Warnings
-
Always respect local regulations;
-
Stay on the trails;
-
Do not pick plants or catch animals;
-
Avoid making excessive noise;
-
Take your rubbish back with you;
-
Use only biodegradable products;
-
Wear suitable clothing and footwear;
-
Do not make fires or smoke in prohibited areas.
Djarmai House
Old Townhouse
Fort São José
Northern Maio Natural Park
Interpretive center
Porto Inglês Saltworks
Opening hours: 09:00h - 17:00h
Old Houses Nature Reserve
Monte Penoso
Protected Landscape of the Porto Inglês Salt Pans
Our Lady of Light Parish Church
Your journey starts here
Events not to be missed on the island
May 3rd
September 8
August
September
Every month, in a different community on the island
Maio Island: a natural sanctuary where biodiversity is preserved and local culture is respected.
Maio Island is one of the ten islands of the Cape Verde archipelago, with an area of approximately 275 km² and a population of approximately 6,900 inhabitants (INE, 2020). Known for its diverse landscapes and well-preserved natural habitats, the island offers an impressive variety of ecosystems, including paradisiacal beaches, dune systems, wetlands of international importance and salt marshes rich in halophytic vegetation.
Together with Sal Island, Maio is home to the second largest colony of sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in Cape Verde, playing a crucial role in the conservation of this endangered species. In addition, it has seven protected areas, five of which are marine areas of high biodiversity, where several endemic species are found.
Thanks to its natural wealth and the sustainable balance between local communities and terrestrial and marine ecosystems, Maio Island was recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve in 2020, standing out as one of the last refuges of well-preserved habitats in Cape Verde.
Useful information
How to get there
Fly to one of Cape Verde's 4 international airports: Praia, Mindelo, Boavista or Sal. If you are staying at one of the other airports, fly to Praia. Then use the inter-island flights (Monday and Saturday) or the boat (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) to Maio.
Where to stay
While you wait on the beach for your flight or boat to Maio, we recommend:
-
“Pet Shop” in Plateau, near Pão Quente (+238 9966797).
-
Lidia Residencial, Rua Serpa Pinto No. 130, in “Plateau. [Lidia also speaks English (+238 261 50 66), WhatsApp contact: +2389949447 +238921036].
how to get around
You can get around the island by Taxi or Hyaces.
Where to eat
Marisol, Sete Sois Sete Luas, Big Game, Restaurante Joyce, Restaurante Martins, Restaurante Vanusa,
Finance
It is recommended to bring euros, which can be exchanged for Cape Verdean escudos at a bank in Maio or Praia. Credit cards usually work, but may fail at some ATMs, so it is important to confirm rates with your bank before traveling and have an alternative way to get cash.
The exchange rate between Euros and Cape Verdean escudos is fixed: 1 EUR = 110 CVE (ECV).
useful contacts
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. This is the place to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.