South of Boavista Maio Island
Maio Island Cape Verde belongs to the leeward group of islands and is located south of Boavista and about 25 km east of Santiago. Santana Bay attracts nesting sea turtles
About the island of Maio:
Capital: Vila do Maio Language: Portuguese & Creole Currency: CV Escudo
Ethnicity:Mulatto 70%, African 28%, European 2%
Maio belongs to the leeward group of islands and is located south 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 436 m.
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 and even though the climate is not particularly favourable for promoting vegetation, the island does in fact have the biggest forest park in Cape Verde.
Maio Island Cape Verde
The Northern region of the island has been well eroded by the rough seas and the strong Northeast winds. Along the coast there are numerous beautiful beaches of fine golden sand.
The main economic activities are agriculture (corn maize, beans, potatoes) and salt extraction. Porto Inglês, on the southwestern coast, is the chief town and administrative capital of Maio Island
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. Although the island is essentially desert, there are oases to be found.
The rearing of animals, once the most important occupation, still remains a principal economic activity of the population. Howver, nowadays fishing is undoubtedly the main occupation of the islanders.
Maio is one of the most charming islands, the coasts north to south, are all covered by white sanded beaches leading to the natural sault ponds to the south. This island is not well known by tourists and has only few small posadas. It’s not very easy to reach, the only flights leave from Sal through Praia. Since it is not a very popular touristic destination, this island is still very wild and primitive both morpholigically and touristically speaking.
But if you love a very quite places, this is the right island for you. Here you can relax sitting in a very “primitive” restaurant tasting delicious seafood, chatting with the friendly locals, listening to the sound of the local (always life) music.
Thanks to the fauna and to the clean water, the island of Maio has been included in the “Cabo Verde Nature 2000”, a project specially developed to protect the fauna and flora, born in the University of Las Palmas, under CEE supervision.
DISCOVER CAPE VERDE | MAIO ISLAND
Hi guys. I’m excited to bring you this new series: “DISCOVER CAPE VERDE”!
Where I’ll be showing you my beautiful country.
I really hope you enjoy this vlog, if you do, make sure you mentioned it in the comments bellow, for more videos like this one.
Today I’m taking you to one of Sotavento’s island. Maio is located south of the island of Boa Vista and east of Santiago.
It’s a beautiful island , 24.1 km long and 16.3 km wide. Learn more about the island here: http://www.maiocapeverde.com Special thanks to Carolyn and Liah for making this trip so special!!!
Maio Island, Cape Verde
if you come to Cape Verde, don’t miss Maio! Tranquil, untouched beaches for miles, off the beaten path and away from the other tourists. If you visit here, you won’t be sorry! Enjoy!https://takeabreakholidays.com/africa/cape-verde-islands/
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