click the linnk for the map

Location

Belongs to the Sotavento group and is situated south of BOAVISTA and east of SANTIAGO with a distance of about 25 Km
It covers an area of 269 Km2. Its length in a north-south direction is 24 km and the width is greater than 16 km in east-west direction.
It's an quite flat island , having, in the center, the highest point, Mount Penoso, with 436 m. high.
The valleys are not very deep and dry. Although the island is of volcanic origin, there are few vestiges of its geologic past.
The climate is characterized by dryness, the soil is predominantly limestone and there is only little irrigated fields. Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, there is a forest park, the largest of Cabo Verde.
The northern part is rugged enough for the wear caused by rough seas under the influence of prevailing winds from the north-east. On the coast, you see there are many beautiful beaches made of fine golden sand

History

The island was discovered on 1 May 1460 by navigators Diogo Gomes and António de Noli, taking name from the month in which this event occurs. Its activity was limited to the rearing of goats, and only then, the exploitation of the salt began to stand.
Since many of the English ships went there to refuel, the port of embarkation is known as Porto Inglês.
In the nineteenth century, the economy reached its apogee with the export of salt to Brazil.
During the twentieth century witnessed an increased flow of migrants rather in search of better conditions of life that was really difficult, especially for the big drought.

Ethnography

Festivities and Pilgrimages
On this island we celebrate the following holidays:

3 MAY
Feast of May - Feast of Santa Cruz

24 / 25 / 26 JUNE
Traditional 'Tabanca' S. Joâo

marriage is cause for joy and banquet since the eve, the day when people gather to participate in preparations for the celebration and deliver gifts.

Handicrafts

Have been created on the various cooperatives in the development of artisan ceramics, particularly pitchers and other kitchen utensils.

Gastronomy

MAIO of the island you can enjoy fresh fish and meat. We suggest the following specialties:

Appetizers
- Melon with cheese (the island)
- Cheese typical dates

TYPICAL DISHES:
- Tchassina ": salted goat meat that is eaten with" cachupa "
- Feijoada "with" feijão longo "
- Braised lamb with xeren "(used during folk festivals)

DESSERT:
- Fruit salad composed by watermelon and melon
- Melon marmalade
- Cheese of the island of MAIO

Sports and Leisure

MAIO has a high tourism potential and is of great ecological and landscape. It is the ideal place for those who love the space completely free of pollution.
The marine fauna, varied and plentiful, it satisfies the most demanding fishermen.
The deserted beaches have expanded the presence of marine birds and are an excellent habitat for spawning tortoise. The thin and golden sand is an extraordinary appeal for those who prefer the sun and the pleasant waters throughout the year.
Lovers of adventure can make holiday dreams of walking through landscapes of exotic vegetation (trees, coconut, dates, figs wild "tarafes and acacias), green oasis in practicing or even camping.
Appreciate, without doubt, the contact with the people from here which are extraordinary kindness and an proverbial honesty.

Visits and Tours

In the island of Maio, 2km from the city of the same name, there is the second airport of the Republic in order of importance. The city is situated on the seashore. Near the small port is a beautiful sandy beach where you can softile fishing boats. Nearby you can admire a strong built in the eighteenth century, to defend the city from pirates. Going toward the highest, we find an impressive church and surrounded by flower gardens. in this area there is also a cooperative architecture sui generis, in the shape of an African hut.
The visitor can, at his pleasure, turn to the island by car or on foot.

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 kmq
Coasts: 85 km
Highest peak: 437 m (Monte Penoso)
Population: 6750 inahab.

Useful numbers:
Hospital: 2 551130
Police: 2 551132
TACV: 2 551256