Description: This is the perfect place to unplug it, where to stand, where to enjoy nature. As Boa Vista and Sal, boasts white beaches with crystal clear waters, but at the same time is also the smallest island and less touristy. In one day you can see it all, but it is worth staying and enjoying the reception of population. Still virgin from speculation fortunately remained untouched and left room for turtles and birds that still live here. The beaches are beautiful, the sea is calm and enjoyable in every season, while the forests of acacias and palms oasis with are a nice diversion when we go to them on easy trails. There can be seduced by an uncontaminated nature, by relaxation, excursions on foot or by jeep, fishing and diving. If you want to do the island tour you must hire a jeep to go in the north, where there are only dirt tracks, or arrange the visit with a aluguer, which generally is quite economical.
It 's not possible to rent a bike nor motorbikes on the island. The aluger (taxi for several person) are shuttling between Vila do Maio (town)-Ribera-Dom Joao Alcatraz and especially Vila do Maio - Morro - Calheta-Morrinho - Casalbulho a really economic price. If you opt for the rental of a 4x4, there are several agencies that offer this service without driver and with the price of Euro 5o/7o for the entire region. Directions: From anywhere in the world you fly tog get to Maio, you need a stop in Praia (capital). From Italy, Milan and Rome, can fly with the airline TAP (Portuguese), which makes a stopover in Lisbon (Portugal). As for the internal flight TACV (Cape Verde line) makes the route Praia / Maio and back in the days of Monday - Wednesday - Friday. What to see: Visit the saline and Morro-Morrinho The saline, extraordinary for their extension (5.500m long and 1500 m wide) are located near the city (currently not used). Are surrounded by a vegetation type where halophilous scrubs dominate the Murraça "and" Salsola soda ". MORRO, is a small village along the road. Here it is easy to find local crafts (jars and kitchen utensils). The beach has crystal clear waters that are the basis of local fisheries. Near this location, between the coast and the Monte Batalha, you arrive in an area completely devoid of vegetation, where you can get mirages so extraordinary to be believed to be in full desert. Continue to Calheta, a small fishing port. In this area have been planted for reforestation infrastructure for the breeding of livestock. Calheta de BAIXO consists of two sheltered beaches with white sand and rocky ledges at the ends. Continuing this path will reach MORRINHO, north of the village where you can see a salt which is about 1200m from the sea. Baia de SANTANA deserted beach is a semicircular shape and without rocks. And here they are in another of the fishermen MORRINHO. This beach is much frequented by turtles. Near this village, to be mentioned are other beautiful beaches rich in shellfish and turtles: Baia de PORT; CAIS and Baia de PRAIA REAL.
Visit to Figueira da Horta and Ribeira do João Alia: It is the walk up to the oasis. FIGUEIRA DA HORTA is 6 / 7 Km from the city of MAIO. The landscape is desert, of unusual beauty. During the walk you can observe the "Correideira Cursorius Cursor", a bird species perfectly adapted to the desert climate and that is feeding insect resist even for long periods without drinking water. In this village there is a cooperative type "African hut." Figueira Seca towards the exit, you pass near a drinking trough for animals. Finally, we arrive at RIBEIRA DO JOÃO, magnificent oasis. The river flows on a beautiful beach (a privileged observation point of the beach)
Maio Features: Area: 269 sq km Coast: 85 km Maximum altitude: 437 m (Monte penoso) Population: 6750 inhabitants. Useful numbers: Hospital: 2 551130 Police: 2 551132 TACV: 2 551256
Maio
