Maio Cape Verde Location

Maio belongs to the Leeward Islands group (Ilhas do Sotavento) and is located south of the isand of Boavista and about 25 km east of Santiago. It has a surface area of 268 km2, the longest point, in a north-south direction being 24 km and the widest point, in an east-west direction is 16 km. The island is on the whole fairly flat, the highest point, in the middle, is Monte Penoso, with an altitude of 436m. The valleys are arid and dry and not very deep. Although the island is volcanic in origin, there are few signs to show it.

The climate is very dry and the land is essentially calcium based rock. There is little irrigated land. Eventhough the climate is not particularly favourable, the island does in fact have the biggest forest park in Cape Verde. The Northern region has been well eroded by the rough seas and the strong Northeast winds. Along the coast there are numerous and very beautiful beaches of fine golden sand.

History

The island was discovered on the 1st of May 1460 by the Portuguese navigators Diego Gomes and Antonio de Noli, and it was from the name of this month that the island "Maio" got its name.
The economic activity of the island at the time was limited basically to the breeding of goats. Later, at the beginning of the XVII century,the production of salt brought more people to the island.
As many English ships stopped here to get supplies, the port became known as Porto Inglês, which means English Port.
In the XIX century, the export of salt to Brazil greatly boosted the economy. During the 20th century, emmigration began and steadily increased. Life in Cabo Verde was difficult, mainly due to the terrible droughts that hit the country year after year.

Read about Sir Francis Drake, Captain Kidd, Blackbeard and other famous Cape Verde Pirates that visited Ilha do Maio and the lost treasures supposedly buried on Maio - read more...

Cultural Events

Religious and other Festivals

The two most important celebratians are:

3rd of May
The May Festival, Festival of the "Santa Cruz" (Holy Cross)

24th, 25th and 26th of June
The Traditional celebrations of S.Joào

Weddings are also celebrated in a very traditianal way, with everyone getting together the night before to give presents and help in the preparations for the big day.

Handicrafts

A number of cooperatives were created on the island to develope the hand-made ceramics industry. Pots and other cooking utensils are the main articles produced.

Food and Drink

The meat and fish on MAIO are extremely fresh. The specialities of the island are the following:

APPETISERS
- Melon with local cheese (of the island)
- Local cheese with dates
- Pickled turtle eggs

MAIN DISHES
- Tchassina: salted goat meat which is eaten with "cachupa"
- Stewed beans: with "feijão longo" (long beans)
- Goat stew with xeren (served at all popular feasts)

DESSERTS
- Water melon and Melon salad
- Melon fruit preserves
- Local cheese

Entertainment

Maio has tremendous potential in terms of tourism and its ecology is of great interest.
Pollution is something that, fortunately, has not yet reached this island. The maritime fauna, varied and abundant will delight any fisherman. The vast deserted beaches are the habitat of a number of species of sea birds. The turtles also use them to lay their eggs. For those who love to lie in the sun and swim all year round, nowhere could be better than these fine golden sandy beaches.
For those who prefer to find the attractions of the island by themselves, just by walking, they can discover areas of incredibly exotic vegetation - coconut trees, date palms, wild fig trees, and beautiful acacias.
The cheerful haspitality and the honesty of the local people is something that helps to make the visitor's holiday even more enjoyable.

Places to Visit

The second largest airport is on the island of MAIO, about 2 km from the town with the same name. The town itself is located right next to the sea. Near the small port is a beautiful fine sandy beach, where the local fishing boats are moored. Nearby is a fortress that was built in the XVIII century, to defend the town from the pirates. A liftle further on, and higher up, is a magnificent church, surrounded by beautiful flawer gardens. In the same region is a cooperative building very sui generis in its architecture as it is built in the form of an African hut.

A VISIT TO THE SALT PITS AND THE MORRO-MORINHO:
Although these extraordinary salt pits, 5000 m long and 1500 m wide, are no longer in use, they are well worth a visit. The vegetation in the area is very unique. Two typical species, called locally the "Marra" and the "Salsola Soda" are the main ones to be found here.

MORRO is a small village practically built along the road side. The local handicrafts of pots and other cooking utensils are very interesting. It has a very attractive beach and its clear waters are excellent for fishing.
In the same vicinity, between Costa and Monte Batalha is a regian where there is absolutely no vegetation. The mirages that appear here make you feel as in you are in the open desert.

A little further on is CALHETA, a small fishing port. It was in this region that the infra-structures for reforestation were introduced for cattle breeding purposes.
CALHETA de BAIXO has two fine white sandy beaches, sheltered by the rock formations at both ends.

Next on the route is MORRINHO, where to the north is another salt pit separated from the sea by about 1200m.
BAIA de SANTANA is a deserted beach in the shape of semi-circle. It is the beach that the fishermen from MORRINHO use and the turtles too are also fond of this beach.
Nearby are two more beautiful beaches, BAIA de PORTO CAIS and PRAIA REAL, where the turtles can be seen and where there is an abundance of shellfish.

A VISIT TO FIGUEIRA DA HORTA AND RIBEIRA DO JOÃO:
This trip takes the visitor into the oasis. FIGUEIRA DA HORTA is about 6 km from the town of MAIO. The scenery is truly desert like and unusually attractive. The bird-life found here, well adapted to desert conditions, feeds on insects and can go without water for long periods of time.
There is also another co-operative here in the shape of an African hut. On the road, out in the direction of Figueira Seca, there is an animal drinking trough.
RIBEIRA DE JOÃO is the final stopping point and is a truly magnificent oasis.

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National Holidays

Travel Timetable

The following chart gives the approximate travel Timetable (in hours and minutes) from Cidade de Praia to other major cities/towns in Cape Verde:

Area Details of Maio

The following chart gives the Areas of Natural Beauty and land area details of Maio Island:

Towns and Villages

The following table gives the towns and villages of Maio Island:

Tourism - Ilha do Maio

Tourism

The Ilha do Maio offers visitors tranquility and total relaxation in an environment surrounded by sun and sea, with beautiful beaches, exotic places and mild temperatures. The Ilha do Maio Offers visitors tranquility and total relaxation in an environment Surrounded by sun and sea, with beautiful beaches, exotic places and mild temperatures. May is an island of 365 days of sun and sea. May is an island of 365 days of sun and sea.
The Ilha do Maio hold and draws the visitor for its lunar landscape made up of plains, sand mounds, the constant presence of the blue sea. The Ilha do Maio hold and draws the visitor is ITS lunar landscape made up of plains, sand mounds, the constant presence of the blue sea. And also for the atmosphere of tranquility and remoteness that people live and feel, the unusual almost an island separated from the world where the existence keeps the pace ... And Also For The atmosphere of tranquility and remoteness That people live and feel, the unusual almost an island separated from the world Where the existence Keeps the Pace ...

With its variety of fish and shellfish allows visitors to enjoy fresh produce and high quality as the lobsters and octopus. With its Variety of fish and shellfish Allows visitors to enjoy fresh produce and the high quality of the lobsters and octopus.

The Ilha do Maio has made a big bet on the tourism sector and already has already built several tourist facilities and other demarcated spaces for launching new projects mainly foreign investors. The Ilha do Maio Has made a big bet on the tourism sector and Already Has Several Already built tourist facilities and other demarcated spaces for launching new projects foreign investors Mainly.

Equipped with infrastructure such as port, airport, roads - all the villages were electrified and the ring road that connects cobbled will close shortly, has telecommunications services, good hotels, running water, electricity in all villages, routes daily to the city's beach. Equipped with infrastructure such as port, airport, roads - Were all the villages electrified and the ring road connects cobbled That Will close shortly, Has telecommunications services, good hotels, running water, Electricity in all villages, daily routes to the city's beach.

Today the island has modern communications networks with the possibility of any point on the island and at any time communicate directly with the world whether by phone, fax or internet. Today the island Has modern communications networks with the Possibility of any point on the island at any time and Communicate directly with the world whether by phone, fax or internet. Cape Verde Telecom Company Limited is responsible for the telecommunications network which consists of the network telephone, telegraph and internet. Cape Verde Telecom Company Limited is Responsible for the telecommunications network Which Consists of the network telephone, telegraph and internet.
The Ilha do Maio can be known only one day something made easier by the fact that all villages on the island are linked by good roads. The Ilha do Maio Can Be known only one day something Made Easier By The Fact That All villages on the island are linked by good roads. There are services on the island rent a car. There are services on the island rent a car.

On a small hill town surrounded by palm trees is a small craft shop where ceramics are produced interesting pieces for decoration. On a small hill town Surrounded by palm trees is a small craft shop WHERE ceramics are produced interesting pieces for decoration.

Near the sea, lies the Turtle Club, a small tourist village. Near the sea, lies the Turtle Club, a tiny tourist village.
In Vila do Maio can find some options for Hotels and Boarding, whereas in the Hill there are two tourist villages. In Vila do Maio Can find some options Hotels and Hostels, while in Morro are two tourist villages.

The population of the island is warm, simple, Gastronomy where lobster and grouper are present in all dishes. The population of the island is warm, simple, Gastronomy WHERE grouper and lobster are present in all dishes.

With small villages with particular characteristics. With small villages with particular characteristics.

Advised long walks along the coast between sand and rough terrain to enjoy the small details of nature, contact with nature, discovering the traditions of its people, historic buildings, beautiful scenic landscapes. Advised long walks along the Coast Between sand and rough terrain to enjoy the small details of nature, contact with nature, discovering the Traditions of Its People, historical buildings, beautiful scenic landscapes.

Tourists can enjoy some typical dishes of the island, as are so famous, with Cachupa tchassina in addition to the couscous, bran, camoca and Lobster, limpets, barnacles and squid. Can Tourists enjoy some typical dishes of the island, the are so famous, with Cachupa tchassina in addition to the couscous, bran, and camoca Lobster, limpets, barnacles and squid.

Beaches

The Ilha do Maio has many beaches of fine white sand, clear water, transparent and warm. The Ilha do Maio Has many beaches of fine white sand, clear water, transparent and warm. The beaches are the highlights of the beach, Ponta Preta Beach Real Pau Seco, Porto Cais, Bitche Rotcha Beach, Boca di Morro, "Calheta Bay among others. The beaches are the highlights of the beach, Ponta Preta Beach Real Pau Seco, Porto Cais, Bitche Rotcha Beach, Boca di Morro, "Calheta Bay among others.
To arrive at some beaches is advisable to use 4x4 jeeps. To Arrive at some beaches is advisable to use 4x4 jeeps. The beaches of Praiona (Praia Gonçalo), Prainha (in Pedro Vaz) and Boca Ribeira (between Alcatraz and Pedro Vaz) are also worth a visit for its beauty, with white sand and blue sea. The beaches of Praiona (Praia Gonçalo), Prainha (in Pedro Vaz) and Boca Ribeira (between Alcatraz and Pedro Vaz) Are Also worth a visit for ITS beauty, with white sand and blue sea.

Sport and leisure

The Ilha do Maio has a huge potential for tourism and its ecology is very interesting. The Ilha do Maio Has a huge potential for tourism and Its ecology is very interesting. Pollution is something that fortunately has not yet reached the island. Pollution is fortunately Something That Has Not Yet Reached the island. The varied and abundant marine life will delight any fisherman. The Varied and abundant marine life Will delight any fisherman. The beaches and vast deserts are inhabited by a number of species that grow in the sea. The VAST beaches and deserts are inhabited by a number of species That grow in the sea. The turtles also use the beaches to lay eggs. Also The turtles use the beaches to lay eggs. So those who like to sun and swim all year round, no place can be better than these fine golden sandy beaches. So Those who like to sun and swim all year round, in place Can Be Better Than These fine golden sandy beaches. So those who prefer to find the attractions of the island by himself, walk, you can discover areas of exotic vegetation incredible - coconuts, palm trees, beautiful acacias, wild figs. So Those Who prefer to find the attractions of the island by himself, walk, Can you discover areas of exotic vegetation incredible - coconuts, palm trees, beautiful acacias, wild figs. The honesty and hospitality of local people is something that helps make the holidays more enjoyable for visitors. The honesty and hospitality of local people is Something That helps make the holidays more enjoyable for visitors.

Places of interest:

The second airport is wider on the Ilha do Maio, about 2 km from the village of May. The second airport is Wider on the Ilha do Maio, about 2 km from the village of Jun. The village is just across the sea. The village is just across the sea. Near the small harbor is a beautiful white sand beach where local fishermen leave their boats. Near the small harbor is a beautiful white sand beach WHERE Their boats leave local fishermen. Nearby is the Fort of San Jose built in the eighteenth century to defend the town from pirate attacks. Nearby is the Fort of San Jose built in the eighteenth century to Defend the town from pirate attacks. A little further up is the magnificent church, surrounded by gardens of beautiful flowers. A little further queries up is the magnificent church, Surrounded by beautiful gardens of flowers. In the same region there is a cooperative building with a very sui generis architecture created in the form of African fungi. In The Same region there is a cooperative building with a very sui generis architecture created in the form of African fungi.

Vila do Maio

Administrative center and capital of the Ilha do Maio, is characterized by its tranquility, its colorful houses and flowery, his church from the late nineteenth century (1872). Administrative center and capital of the Ilha do Maio, is characterized by tranquility ITS, ITS colorful houses and flowery, his church from the late nineteenth century (1872). Appointed Town of English Harbour once knew a good business with the exploitation of salt by the British who used the port to export the product to Europe and America. Appointed Town of Harbour Português once Knew a good business with the exploitation of salt by the British Who Used the port to export the product to Europe and America.

Salinas

In addition to these extraordinary salt, 5000 m long and 1500 wide, waiting for the visitor. These extraordinary in addition to salt, 5,000 m long and 1500 wide, waiting for the visitor. The vegetation in the area is unique and breathtaking. The vegetation in the area is unique and breathtaking. Two typical species, known locally as "Maraca" and "Salsola soda" are the sites to be found there. Two typical species, known locally as "Maraca" and "Salsola soda" are the sites to Be found there.

Morro

Hill is a small town just built along the road. Hill is just a small town built along the road. Local craftsmen produce pots and other kitchen utensils very interesting. Local craftsmen produce pots and other kitchen utensils very interesting. There is a very attractive beach and its clear waters are excellent for fishing. There is a very attractive beach and Its clear waters are excellent for fishing. Nearby, between Battle Mountain and Coast is a region where there is no vegetation. Nearby, Mount Battle Between coast and the region is WHERE there is the vegetation. The miracle is that it seems that makes us feel like we're in the middle of the desert. The Miracle Is That It Seems That makes us feel like we're in the middle of the desert.
A small village of a few hundred people, halfway between Vila do Maio and Calheta. Morro is known for its tourist village recently, along a vast sandy beach and also by its craft shop where you can buy things but mostly clay pottery

Calheta

Calheta is located near the Hill is the second largest town of the island and is a small fishing village. Calheta is located near the Hill is the second largest town of the island and is the small fishing village. It was the region where the infrastructure for reforestation were introduced purposely to time. It was the region Where the infrastructure is purposely reforestation Were Introduced to the team. There is a distance of about 11 km from the English port town, where he lives about 1107 inhabitants and 50.5% female and 49.5% male. There is a distance of about 11 km from the port town Português, Where he lives about Inhabitants in 1107 and 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The main occupation of residents is fishing, FAIM work in the Ministry of Agriculture, whose principal activities are the preparation of land for reforestation, logging and other services. The main occupation of residents is fishing, FAIM work in the Ministry of Agriculture, Whose Main Activities Are The preparation of land for reforestation, logging and other services.
The water supply in the village of Calheta there is no reasonable homes with piped water, two water fountains. The water supply in the village of Calheta there is reasonable in homes with piped water, two water fountains. This water is not better and not enough to supply the population. This water is not better and not enough to supply the population. Calheta low has two beautiful beaches, protected both rocks. Calheta low Has two beautiful beaches, protected BOTH rocks.
The perimeter forest Calheta is considered one of the largest Cape Verde where they still retain several species of trees as in the case of eucalyptus, acacia, etc.. The perimeter forest Calheta is Considered one of the largest Cape Verde WHERE They still retain Several species of trees as in the case of eucalyptus, acacia, etc. .. In addition, new trees are planted annually with the aim of not only extend the perimeter as well as conserve the species. In addition, new trees are planted annually with the aim of not only Extending the perimeter as well as conserve the species.

Morrinho

On The Hill can find a saline to about 1200 m from the sea. On The Hill Can find the saline to about 1200 m from the sea. The stall of Santana is a deserted beach in the shape of a semi-circle. The stall of Santana is a deserted beach in the shape of a semi-circle. It is the beach where the fishermen go fishing Morrinho and turtles will also spawn. It is the beach Where the fishermen go fishing Morrinho Will Also spawn and turtles. Nearby there are two beautiful beaches: the bay of Port Royal Pier and beach, where turtles can be seen and where there are shells and crustaceans abound. Nearby there are two beautiful beaches: the bay of Port Royal Pier and beach, turtles WHERE WHERE Can Be seen and there are shells and crustaceans abound.

Figueira Da Horta E Ribeira D. Jõao

Figueira da Horta looks like an oasis, about 6 km from the village, the scenery is truly seems deserted, with unusual sights. Figueira da Horta looks like an oasis, about 6 km from the village, the scenery is Truly "seems deserted, with unusual sights. Here is living nature, well adapted to desert conditions, there is abundant water and rich green vegetation. Here is living nature, well adapted to desert conditions, there is Plenty of water and the rich green vegetation. Here we find also a built-shaped fungi African local cooperative. Ribeira D. Also here we find the built-shaped fungi African local cooperative. Ribeira D. John is a magnificent oasis. John is a magnificent oasis.

Restaurants

The restaurants on the island of Maio are few and close for some parts of the day. The restaurants on the Ilha do Maio are few and close for some parts of the day. Most restaurants are located in the town of English Harbour. Most restaurants are located in the town of Harbour Português.

CASA DA PASTO BIA
Vila do Maio - Ilha do Maio –
Rep. CABO VERDE
Telef.: 2 551249

CASA DA PASTO MENA
Vila do Maio - Ilha do Maio
Rep. CABO VERDE
Telef. : 2 551439

Flôr de Brava- Vila Maio

Marçal Monteiro quartos - Vila do Maio – tel. 55 11 50

LA MAIENSE - da Tote - Vila do Maio – tel. 55 11 88

CA' NELINHO Bar Restaurante
Calheta Baixo - Ilha do Maio Rep. CABO VERDE
Telef. : 2 561198

Spencer quartos - Vila do Maio – tel. 91 74 38

Rent-a-car:

MAIO CAR Ltd Rent-a-Car Ltd
Grand Avenue - Vila do Maio - Ilha do Maio
Rep. CAPE VERDE
Tel: 2 551700
Lada Niva 3200cve per day
Daiathsu Terios 4500cve per day
Nissan Terrano 5500cve per day

Tourist Information:

Climate

Tropical dry with two seasons

Average temperatures

Transport Transport

The Ilha do Maio has the means of transport sufficient for their needs. The Ilha do Maio Has the means of transport is sufficient Their needs.
In addition to the rental companies to offer That Wider range of vehicles to choose from, there are many cars in the freight box type toyota open for freight and in particular for Several rounds on the island.
For the general population, the Toyota Hiace is the main model Used to travel Between locations.

Thank you to: Portal Voz di Djarmai Online

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a map of Cape Verde; an update map of Maio; historical background; how to get there; Vila do Maio (the capital); the people; the weather; local dishes; food markets; restaurants; beaches; what to wear?; transportation; touring the island; pottery factory; arts and handicraft; post, telephone, fax, internet; business hours; currency exchange; rent a car; night life; insects; classified ads; local government; an interview with the President; investing in Maio; best business opportunities; buying property: private and Camara; visa residency requirements; the police; foreign workers; the future; important telephone numbers; photos of Maio and its people; Facts Summary of Cape Verde.