Maio

Why visit Maio

Maio is the quietest of the eastern beach islands: flat, dry and fringed with long, empty, resort-free beaches. Just a short hop from Santiago, it is the place to go when you want to do very little, very slowly, with the sand almost to yourself. There is little infrastructure — and that is exactly the point.

Top things to do

• The beaches — kilometres of pale, deserted sand around Vila do Maio and beyond; bring everything you need.
• Vila do Maio (Porto Inglês) — the sleepy main town, with a fort, a church and a handful of restaurants.
• The acacia forest and salt pans — remnants of old salt trade and one of the country’s few forests.
• Birdlife and turtles — quiet nesting beaches (visit responsibly, in season).

Where to stay

• Vila do Maio — small guesthouses and simple hotels; there are no big resorts.

Getting there and around

Maio Airport (MMO) takes short domestic flights from Praia, and there is a ferry link with Santiago. The island is small and flat; you can walk in town, but a hired car or a local driver helps for the emptier beaches.

Who should skip Maio

If you want restaurants, nightlife, tours or things to do, Maio will feel like too little. It is a beach-and-book island. For more variety with the same easy access, choose Sal or Boa Vista.