What to do in Maio Island?

Maio Island

A little unknown paradise

Many tourists to Cape Verde go looking for that bit of paradise, with magnificent beaches of turquoise blue water and light sand. And, although all the islands have dream beaches, there are three that stand out for being true paradises on Earth: Sal, Boavista, and… well, Maio.
And, if you have heard of Sal Island and the Boa Vista – The island of Maio, in Cape Verde is still a small paradise almost undiscovered; a genuine and simple place, with a fantastic essence; clean, peaceful, and welcoming. Like Brava, São Nicolau and Santo Antão, this island is a wonderful place to discover.
And, although Maio Island “is” beach, it’s not just a beach: it’s the opportunity to taste the local flavors, like a nice cachupa or grilled fish; it’s enjoying the music, which ranges from heartfelt mornas to cheerful coladeras; it’s finding pleasure in the simple things; it’s the experience of calm, the feeling of time slowing down, which makes it a perfect place to rest and recharge batteries.

How to get to Ilha do Maio?

The island of fantastic beaches is well near the Island of Santiago. From Beach City There are domestic flights to Ilha do Maio, which can also be reached by boat from the same origin. However, the boat schedules for visiting Ilha do Maio are quite uncertain.

How to obtain your visa for Cape Verde?

To find out whether or not you need a visa, you should visit the following site: https://travel.gov.cv/

How to get around Maio Island, in Cape Verde?

There are vans and cars that make the route that takes visitors to the most well-known parts of the island. But you can also get around on foot and do some hiking, if your destination is not too far away, while enjoying the wonderful views of the island.

What money do I need on Ilha do Maio?

If you are visiting the island of Maio you should take along Cape Verdean Escudos (CVE) as it is the currency used locally.

What to bring to Ilha do Maio, in Cape Verde?

• Sunblock
• Warm-weather clothing – but bring some more sweaters for the evenings and colder days.
• Comfortable shoes
• Camera
• Smartphone with GPS Map
• Cape Verdean Escudos
• Water to stay hydrated in the heat

What to visit in Maio Island?

Discover the local villages

The population on Maio Island lives mostly in small settlements along the coast. The connection to the sea of these populations is therefore almost umbilical. In every location on the Ilha do Maio there is a smile ready to welcome you. Seeing their characteristic houses, whose garish colors transmit a positive energy, while sharing experiences with their inhabitants is simply amazing.

Enjoying good fish

In Maio Island, as in the rest of Cape Verde, it is possible to appreciate fresh fish and seafood of the highest quality. So be sure to enjoy a good lobster, grouper, or other delicious fish sold in local restaurants and markets, either grilled or included in a traditional cachupa. Its flavors are wonderful, and the experience becomes even better if you have the opportunity to do it while enjoying the wonderful view over the beach, feeling the gentle sea breeze.

Watching the turtles spawn

It seems that turtles love paradisiacal places to lay their eggs, and there are times of the year when it is possible to observe this phenomenon on the beaches of Maio Island, just like on Boa Vista Island or on the beaches of Sal Island. The important thing, when observing, is to have respect for the local fauna.

Main Church – Porto do Maio

Maio has one of the most beautiful churches in Cape Verde. This unique old building can be found in Porto Inglês.

Castelo do Maio

Maio has a castle full of stories, which is the Forte de S. José. Its purpose was to protect the island against invaders, given its strategic importance during the Age of Discovery and in the centuries that followed.

Discovering the Salt Pans

Although their importance has diminished over time, the salt pans demonstrate why so many people have tried to take over this small island over time. Maio Island, and some islands in Cape Verde, were once important salt trading points, and at that time the region’s economy was flourishing. In addition, in the past, it was also an important strategic point on the route to the Americas, where, after several weeks on the high seas, the sailors would dock and the ships would be refueled.

Pottery Center – Calheta

The Pottery Center is the place on Maio Island that allows us to celebrate the art of this region, as far as the so traditional art of pottery is concerned. With beautiful specimens, collected over time, it is almost impossible not to fall in love with this

Watching a soccer game

Maio Island has an important soccer team in Cape Verde. If you like soccer, and if the team plays at home during that period, you can always go watch a game. In addition there is the local championship, which also has several games.

Maio Island Beaches

Black Beach

Bitche Rotcha

English Port

Morrinho

Barreiro Beach

Royal Beach

Pau Seco

Quay Port

Lagoon Beach

Eat, Sleep and Socialize

Where to eat?

There are good restaurant options on Ilha do Maio, for different tastes. Prices are quite affordable in most places.

Where to sleep?

Choose one of the guesthouses in Maio and enjoy this beautiful island.

Where to live together?

Some bars by the beach are the ideal place to listen to music, enjoy a drink, and socialize, either with people in your group or with the locals.