MAIO ISLAND
The island of Maio, situated south of the island of Boavista and about 25km east of the island of Santiago, is volcanic in origin. It is quite small, its surface is 268 km2 with a population of around 5,000 inhabitants. The island is about 24km long from North to South and 16km wide. Its highest point is Monte Penoso, at only 436m is located in east part of the island.
The island is very flat and the climate is very dry. Nevertheless the island has the biggest forest park in Cape Verde; it has been heavily reafforested mainly with acacia trees. There are saltpans in the southwest and in the northwest and very beautiful beaches of fine golden sand along the coast. The island’s capital is Vila do Maio, also known as Porto Ingles.
VISIT MAIO IF:
- You want to relax by getting away from everything and everyone!
Photos sourced from www.caboverde.com. Maio beaches.
HISTORY
After its first sighting on May 1st, 1460, Maio was mainly a grazing ground for cattle and goats until the end of the 16th century, when the English discovered Maio's abundant resource, salt. They took over the salt production because the Portuguese never showed much interest in the island. Maio prospered around salt collecting until the 19th century when the main market for salt turned to Brazil, the business ceased completely when Brazil imposed protective tariffs at the end of the same century.
The island also suffered sackings in 1818 and in 1827 and in the last hundred years, repeated droughts have resulted in emigration.
AT THE AIRPORT & TRANSPORT INFORMATION
The airport is 2km away from Vila do Maio, the capital of Maio. To contact the airport: +238 255 1108.
Internal Flights
There is a regular 20-minute domestic flight with TACV Airlines between Maio and Santiago (Praia) few times a week.
From The Airport
Taxis are available from the airport to Vila do Maio. If you have an hotel booking, a minibus from the hotel should be waiting for you at the airport. Alternatively, you can easily walk the 2km distance to Vila do Maio; facing the sea, the capital is on the left. For your journey back to the airport, make arrangements with the hotel.
By Ferry or Hydrofoil see 'Getting Around' Main Page for routes and timetables between the islands. The port is in Vila do Maio.
Getting Around Maio
- ALUGUERS Figueira da Horta is easily reached by aluguers from Vila do Maio. To get to Alcatraz and Morrihno, aluguers leave from near the hospital in Vila do Maio between 8am and 11am.
- CAR RENTAL For more freedom to see the island, rent a jeep, a minibus or a car will limit your chance to explore. Prices vary from 5,000/6,000$ per day depending on size, if you want a driver too, it will cost more. Car rental operators can be found in Vila do Maio.
- BYCYCLE Bycycle is another option, it's great and fun. Ask the hotel owners.
ACTIVITIES
Maio is still a tranquil place where peace and quiet reign. Go for long walks along the white, lonely beaches and around the saltpans. This is a place to relax and unwind.
Photos sourced from www.caboverde.com. Maio beaches.
PLACES TO STAY OR VISIT
VILA DO MAIO
Vila do Maio, also called Porto Ingles, which in Portuguese means 'English Port' is the capital of Maio and it is situated in the southwestern part of the island. Vila do Maio has a pretty town centre with a large square. On the square itself, which it rises up a small hill, lies a Baroque church from 1872. At the southeast edge of the town, you can see the fort built in the 18th century. The town has a nice new pier, after which the beach stretches for miles.
For 'Where to Stay' see Accomodation section or our Book Your Holiday page.
USEFUL NUMBERS & INFORMATION
Hospital: 255 1130 Pharmacy: 255 1370 Police: 255 1132
Bank: On the square.
Photos sourced from www.caboverde.com. White Baroque church in Vila do Maio.
Photos sourced from www.caboverde.com. LEFT: view of Vila do Maio town. RIGHT: Vila do Maio town.
DO NOT MISS:
North of Vila do Maio, you will find this huge saltpan, 5km long by 1.5km wide, surrounded by vegetation; to the east, there is a small delightful bay and at 30-minute walk from it , the beach of Ponta Preta.
MORRO & CALHETA
Morro is situated north of Vila do Maio. Its beach is visited by turtles in summer. At 3km north of Morro, there is the lovely fishing village of Calheta, which can be reached by walking along the beautiful beach from Morro. At Calheta there is a bay where you can swim.
For 'Where to Stay' see Accomodation section or our Book Your Holiday page.
MORRINHO, ALCATRAZ AND FIGUEIRA DA HORTA
From Morrinho, a track going northwest will take you to Praia de Santana, a wild and barren beach, invisible from the road and hidden by a ridge of dunes.
On the east side of the island, you will find Alcatraz. It consists of one dusty road, but from here you can get a local to show you the way to the top of Monte Penoso, the highest peak of the island, for the best views over Maio.
From Figueira da Horta, a lively village east of Villa do Maio, you can reach Ribeira de Joao, in the south east part of the island. Park the car here and follow a footpath, past the wide ribeira, to this stunning beach with turquoise water.