Welcome to Maio Island!
Located 25km to the east of Santiago, the amazing unspoilt beaches of Maio are similar to that found on Boa Vista and Sal although parts of the island have been heavily re-forested.
With a population of just 4,000 and untouched by tourism, the small island of Maio is a great place to escape, relax and admire the different landscapes around. Maio is a beautiful island to visit and the perfect place to enjoy long walks along the deserted beaches and salt pans.
It's known for the sandy beaches around its main town of Vila do Maio and north, near the village of Morrinho. Santana Bay attracts nesting sea turtles. In a forested area of the west coast, Calheta is a fishing village with many colorful houses. The nearby village of Morro is popular for its handicrafts.
MOST POPULAR
DISCOVER MAIO ISLAND IN ONE DAY
With a population of just 4,000 and untouched by tourism, the small island of Maio is a great place to escape, relax and take in the scenic landscapes, lonely beaches and mature forests that only Maio can offer. Explore this amazing and quite island in one day full of passion and adventure visit charcoal factories, protected areas, north side, deserted beaches, white sand dunes, fishing village, Penoso hills.etc.
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR 
DURATION 6h 
From 90€
HIKING MONTE PENOSO MOUNTAIN
Pick up in the morning at your accommodation to hike the island famous mountain- Monte Penoso, it´s the island highest point with 436 meters of altitude. It is situated in the eastern part of the island, 3 km southwest of Pedro Vaz and 13 km northeast of the island capital Porto Inglês. The mountain is a volcanic origin. When you get on top you can enjoy a spetacular view of the entire island.
- Available ALL YEAR
- Duration 2 to 3h
- From 90€
Famous Themes & Attractions
Customer Reviews
Excellent!
Super vacances, guides à l'écoute des clients. Possibilité de modifier le parcours tout au long du séjour. Sympathiques et professionnels, nous avons pu profiter des îles en toute sécurité.
Ilha de Santiago
Fizemos uma visita de um dia pela ilha de Santiago com a rural tours, na pessoa do Aldino, que recomendo! O dia começou com a viagem da Praia até à cidade de Assomada com o seu mercado característico na agitação de um sábado de manhã!.
Hiking Águas Belas Cave
I liked very much the 3-hour hike through the stark landscape, first to the cave and then on to Ribeira de Barca: the sea turqoise near the land and dark blue further away, the land ochre with dark red to black and dotted with green bushes, and the light blue sky above - just lovely colors. And all that with a refreshing wind - never got too hot - and a very considerate guide who checked time and again that the speed of hiking was suitable for me, and Apollo knows the area like his own home. Great experience.
Hiking Serra Malagueta Natural Park
I was staying in Achada Lem and hiked in Serra Malagueta on Saturday myself. In the evening I was warn by hotel personnel that it is better not to hike in the Natural park on Sunday, because there were a couple of cases, when local teenagers were attacking the tourists and stealing their phones and money. I was doubtful, if I should get a local guide or go myself but when a girl at the reception said that someone from the Rural tours has "beautiful English". Read More
Hiking to Antonia Peak
I kinda had a private tour with tour guide Delvin, because nobody else had booked the trip on the same day. Anyhow, he made it an awesome trip! It was entertaining, funny, challenging and I was rewarded not only with an awesome view on the entire island but also with good (local and international) music, sunshine and a tour guide who always looked out for me and my steps. I felt safe, secure and in best hands! Just be sure, you have a good conditional health, because this really can be exhausting for some parts of the hike. Also, everything was well communicated, on time and easy going! I would definitely recommend this trip or any other from RURAL tours.