Cape Verde Maio Island

Maio! After our fiery exploration of Fogo, let's journey to the tranquil and often overlooked island of Maio. Situated close to Santiago, Maio offers a peaceful escape with its long stretches of deserted beaches and a more laid-back atmosphere.

What Makes Maio Special

Maio provides a stark contrast to the volcanic landscapes of Fogo and the bustling beaches of Sal and Boa Vista. It's an island where you can truly disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasures of sun, sand, and sea in a more untouched setting.

Maio Undeveloped Coastline: The coastline remains largely undeveloped, contributing to its pristine and natural charm.
Maio Secluded Beaches: Maio is known for its extensive, often deserted, white sandy beaches. If you're looking for tranquility and solitude, Maio delivers
Maio Flat Landscape: Unlike the mountainous terrain of some other Cape Verdean islands, Maio is relatively flat, making it ideal for leisurely exploration.
Maio Authentic Atmosphere: Maio retains a strong sense of traditional Cape Verdean life, with small, unhurried villages.
Maio Rich Marine Life: The waters surrounding Maio are home to diverse marine life, making it a good spot for fishing and potential future development in eco-tourism.
Maio Acacia Forests: Parts of the island feature acacia forests, adding a unique touch to the landscape.

Things to See and Do on Maio

Relax on the Beaches: Spend your days unwinding on the long stretches of sand, swimming in the clear waters, and soaking up the sun. Some notable beaches include Praia da Vila do Maio, Praia de Ponta Preta, and Praia de Alcatraz.
Explore Vila do Maio: The main town is small and charming, offering a glimpse into local life. Visit the central square, the church, and the small harbor.
Discover the Maio Salt Pans: Near Vila do Maio, you can find salt pans, a reminder of the island's past industry.
Maio Go Fishing: Maio is a traditional fishing island, and you can often see locals heading out in their boats. Consider joining a local fishing trip.
Explore the Maio Interior Villages: Venture into the quieter villages inland to experience the authentic rhythm of life on Maio.
Maio Birdwatching: The island's diverse habitats attract various bird species, making it interesting for birdwatchers.
Maio Enjoy the Peace and Quiet: Maio's main draw is its tranquility. Embrace the slow pace and enjoy the opportunity to truly relax.

Things to Consider When Visiting Maio:

Maio is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a quiet and authentic Cape Verdean experience, far from the bustling crowds. It's a place to unwind, enjoy pristine beaches, and connect with a more traditional way of life.

Visiting Maio Accessibility: Maio is accessible by plane from Praia (Santiago) to Maio Airport or by ferry. Ferry schedules can be infrequent.
Visiting Maio Accommodation: Accommodation options are limited, mainly consisting of smaller guesthouses and a few small hotels .
Maio Tourism Infrastructure: Tourism infrastructure is less developed compared to Sal and Boa Vista, which contributes to its charm but means fewer tourist facilities.
Visiting Maio Limited Activities: If you're looking for a wide range of organized activities and nightlife, Maio might not be the top choice. Its appeal lies in its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

More Cape Verde Top Tourist Island Destinations

Santiago Island

Santiago Island: As the largest and most populous island in Cape Verde, Santiago Island offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. The capital city, Praia, features colorful colonial architecture, lively markets, and the historic UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha (Old Town). Visitors can explore the rugged landscapes of Serra Malagueta Natural Park and enjoy hiking or birdwatching. Santiago Island

Brava Island

Brava! Known as the "Island of Flowers," Brava is the smallest inhabited island of Cape Verde and truly a gem. After our discussions about Boa Vista and the Viveiro Botanical Garden on Sal, let's journey to this enchanting and often overlooked island. Brava Island

São Vicente Island

São Vicente Island: São Vicente is known for its vibrant arts and music scene, particularly in the city of Mindelo. The island hosts the annual Carnival, a colorful and lively celebration. Mindelo also offers beautiful beaches, lively restaurants and bars, and live music performances at various venues. São Vicente Island

Fogo Island

Fogo Island: Fogo is home to the highest peak in Cape Verde, Pico do Fogo, an active volcano. The volcano's caldera, known as Cha das Caldeiras, is a popular attraction, offering unique landscapes and the opportunity to hike or climb the volcano. The island also produces renowned coffee and wine, which visitors can taste and learn about during tours. Fogo Island

São Nicolau Island

São Nicolau Island: São Nicolau is a quieter and less touristy island, perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape. It features charming colonial towns like Ribeira Brava and stunning landscapes with mountains, valleys, and picturesque coastlines. São Nicolau

Santo Antão Island

Santo Antão Island: Santo Antão is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and lush greenery. It offers fantastic hiking opportunities, including the famous Cova Valley and Paul Valley. The island's picturesque villages, such as Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Grande, showcase traditional Cape Verdean culture and architecture. Santo Antão

Distance

A bit of off road to get there, but worth it. At the bay you will need shoes to go into the water, you can rent there if needed. The water is warm and shallow, you out to just above your knees and wait. The baby sharks just swim up to you. A bit exposed out there so need plenty of suncream.

Viveiro Botanical Garden

This is a very serene spot to get close to nature. The landscape is beautiful and well laid out.

Entry fee is 5 Euros cash for adults and free for children. It has a wide array of flora and fauna. It boasts of several plants and multitude of cactus plants. The staff seem committed to the zoo and are very friendly

There is a wide selection of birds and animals; parrots, peacocks,4 horned goats, donkeys horses, guinea pigs, chameleon , rabbits, monkeys etc

Cape Verde Visa On Arrival

Cape Verde eVisa allows travelers to enter the Cape Verde for tourist purposes. The Cape Verde Pre-Arrival Registration allows applicants a Single Entry to Cape Verde, The visa allows you to stay for 90 days. how to apply for visa online