FAQ – HOW TO GET TO MAIO ISLAND, TRANSPORTATION & USEFUL INFO

1. How do you get to Maio Island?

To reach Maio Island, you must first fly into Praia (on Santiago Island). From Praia, there are two options to complete the internal transfer:

By Air: Internal flights operated by CV SKY (official website: cvsky.cv). The flight duration is approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
By Ferry: Maritime connections operated by CV Interilhas (official website: cvinterilhas.cv). The crossing takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

2. How frequently do internal flights and ferries operate?

Internal flights (CV SKY): There are usually 3 or 4 flights per week. Before planning your trip, it is essential to check the updated operating days directly on cvsky.cv.
Ferries (CV Interilhas): Connect Praia to Maio Island approximately 3 days a week (usually Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays).

3. When should you book Praia-Maio tickets?

Tickets for the internal connection should be purchased immediately, ideally simultaneously with or before confirming your accommodation booking. Since it is an island with limited capacity, the real risk is finding everything sold out and failing to reach Maio Island on your desired dates.

Practical advice: Many travelers purchase both a ferry and a flight ticket, ensuring they always have a backup option ready in case of transport schedule changes.

4. What is the climate like on Maio Island, and when is the best time to visit?

Maio Island enjoys a dry tropical climate with sunshine and pleasant temperatures year-round (between 20°C and 32°C).

January – April: Pleasantly breezy months thanks to the Trade Winds (20°C - 27°C).
May – August: Warmer temperatures and moderate winds (23°C - 31°C).
September – October: The warmest period with almost no wind and exceptionally calm seas; these months also bring a slight chance of sporadic rain (though very scarce).

5. How do you get around once you arrive on Maio Island?

The island is extremely peaceful and very easy to explore:

Vehicle Rental: To explore the island's wildest and most remote beaches in total independence, the ideal choice is renting a Moto4 (quad bike) or a Pick-up.
Aluguer: Local shared taxis connecting Vila do Maio to the various villages.

6. What documents and currency are needed in Cape Verde?

Documents: A passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and online EASE registration with payment of the Airport Security Tax (TSA) prior to arrival.
Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). Euros are accepted almost everywhere (1 Euro = approx. 110 Escudos). It is strongly advised to always travel with some cash, as card payments and ATMs are not always available at every business on the island.

7. Is Maio Island safe for tourists?

Maio Island is one of the quietest, most peaceful, and safest destinations in the entire Cape Verdean archipelago. The atmosphere is extremely relaxed, the local population is welcoming and warm, and there are no crime issues. It is an ideal destination for families with children or solo travelers.

8. Are there healthcare facilities or pharmacies on Maio Island?

In Vila do Maio, there is a Delegacia de Saúde (local health center) equipped to handle first aid and basic emergencies, alongside a pharmacy stocked with main over-the-counter medications. For more complex medical needs, Santiago Island (Praia) is just a 15-minute flight or a 1.5-hour ferry ride away.

9. What are the most beautiful beaches on Maio Island that you shouldn't miss?

Maio boasts kilometers of pristine, untouched, and deserted golden-sand beaches. Among the most famous and spectacular are:

Praia da Bitxe Rocha: Vila do Maio's town beach, characterized by golden sand and colorful local fishing boats.
Praia de Ponta Preta: A wide and expansive white-sand beach located just south of the town center, featuring dunes and crystal-clear waters.
Praia de Santana: Beautiful, wild, and striking on the northwest coast (caution: strong currents, swimming is dangerous).
Praia de Morro: A long stretch of light sand near the village of Morro, ideal for relaxing and walking (caution: swimming is prohibited and extremely dangerous).
Praia de Calheta: A beach near the characteristic fishing village of Calheta.
Praia de Porto Cais: Located at the extreme north of the island, known for its isolated atmosphere and rock formations.
Praia Boca de Ribeira: A small and gorgeous beach with shallow waters.
Praia de Praiona: A small sandy bay along the eastern slope.
Praia de Ribeira Dom João: A beach near the village of the same name, featuring a rural and untouched landscape.
Praia de Barreiro (Lagoa): A wide wild beach located in the southeastern part of the island.

10. When is the best time to see turtles and whales on Maio Island?

Sea turtles (Caretta Caretta): The nesting season on Maio's beaches runs from July to October, peaking in August and September.
Whales (Humpback Whales): Whales can be spotted off the coast of the island during the spring months, primarily between March and May.

11. What is the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the North Park, and Praia Real?

Maio Island is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a title certifying and protecting its exceptional natural value. In the northern zone lies the North Natural Park of Maio Island, a protected area of immense ecological significance.

Inside this park lies Praia Real, a vital bay for marine biodiversity acting as a sanctuary and breeding/nursery ground for several shark species. To guarantee total protection of the wildlife and this vital nursery habitat, Praia Real is a fully protected zone closed to any type of swimming or tourist activity.