Sal-Rei, located on the island of Boavista, was founded in the 19th century by Portuguese settlers. During this period, the island was mainly used for the production of salt, from which derives the name of the city “Sal-Rei” (Rei means king in Portuguese, and was used as a title of respect for the importance of the salt production for the island’s economy).
The city is located near beautiful and unspoilt beaches, such as Estoril beach and Cabral. In front of the bay of Sal Rei you can see a small islet, the Djeu, with a fort called “Duque de Bragança”, built by the Portuguese in colonial times to protect the bay from pirate attacks. Most of the island’s services are concentrated in Sal Rei, overall a quiet place, where everything is within walking distance since the city is not very big.
Also located in the Rotchina area is the Jewish Cemetery, one of the most important architectural assets of Boavista. Sal Rei has grown over the years and it is possible to observe a slow but constant development, which attracts many foreign investors and many new residents who find in Boavista a paradise in which to move or spend long periods of the year.