Maio

Maio is an island in the Sotavento (leeward) group of Cape Verde, administered as the Maio municipality. The island is noted for extensive sandy beaches, a low-density population and a largely rural, maritime economy.

Visitors are drawn to long undeveloped beaches, coastal birdlife and opportunities for quiet beach-based tourism, fishing and small-scale sailing. The main settlement and administrative centre is Porto Inglês (Vila do Maio), which contains the island’s harbour and most services.

Historically the island produced salt and supported small-scale agriculture and fishing; traditional livelihoods remain important alongside growing tourism. Infrastructure and visitor services are more limited than on Cape Verde’s larger islands, which contributes to a less crowded experience.

Geographically Maio lies in the central Atlantic within the Cape Verde archipelago to the west of mainland Africa and forms part of the Sotavento island chain.

• Character: Maio is one of the Sotavento (leeward) islands of Cape Verde and is known for long sandy beaches, low population density and a quieter tourism profile compared with more developed islands.
• Access: Island transport is limited compared with larger islands; maritime connections and occasional inter-island flights link Maio to other Cape Verde islands, with services that vary by season.

What to See#

• Porto Inglês (Vila do Maio): Porto Inglês (also called Vila do Maio) is the island’s main town and harbour, where ferry services and local administration are based.
• Salt pans: Coastal salt pans and saline flats on Maio reflect the island’s historical salt production, visible at scattered locations along the shore.

• Check ferry and flight timetables before travelling to Maio - services are infrequent and schedules change seasonally, so plan connections and accommodation around confirmed departure times.
• Visit early in the day to reach remote beaches and birding spots before fishing boats and local traffic increase; many visitors concentrate on the main town and miss quieter bays and salt flat areas inland.
• Contact local guides for turtle‑watching or fishing excursions during season - guided visits are the best way to see nesting sea turtles and the island's characteristic lagoons while following conservation rules.