Maio Island Day Trip

Uncover the rich history and natural beauty of Maio Island through this day trip starting from Praia. Experience one of the most stunning islands in the African archipelago; it promises to leave a lasting impression!

Maio Island Day Trip

Your adventure begins at 5:30 am with a pickup from your hotel in Praia, followed by a journey to the port of Santiago. Upon arrival, you will need to show your ferry ticket to board the vessel destined for Maio Island, recognized as one of the most enchanting and the flattest island in the entire Cape Verde archipelago!

Following a two-hour ferry ride, we will dock at Porto Inglês, situated in the southern region of Maio Island. After stepping ashore, our first stop will be the salt mines interpretation center. Here, you will learn about the salt industry's significance in the island's development, as Maio is the sixth largest of the ten islands that constitute Cape Verde.

Continuing our journey, we will pass through the charming towns of Morro, Calheta, and Morrinho, where you can appreciate local crafts and picturesque scenery. The Morrinho dunes stand out magnificently, echoing the majestic sand formations of the Sahara, making it an ideal spot for capturing memorable selfies!

The tour will then lead us to the village of Pedro Vaz, where a traditional Cape Verdean lunch awaits, featuring a variety of the region's culinary delights. Following our meal, we will head to Vila do Maio, the capital of the island, to explore the San José fortress and the Church of Our Lady of Light.

To wrap up our experience on the island, we will make a short visit to Bitchirotcha Beach, the most popular beach in Maio. After soaking in the sun and sights, we'll return to the Porto Inglês dock for our ferry ride back to Santiago Island. Upon our return to the port, transportation will be provided back to your hotel in Praia, with an expected arrival time of 7:30 pm.

Ferry to Maio Island

It is essential to purchase your ferry ticket ahead of time and have it ready on the day of your trip.