May City (English Port)

Porto Inglês: the most populated place on the island of Maio

With a population of 6000, it is normal for Maio Island to have small settlements. Most people live in May Town/English Harbor.

The large presence of the English, who disputed the dominion of the island during the 19th century, made the island a very important tourist destination. XVII and XVIII and who continued to do business with the Salt that existed there, gave the name to the port, which was previously called Port of the Crane.

In time it became known as the village and now the City of English Harbour.

The Marginal City of Porto Inglês, on Maio Island

Along the waterfront of this location you can find the main sites of the island: The St. Joseph’s fortwhich served as a defense against attacks, and later as a monument and boat guide, through its lighthouse; a cross-shaped monument near the Church of Our Lady of Light, and the famous and once disputed Salinas da Ilha do Maio, as well as its interpretive center.

A place loved by locals, tourists and immigrants

Maio Island, despite being a paradise on Earth, ends up being a land of emigrants, who seek another kind of life in the big urban centers, be it in other Cape Verdean islands, or abroad, particularly in the United States. There are several immigrants who have been radicalized in the City of May, making the opposite direction and establishing businesses in Porto Inglês, essentially focused on tourism.

Enjoy Porto Inglês on your visit to Maio Island

Take the time to visit these wonderful places.