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

1. How do you get to Maio Island?

To reach Maio Island, Cape Verde, you first need to arrive in Praia, on the island of Santiago. From Praia, you can continue to Maio by two means of transport:

• By plane: domestic flights are operated by CVSky. The flight from Praia to Maio takes approximately 10 minutes and is the fastest way to reach the island.

• By ferry: maritime connections are operated by CV Interilhas. The crossing between Praia and Maio generally takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, although travel times may vary depending on the sailing and operational conditions.

Schedules and frequency may change throughout the year. Before planning your trip, we therefore recommend checking the latest schedules directly on the official websites of the transport companies.

Official websites:

• CVSky – domestic flights in Cape Verde

• CV Interilhas – inter-island ferry connections

2. How often do flights and ferries operate from Praia to Maio?

The frequency of connections between Praia and Maio may vary depending on the season and the schedules operated by the transport companies.

• CVSky flights: several connections are generally available during the week, but operating days and times may change.

• CV Interilhas ferries: several weekly connections are normally available, with schedules that may vary throughout the year.

For this reason, before purchasing your tickets, it is important to always check the latest CVSky and CV Interilhas schedules for your travel dates.

Big Game Maio tip: if you already know your holiday dates, we recommend checking the Praia–Maio connection as early as possible, especially during periods of higher demand.

3. When should I book my Praia–Maio tickets?

We recommend purchasing your ticket to Maio well in advance, preferably before making your stay on the island fully definitive.

Inter-island connections have a limited number of seats and, especially during certain periods of the year, availability may sell out.

Before booking, we recommend checking both Praia–Maio flights and Praia–Maio ferries, choosing the option that best suits your schedule and itinerary.

If your journey includes a connection with an international flight arriving in Praia, it is also important to allow enough time between your arrival in Santiago and your departure for Maio.

4. What is the climate like in Maio and when is the best time to visit?

Maio has a warm and generally dry climate for much of the year, with many sunny days and pleasant temperatures.

The climate can nevertheless vary throughout the year:

• January – April: generally pleasant and breezy, with mild temperatures and ideal conditions for exploring the island.

• May – August: warmer temperatures, with sunny days and varying levels of trade winds.

• September – October: generally warmer and less windy, but this is also the time of year with a greater possibility of rainfall, usually short and irregular.

• November – December: the climate generally becomes drier and more pleasant again, with ideal temperatures for beach holidays, excursions and outdoor activities.

There is no single best time to visit Maio: it depends on the type of holiday you are looking for. The island is, however, a destination that can be visited throughout the year.

5. How do you get around Maio Island?

Getting around Maio is easy and allows you to discover even the quieter and more untouched areas of the island.

The main options are:

• Local shared taxis (Hiace): connect Vila do Maio with the island's other settlements.

• Private taxis: can be used for personalised journeys and to reach more remote beaches and locations.

• Quad rental: one of the most practical ways to explore Maio independently and reach many of its more secluded beaches.

• Pick-ups or other vehicles: can be a good option for those who want to travel around the island's roads with greater comfort.

For those who want to experience Maio freely, without depending on local transport schedules, renting a quad is particularly recommended.

6. What documents and currency do I need to travel to Cape Verde?

To enter Cape Verde, you must have a valid passport according to the requirements applicable to your nationality. For many travellers, the passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity.

Foreign visitors must also complete the EASE online pre-registration before travelling and, when applicable, pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA) according to the procedures established by the Cape Verdean authorities.

We always recommend checking the latest entry requirements for your nationality before departure.

Currency in Cape Verde

The official currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE).

The official exchange rate is linked to the euro:

1 Euro = approximately 110.265 Cape Verdean Escudos.

In Maio, it is nevertheless advisable to always carry some cash, as not all businesses accept card payments and ATM availability may be more limited than in Praia or on the larger islands.

7. Is Maio Island safe for tourists?

Maio is generally considered one of the quieter and more relaxed islands of Cape Verde.

The island retains an authentic and uncrowded atmosphere, with small settlements and a local population that is generally welcoming and friendly towards visitors.

It is particularly suitable for those looking for:

• peace and relaxation;

• uncrowded beaches;

• nature and unspoilt landscapes;

• an experience away from mass tourism;

• a holiday as a couple, with family or independently.

As with any tourist destination, it is nevertheless advisable to take normal precautions, especially when travelling with money, documents and valuables.

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

In Vila do Maio, there are local healthcare services and pharmacies for basic needs.

The island's facilities can deal with basic healthcare needs and some emergency situations. For more complex medical problems or cases requiring specialist treatment, it may be necessary to travel to Praia, on the island of Santiago.

For stays in Maio, we therefore recommend bringing any personal medication you may need and having adequate travel insurance.

In case of an emergency, it is important to contact the local healthcare services immediately.

9. What are the most beautiful beaches in Maio that I should not miss?

One of the most fascinating features of Maio is its long golden-sand beaches and its still relatively uncrowded bays.

Among the most interesting beaches and coastal areas to visit are:

• Praia de Bitxe Rocha: the beach of Vila do Maio, easily accessible from the town centre and characterised by the presence of traditional fishing boats.

• Praia de Ponta Preta: a long light-sand beach with natural landscapes, located south of Vila do Maio.

• Praia de Santana: a wild and impressive beach on the western coast. Pay close attention to sea conditions and currents.

• Praia de Morro: a long stretch of sand near the village of Morro. Sea conditions can be dangerous: swimming is strongly discouraged.

• Praia de Calheta: a beach close to the characteristic fishing village of Calheta.

• Praia de Porto Cais: located in the northern part of the island, offering an isolated and fascinating environment with distinctive rock formations.

• Praia Boca de Ribeira: a small and picturesque beach, with generally shallow waters.

• Praia de Praiona: a small bay along the eastern coast of the island.

• Praia de Ribeira Dom João: located near the village of the same name, in a rural and largely undeveloped environment.

• Praia de Barreiro (Lagoa): a wide and wild beach in the southern part of the island.

Sea safety

Sea conditions can change quickly. Before entering the water, always assess waves, currents and local conditions and follow any instructions or restrictions in place.

10. When is the best time to see sea turtles and whales in Maio?

Maio is particularly interesting for nature and marine wildlife lovers.

Sea turtles

The island is one of the important locations in Cape Verde for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).

The nesting season generally takes place between July and October, with greater activity during the summer months.

During this period, it is possible, through organised activities and in compliance with conservation rules, to observe egg-laying and, later, the hatching of the young turtles.

It is essential never to disturb the turtles, never use lights or flashes, and always follow the instructions provided by guides and local organisations.

Whales

During the spring season, there is also a possibility of spotting humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the waters around Cape Verde.

Sightings are generally more likely between March and May, but these are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

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

In 2020, Maio Island was recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, an international recognition highlighting the island's biodiversity, ecosystems and relationship between the environment and local communities.

The reserve includes the island and the surrounding marine areas and represents an important project for protecting Maio's natural heritage.

The North Natural Park

In the northern part of the island lies the North Natural Park of Maio, an important protected area characterised by natural landscapes, beaches and habitats of significant ecological interest.

Praia Real

Within the protected area lies Praia Real, an area of particular importance for marine wildlife conservation.

The waters of Praia Real are known for the presence of sharks, including nurse sharks, and represent an important area for their protection.

To protect this ecosystem, Praia Real is under strict protection, and swimming or unauthorised tourist activities are not permitted within the protected area.

Visits must therefore be carried out in full respect of local instructions and conservation regulations.

Discover Maio with Big Game Maio

Staying at Big Game Maio means having an ideal base from which to discover the island's beaches, villages and most authentic landscapes.

From our property, you can organise your stay in Maio by combining hotel accommodation, restaurant, quad excursions and sport fishing activities, experiencing the island in an authentic way and away from mass tourism.