern Europeans escaping winter. Hotels fill fast from mid-December to mid-January, and prices at Morabeza or Odjo d'Agua jump 30-40% compared to shoulder months. Book beachfront hotels 3-4 months ahead if you're going over Christmas or New Year.
The sweet spot is October or April. Temperatures sit at a comfortable 25-28°C, the trade winds keep things pleasant without being brutal, and Santa Maria Beach has actual space on it. Hotel prices drop noticeably. you can get mid-range rooms at $100-130/night that cost $160+ in January. July and August are genuinely rough: Harmattan dust from the Sahara reduces visibility and coats everything in a fine grit.
Sal's best neighborhoods
Santa Maria is where most visitors should stay: the beach is real, the restaurants are walkable, and you can actually leave the resort. Espargos and Murdeira are worth knowing about, but for first-timers, Santa Maria wins every time.
Santa Maria 6 vetted hotels The beach town that Sal is actually built around.
The beach town that Sal is actually built around.
Santa Maria is where most people base themselves, and it's the right call. The town runs along the southern coast, with the beach promenade connecting Odjo d'Agua on the waterfront through to the pier, and then west toward Ponta Preta and the kite schools. Rua 1 de Junho is the main commercial strip with restaurants, shops, and dive operators.
Six of our 10 picks are here, covering every price point from Residencial Paraiso at $45-75/night up to Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria at $280-420/night. That spread is real and it matters: you can stay on this same beach for $120/night or $420/night depending on what you need. The difference is mostly pool size, room quality, and whether you want all-inclusive.
Avoid booking anything marketed as 'Santa Maria' that doesn't specify beach proximity. Some guesthouses are 25 minutes walk from the water, which is fine if you know. not fine if you expected sea views. Stick to the neighborhoods of Santa Maria Beach, Santa Maria Waterfront, Ponta Preta, and Tortuga Beach for the best positions.
Espargos 1 vetted hotel The real capital. local life, lower prices, and 20 minutes from the beach.
The real capital. local life, lower prices, and 20 minutes from the beach.
Espargos sits in the center-north of the island, about 18 kilometers from Santa Maria and 4 kilometers from the airport. It functions as an actual Cape Verdean town rather than a resort, with a proper market, local bakeries, and cafes that aren't aimed at tourists. Casa Mira is our pick here, running $55-85/night in the Espargos Center neighborhood.
The tradeoff is real. You'll take a shared aluger or taxi every time you want the beach. about 20-25 minutes and 100-150 CVE by shared bus. That adds up over a week. Espargos works well if you're combining a Sal beach trip with onward travel or just want a cheaper base with local character.
Don't expect nightlife, beachside cocktails, or resort amenities here. What you get is an honest slice of Cape Verdean life: the morning market on the main square, fresh bread from the padaria on Rua de Espargos, and hotel prices that let you spend the saved cash on dinners in Santa Maria instead.
Murdeira 1 vetted hotel A sheltered bay for couples who want Sal without the crowds.
A sheltered bay for couples who want Sal without the crowds.
Murdeira is a small settlement on the protected western coast, about 15 kilometers north of Santa Maria on the road toward Espargos. The bay is calm, shallow, and ideal for snorkeling and kayaking. Hotel Dunas de Sal sits right on Murdeira Bay at $155-220/night, and it's our Romantic Stay pick for a reason.
Isolation is the point here. There are no strip restaurants or beach bars within walking distance. You're booking into a self-contained experience with the bay and the hotel grounds. If that sounds like perfection, it probably is. If it sounds like a trap, stay in Santa Maria.
For day trips from Murdeira, you're well-placed for Buracona Blue Eye on the northwest coast (15 minutes by car) and Pedra de Lume salt crater (20 minutes east). Most guests at Dunas de Sal arrange a car for at least 2 days of the trip. Budget $40-60/day for a rental from Santa Maria, or negotiate through the hotel.
North Sal Coast 1 vetted hotel Remote, raw, and worth every cent of the premium.
Remote, raw, and worth every cent of the premium.
The north coast of Sal is mostly untouched. no resort strips, no beach bars, just volcanic rock, wind, and some of the clearest water on the island. Llana Beach sits here, about 30 kilometers from Santa Maria, and Llana Beach Hotel is the only accommodation worth considering in the area at $260-380/night.
This is luxury in the original sense: not marble lobbies, but actual seclusion. On a busy day, Llana Beach has 20 people on it. The snorkeling is exceptional, and Buracona's Blue Eye natural pool is 10 minutes west by car. You're not coming here for nightlife or town exploration.
Getting to Santa Maria from the north coast takes 35-40 minutes by car. Most guests staying at Llana Beach Hotel rent a vehicle for the duration. It's worth one day trip south. but by day three, most people stop making the drive and just stay put.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Sal.
Romantic
Murdeira Bay is the best call for couples: calm water, no crowds, and Hotel Dunas de Sal sitting almost alone on the shoreline. It's 15 kilometers from Santa Maria, which is exactly the point.
Culture
Espargos Center is the real Cape Verde. local markets, morabeza (the national hospitality concept), and streets that aren't built for tourists. Casa Mira puts you in the middle of it from $55/night.
Family
Santa Maria Beach East, where Hotel Riu Garopa sits, has the calmest beach entry on the island and a proper kids' club. The shallow water means young children can actually swim here without worry.
Budget
Residencial Paraiso in Santa Maria town center keeps it under $75/night and puts you 8 minutes walk from the beach on Rua Amilcar Cabral. Spend the savings on grilled fish at a local spot on Rua 1 de Junho.
Beach
Santa Maria Waterfront is the sweet spot: Odjo d'Agua Hotel sits right on the promenade, and you're 5 minutes from the best stretch of Santa Maria Beach in either direction. Zero commute to the sand.
Foodie
The Santa Maria town center stretch of Rua 1 de Junho has the best local restaurants on the island. Stay at Morabeza or Residencial Paraiso and you're within a 10-minute walk of the best grilled catch on Sal.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Sal
When to visit Sal and what to pay.
Peak Season (Nov-Mar)
This is when Northern Europeans descend on Santa Maria in force. and hotels know it. Mid-December through mid-January is essentially sold out at Morabeza, Odjo d'Agua, and Llana Beach Hotel. Book 3-4 months ahead minimum, and expect prices on the Santa Maria beachfront to run $160-280/night for decent rooms.
Sweet Spot (Oct & Apr)
October and April are genuinely the best months to visit Sal. Temperatures sit at 25-28°C, the trade winds are manageable, and hotels drop 25-30% from peak pricing. You'll pay $120-160/night for beachfront rooms that cost $180-220/night in January, and Santa Maria Beach actually has space on it.
Low Season (May-Jul)
Prices are lowest May through July, with rooms at mid-range hotels running $80-120/night. But July brings the start of the Harmattan season: Saharan dust reduces visibility, coats everything in a fine film, and makes beach days less appealing. May and June are the better months if budget is driving your decision.
Harmattan Season (Aug-Sep)
August and September have the lowest prices on the island. Residencial Paraiso dips toward $45/night and even Morabeza runs $120-140/night. But the Harmattan wind brings dense Saharan dust that reduces visibility to a few kilometers and settles on everything. Kite conditions are unpredictable, and the beach experience is notably diminished. Go only if budget is the single priority.
Booking Tips for Sal
Insider tips for booking hotels in Sal.
Don't book 'near Santa Maria' without checking the actual distance
Several guesthouses and small hotels market themselves as Santa Maria hotels but sit 20-30 minutes walk from the beach on the inland side of town. In Sal's heat, that's a deal-breaker. Always check the specific neighborhood: Santa Maria Beach, Santa Maria Waterfront, and Ponta Preta are genuinely beachside. 'Santa Maria' alone tells you almost nothing.
Peak week in Sal means Christmas. book by September
The week between December 22 and January 5 is when Sal hits genuine capacity. Morabeza Hotel, Odjo d'Agua, and Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria all fill completely. If you're traveling over Christmas, book by September at the latest. and expect to pay $180-280/night for rooms that run $120-160/night in October.
Negotiate aluger prices before you get in the taxi
Private taxis in Sal operate without meters. Santa Maria to the airport (Espargos) should cost $15-20. Santa Maria to Murdeira Bay runs $20-25. Agree the price before departure, not after. Shared alugers between Santa Maria and Espargos cost 100-150 CVE (under $1.50) and leave from near the main square on Rua 1 de Junho.
The best snorkeling spots aren't where the hotels tell you
Hotel beach staff will point you toward the main Santa Maria Beach stretch, which is fine but not exceptional underwater. The genuinely good snorkeling is at Shark Bay (Baia do Tubarao). about 3 kilometers east of town. and at Murdeira Bay's northern edge. Both require a short taxi ride or bike rental. Ask at Odjo d'Agua or Morabeza for a reliable local guide contact, not the hotel tour desk.
Bring cash for anything outside resort hotels
Card payments work reliably at mid-range and luxury hotels, and at larger restaurants on Rua 1 de Junho. But smaller guesthouses, local cafes, aluger drivers, and market vendors in Espargos operate cash-only. Get CVE Escudos from the ATM on Rua Amilcar Cabral in Santa Maria on arrival. the airport ATM sometimes runs out over peak weekends.
Tortuga Beach is worth a day trip even if you're not staying there
Hotel Melia Tortuga Beach is the best value beachfront option at $180-245/night, but even if you're based elsewhere, Tortuga Beach itself is one of Sal's best stretches. quieter than the main Santa Maria strip and with calmer water on most days. It's a 10-minute taxi from Santa Maria town center, roughly $8-12 each way.
Hotels in Sal — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Sal.
What's the best area to stay in Sal?
Santa Maria is the obvious answer, and it's obvious for a reason. You get the main beach strip, restaurants on Rua 1 de Junho, and everything within a 10-15 minute walk. Espargos is cheaper by about 20% but you'll need a taxi every time you want the ocean.
How much do hotels in Sal cost per night?
Budget rooms in Santa Maria town center start around $45-75/night at places like Residencial Paraiso. Mid-range on the beachfront runs $120-200/night. Llana Beach on the north coast is the luxury ceiling at $260-380/night, and worth it if that's your thing.
Is Santa Maria Beach worth staying near?
Yes, without question. The beach runs almost 8 kilometers of white sand, and the best stretch near Morabeza Hotel and Odjo d'Agua is calm, clean, and walkable from the town center. Ponta Preta at the western end is where the kiteboarders and surfers go. different crowd, windier conditions.
When is the best time to visit Sal?
November through March is peak season, with temperatures around 23-27°C and full hotels. We like late October or April: prices drop 25-30%, the sea is warm, and Santa Maria Beach isn't packed. July and August bring humidity and Harmattan dust from the Sahara. not ideal.
Is Sal safe for tourists?
Generally yes. Santa Maria town center around Rua Amilcar Cabral and the beach promenade is safe day and night. Standard precautions apply after midnight near the bars on the main strip. Keep your bag close in Espargos market, same as anywhere.
Do I need a car in Sal?
Not if you're staying in Santa Maria. Everything from Morabeza Hotel to the town market on Rua 1 de Junho is under 15 minutes on foot. You'll want an aluger (shared taxi) or private hire to reach Pedra de Lume salt crater or Murdeira Bay. budget $15-25 each way.
What's the difference between Murdeira and Santa Maria for hotels?
Murdeira is 15 kilometers north of Santa Maria, and it's genuinely quieter. Hotel Dunas de Sal sits right on Murdeira Bay, which is a sheltered cove used by snorkelers and kayakers. You'll need transport to get anywhere else, so it works best for couples who want to stay put.
Are all-inclusive hotels in Sal worth it?
Depends entirely on your style. Hotel Riu Garopa and Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria both do all-inclusive, and the food quality is solid for the format. But Sal has genuinely good restaurants on Rua 1 de Junho. spots like Calheta and Casa Mira's neighborhood in Espargos that you'd miss if you never leave the resort.
Which hotel in Sal is best for families?
Hotel Riu Garopa on Santa Maria Beach East is the top family pick: large pools, shallow beach entry, kids' club, and the animation team that keeps children busy. It's about $140-200/night, which is fair for what you get. The beach stretch here is calmer than Ponta Preta.
Is Llana Beach worth the premium price?
If you want seclusion, yes. Llana Beach on the north coast is 30 kilometers from Santa Maria, which means it's genuinely isolated. Llana Beach Hotel runs $260-380/night but the beach itself is barely touched. maybe 20 people on it on a busy day. Don't expect nightlife nearby.
What currency is used in Sal, and can I pay by card?
The official currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), pegged to the Euro at roughly 110 CVE to €1. Most hotels and restaurants in Santa Maria accept Visa and Mastercard. Smaller guesthouses like Residencial Paraiso prefer cash. bring some Escudos for local restaurants and taxis.
How far is the airport from Santa Maria hotels?
Amilcar Cabral International Airport is in Espargos, about 18 kilometers north of Santa Maria. A taxi takes 20-25 minutes and costs roughly $15-20. Some hotels like Morabeza and Oasis Salinas Sea offer airport transfers. worth asking at booking, as it saves the haggling on arrival.