MAIO
Tranquil Island Life
If you’re searching for peace, authenticity, and untouched beauty, Maio is your island.
Located just a short flight or ferry ride from Santiago, Maio feels like stepping into another world — where time slows down, the beaches stretch endlessly, and the ocean breeze whispers calm.
It’s the perfect escape for travelers who want to disconnect and experience the real Cape Verde.
Nature & Serenity
Maio is blessed with some of the most pristine landscapes in the archipelago.
Golden sand dunes meet turquoise waters, and small fishing villages blend seamlessly with the natural environment.
The island is home to salt flats, acacia forests, and nesting sea turtles that come ashore under the stars.
Here, you can explore untouched nature, enjoy quiet hikes, or simply relax in the shade of a palm tree — far from the crowds.
Local Life & Culture
Despite its peaceful rhythm, Maio has a vibrant local soul.
In the capital Vila do Maio (Porto Inglês), life moves at an easy pace — colorful streets, friendly locals, and cafés where you’ll always be greeted with a smile.
Join a traditional morna night, visit the local artisans, or share freshly caught fish with fishermen on the beach.
Every encounter shows the island’s genuine warmth and deep connection to community.Life & Rhythm
Adventures in Simplicity
Maio isn’t about luxury — it’s about authenticity.
Cycle through sandy coastal paths, take a boat trip to secret beaches, or watch flamingos in the natural salt lakes near Morrinho.
As the sun sets, the sky turns pink over the ocean, and you’ll realize that the island’s greatest treasure is its simplicity.
Here, you’re not just visiting an island — you’re becoming part of its heartbeat.
Experience Maio with Experitourz
At Experitourz, we help you experience Maio through local eyes.
Stay in cozy guesthouses, meet the island’s people, and discover hidden gems that most visitors never see.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a family getaway, or a solo recharge, Maio offers a pure, unforgettable side of Cape Verde — calm, natural, and beautifully real.
Why Experitourz?
At Experitourz, we offer personalized service and unmatched expertise. Start planning your dream trip today!
TOURS & TREKS
Maio Island Tour
Spend a full day exploring Maio, the island famous for its endless stretches of pearl-white beaches, peaceful villages, and untouched natural beauty. The tour begins in Porto Inglês, the quiet capital, where colorful streets meet the ocean breeze and daily island life unfolds at a relaxed pace.
Continue to the picturesque fishing village of Calheta, where traditional boats rest on golden shores and fishermen share stories of the sea. From there, travel inland to Monte Penoso, Maio’s highest point, where panoramic views reveal the island’s vast coastline and dazzling white sand beaches.
The journey then leads to Pedro Vaz, the island’s first settlement, a historic village that still reflects the roots of Cape Verdean life. In the south, explore Figueira, Ribeira Dom João, and Barreiro — peaceful rural communities known for their hospitality and the traditional production of homemade goat cheese, a true local delicacy.
This island tour is the perfect way to experience Maio’s natural charm — a place where white sand, blue sea, and Cape Verdean culture come together in one unforgettable day.
Duration: 8 hours
City Tour Porto Inglês
Discover the charm and history of Porto Inglês on this guided city tour that begins at the port and leads you through the island’s cultural and scenic highlights. The journey starts at the Salinas of Porto Inglês, one of Cape Verde’s most iconic salt flats, where local women run a cooperative and manage the interpretation center.
From there, the tour continues through the historic center, along the main avenue and local souvenir shops, before visiting the Interpretation Center of Forte São José and the island’s first and oldest cargo port. You’ll then enjoy the breathtaking views at Bitxi Rotxa Beach, known for its crystal-clear blue waters.
Walking through the charming old streets, we’ll stop at one of Cape Verde’s most photographed landmarks — the Nossa Senhora da Luz Church, a postcard-perfect symbol of Maio’s heritage. The experience ends with a light local snack by the sea, where you can relax to the sound of the waves and soak in the island atmosphere.
Tour includes transortation and Assistance from local guides.
Duration: 4 hours