Maio Island

Maio Island, known in Portuguese as Ilha do Maio, is a Cape Verde destination for enjoying beaches, villages and nature at a relaxed pace. If you are looking for a peaceful holiday, you can combine seaside walks, local culture and landscapes of dunes and salt flats. This guide covers what to see, how to get there and tips for planning your visit.

Maio Island: where it is and why to visit

Maio is located east of Santiago and south of Boa Vista, within the group of Sotavento Islands. Its landscape combines arid terrain, small elevations, dune systems and coastal areas linked to fishing and salt production. The relationship between the communities and the ocean is part of the identity of the island.

Choose this destination if you feel like spending time walking, getting to know the populations and resting. To prepare for the trip, start by deciding how many days you want to stay and then check the transports. You can thus adapt the accommodation and visits to the available connections.

What to see on Maio Island

Porto Inglês and its heritage

Porto Inglês, also called Vila do Maio, is a good starting point to get to know the destination. Among its places of interest are the Fort of São José and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz. Take a walk to discover its surroundings and leave time to get closer to the coast.

Porto Inglês salt flats

The salt pans allow us to understand the importance of salt in local life. This protected landscape is also a visit for those who want to know ecosystems other than the beach. Check the opening of the Interpretive Center before organizing your tour.

Dunes of Morrinho and Monte Penoso

The dunes of Morrinho and Monte Penoso are among the prominent places of Maio. They are proposals to discover another side of the insular landscape. Bring water, sun protection and suitable footwear, and organize any exit respecting the roads and local indications.

Morro, Calheta and Pedro Vaz

You can complete the tour with localities such as Morro, Calheta and Pedro Vaz. Consider the route as an opportunity to get to know everyday life. Ask before photographing people and take advantage of the stops to take an interest in the trade and traditions of each place.

Beaches on Maio Island

Bitchirotcha, Morro, Calheta, Praia Real and Pau Seco are some of the beaches that you can include in your list. The coast offers different landscapes to walk and rest. Choose each stop according to your accommodation, the time available and the conditions of the day.

Before bathing, check the state of the sea with people who know the area. A quiet beach does not guarantee the absence of currents. Avoid entering only isolated places and do not assume that there will be surveillance or services. To walk, carry water and collect all your waste.

Nature and responsible tourism on Maio Island

The island and its marine environment form a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve in 2020. Its habitats include dunes, wetlands and salt flats. In addition, Maio is an important place for the conservation of the sea turtle Caretta Caretta.

If you want to observe turtles, check the season and the authorized departures with a local guide. Observation depends on nature and cannot be guaranteed. Follow the instructions of the equipment, avoid the flash and keep the distance indicated. In protected areas, stay on the trails and do not collect plants or animals.

How to get to Maio Island

The usual connection is organized from Praia, on the island of Santiago, through inter-island air transport or boat. Check the current routes, places and hours directly with the operators before booking: Frequencies may vary and sea conditions may affect navigation.

If you get to Cape Verde for another island, check first how to link to Santiago. Leave margin between routes, especially before the international return flight. Avoid closing a program too tight until all connections are confirmed.

Tips for preparing your stay

To move, check the taxi and local transport options and agree on the tour and the price before leaving. Choose accommodation thinking about the visits that interest you most. It is also convenient to confirm what services it offers and how to arrange the arrival from the port or the airport.

As a trip proposal, book a first day for Porto Inglês and the beach; another for Salinas and towns; and a third for an outing of nature, depending on availability. It is an idea to organize your time, not a package of excursions. Adapt it to your own pace and leave room for changes.

Frequently asked questions about Maio Island

Isla de Mayo and Ilha do Maio are the same place?

Yes. Isla de Mayo is the name in Spanish for Ilha do Maio, in Cape Verde. When looking for transportation or accommodation, use the MAIO name to find available options.

How many days to spend on the visit?

As an orientation, you can consider three or four days to combine beach and unhurried tours. Adjust the duration to your interests and, above all, to the confirmed input and output connections.

Can Maio be combined with other islands?

Yes, you can plan a stay together with Santiago and study connections to other destinations. If you are comparing options, discover also our Sal Island and the Isla de Boa Vista.

Ask us about your trip to Maio Island

Would you like to include Maio Island in your holiday? Contact Cabo Verde Aventura VIP with your dates, group size and what you would like to discover. Ask us about the options and services available for your stay before making a booking.

Contact our agent on MAIO ISLAND · write by mail

Sources for more information

Consult the Visit Cabo Verde Tourist Portal, the Fundação Maio Biodiversidade and the Network of Biosphere Reserves of the CPLP. information consulted in October 2026; Confirm transportation and services for your dates.