Maio lies about 26 kilometres east of Santiago, yet it feels a long way from the capital's traffic. Like Sal and Boa Vista, it's a low, dry island fringed with long beaches and dunes, and only about 7,000 people live here. Vila do Maio, also called Porto Inglês after the English ships that once loaded salt here, has a small harbour, a town beach and most of the island's guesthouses. Development has stayed small, so you'll often have a beach to yourself.
Turtles and quiet beaches
Maio suits a trip built around the sea. Loggerhead turtles nest on its beaches from about June to October, and local conservation groups run guided night walks in season. On calm mornings the clear water is good for snorkelling, and the long beaches make for easy walks at either end of the day. Inland, planted acacia woodland covers a surprising share of such a dry island, and the salt plain of Terras Salgadas stretches across the far north. A drive around the island takes in small fishing villages, empty dunes and the old salt pans just outside Vila do Maio.
Getting there and how long to stay
Maio's small airport is close to Vila do Maio, with short domestic flights from Praia, and the ferry from Praia takes about two hours. Services are limited, so book seats early and keep a spare day before your flight home. Stay in Vila do Maio, where you'll find most places to eat. Three or four nights suits the island's pace, and it pairs well with a few days on Santiago or a longer southern trip that takes in Fogo.
Booking on adventuro
Snorkelling trips, turtle walks and island tours are run by small local operators. Use the Book here tab to see live dates and prices.
