Maio Island
About 25 km east of Santiago island, is like Sal and Boavista islands, one of the flattest and most ancient of the Cape Verde archipelago. Here the white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and inviting temperature, delight the lovers of the calm beach tourism. There are beaches all over the island with highlights in the Ponta Preta, the preferred, Real beach, Pau Seco and Porto Cais.
The island is exposed to the wind and erosion, it has almost no traces of its volcanic past. With an area of about 267 km2, which allows visiting it in just one day, has in mount "Penoso" its highest point with 436 meters. Despite its great aridity, there are still some oasis. About 50% of the water consumed here is drawn from wells by windmills, taking advantage of the wind energy. With the program to reforest part of the island, almost exclusively with acacias, the Maio island houses, near the city of Morro, the largest forest perimeter of Cape Verde, allowing people to get charcoal. |
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The island, still reserves some surprises like the extensive natural saline, between the airfield and the main town, the Vila do Porto Inglês in the southwest region. The town of Barreiro with the picturesque colors of its homes, is also worth visiting.
The northeast region, is very wet, is also more fertile with cultivated fields of vegetables, which in times of rain supply the capital. But the island inhabitants work mainly on fishing and livestock. With just a 10 minute flight from Praia, 3 times a week, Maio island has in its deserted beaches, its largest attractive, being referenced for its calm sea of the Calheta bay, also the seafood and tranquility. Some historic buildings such as the fortress in times responsible for the island's defense, the main church and some houses remind the architecture of past times. |
These are the attractions that embody some of the tourist projects in operation, wich reveal the true vocation of the island, that is to offer total relaxation to the visitor. In its harbor, now rehabilitated, the revitalization of the Maio island is seen in an even greater dynamism.
The local culinary specialty is the "Fish Stew", served with lobster and grouper.
The local culinary specialty is the "Fish Stew", served with lobster and grouper.