The forgotten island where there is pure tranquility. Secret white beaches, beautiful dunes, small scale and a relaxed atmosphere. You come to Maio to relax. It is a home for endangered animals like the white-tailed eagle and the Caretta Caretta turtle. Maio is not invaded by many tourists, which makes you experience the authentic atmosphere everywhere.
Maio is an old and eroded volcano and is just about 25 kilometers from the island of Santiago from. Many travelers combine a trip to Maio mostly with Santiago. The island is also flat and partly wooded with acacia trees. There are also salt pans in the west of the island.
Sights Maio
Salt Lake Porto Ingles
This fantastic salt lake is five kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide, hence this is the biggest salt lake of Cape Verde. Pink, purple and white color salt hills are to be seen. Because of its location in a wetland area, this is also a good place to spot beautiful exotic birds.
Vila do Maio
The main town of the island with many small colored houses that lead to the harbor. Besides an intimate and authentic atmosphere, there are also a number of nice restaurants to enjoy lunch or dinner.
Turtles and whales
The Carreta Carreta turtle nests also on Maio. In the winter and spring also Humpback whales pass with their young. A unique experience to see these animals.
Morro
Morro is located in a palm grove. In the immediate vicinity of Morro you can find the oldest rocks of Cape Verde. For those who are interested in archeology it is a must. The highest rock is almost 300 meters.
Beaches
On the island everywhere are amazing beaches, some like a dessert and abandoned. Porto Cais is a wonderful and beautiful deserted beach. Other beautiful beaches can be found among others at Ponta Preta, Bitcharocha and Santana. Enough choice.
How to get to Maio?
A flight takes you within 15 minutes from the island Santiago to Maio. If you take this domestic flight we advise you take to check before departure if the flight has not been moved to a different time. For all flight information please check out our page about domestic and international flights to Cape Verde. From the airport of Maio it is only a few kilometers to the town center.
You also can take the ferry to get to Maio. Departures are not always guaranteed, so take this into account when making your planning.
Mark Smith says
I will be in Santiago from May 18th 2019 for 10 days . I would like to attend the Gamboa music festival ( from 17th to 20th ). I tried searching for a rent a car company at RAI Airport in Praira and can’t find anything . Can anyone please tell me the name of a car rental company, their website, phone number and how much they charge a day as well as how much deposit they hold on a credit card?. Also the details on how I can travel from Santiago to Maio and Boa Vista while I am there..thanks in advance .
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello,
Maybe this article helps you further: car rental
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Anonymous says
Are there any other ways to get from Maio to Praia in January 2019, than to fly?
Are there ferries? (No info on cvfastferry)
Is it possible to get hike with other boats?
Appreciate advices!
Kind regards
Tale
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Tale,
Besides flying you can get a ferry or private boat transfer between Praia and Maio. Due to maintaince the regular ferry service is not available, but you can take the cargo ship Sotavento (service is running 2 times per week).
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Homophobius says
did someone ever take the (fast)ferry from santiago to maio? if so could you please tell me the price
thanks a lot
BEst wishes
Felipe
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Felipe,
Expect prices around 13 – 25 euro’s for a single trip depended on the class. Note, it seems that till June 2018 the fast ferry to Maio is not a available.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org