The Island Maio in Cabo Verde
A true paradise of peace that is usually overlooked. On the island Maio you will not find commercial tourism. In the sleepy villages with their colorful houses you will find a sight of pure tranquility. In addition to long, white sand beaches and warm, clear waters, Maio offers a hilly landscape of limestone valleys and acacia forests. If you like to take long walks and spend a quiet vacation, Maio is the perfect destination.
Maio is an old eroded volcano about 25 kilometers from Santiago Island. It is partially forested with acacia trees, and there are also salt pans on the west of the island. Maio is home to endangered animals such as the white-tailed eagle and the Caretta Caretta turtle. The island has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Most travelers combine a trip to Maio with Santiago.
The Weather in Maio
The History of Maio
Maio has been exporting salt to England for many centuries. At the beginning of the 19th century, the main market for salt shifted to Brazil. Annual shipments of thousands of tonnes came to a halt when Brazil imposed protective tariffs. In the 20th century, Maio suffered repeated droughts and the emigration of its inhabitants.
Today, Maio’s inhabitants try to make a living through agriculture and fishing. They also produce charcoal in underground kilns, which they export to other islands. There are also large deposits of lime and gypsum on Maio.
As for tourism, Maio is still overlooked today because various projects have failed. Therefore, Maio is still the peaceful place it has always been, and its character is unchanged. The challenge in the realization of new projects is not only the investment but also the protection of the biodiversity of birds and marine animals on the island.
Festivals at Maio
The religious festival of Santa Cruz on May 3 and the Days of the Saints in June are the biggest celebrations. At the beginning of September there is a music festival.
Maio how to get there?
Flights to Maio
The flight to Mio takes only 15 minutes from Santiago Island. As always with domestic flights, we advise you to check before departure if the flight has not been rescheduled for another time. Maio airport is only a few kilometers from the city center. You can also take the ferry to get to Maio. Departures are not always guaranteed, so take this into account when planning your trip.
Transportation by sea to Maio
Take a ferry to Maio
Usually there is a ferry 3 times a week, but sometimes they do not arrive at all. We recommend that you always check with the ferry companies before planning your trip to Maio. Taking a ferry is recommended for those who have little money and are not pressed for time. A one-way trip costs about $1540, but for that, you have to accept a lack of comfort, frequency, and reliability.
Take a yacht to Maio
If you want to arrive by yacht, there is a good anchorage in the rocky, sandy bay in front of the Vila. However, it can be difficult to disembark at the breakwater because of the strong swell. (After some unpleasant landings in Maio, even the fast ferry CV abandoned its planned route to the island and has not returned to this day.) Upon arrival, clear all landing formalities with the police.
Getting around in Maio
Walk to town
It is only a few kilometres to the centre, and you can easily walk this distance if you carry only a modest backpack and no heavy load. It will take you about 40 minutes. The town is on the left and there is only one road that leads to the sea. At the T-junction, turn left. You will walk past the salt flats and you can enjoy the view.
Taxi
If you share a taxi for the 5-minute ride into town, you’ll pay about $200. Also, you can book a transfer from Maio Harbour to your accommodation in Vila do Maio and/or Vice Versa.