Maio: The Wild Island Of History And Nature
Geologically ancient, Maio shares many characteristics with Boa Vista, featuring an elongated shape of 24 km from north to south and 16 km from east to west.
The island is predominantly arid, surrounded by long stretches of fine, golden sand beaches that extend for kilometers along the coast. Its highest point is Monte Penoso, reaching 436 meters in elevation, while the rest of the terrain is mostly flat, with salt deposits located along the southern coast.
Despite its volcanic origin, Maio shows few visible signs of past eruptions. Its landscape is mainly rocky and limestone-based, with the northern region bearing the marks of centuries of erosion caused by the sea and northeast winds.
Discovery And History: From Salt Mines To Decline
Maio was first sighted in 1456 by Venetian navigator Alvise Cadamosto, during an exploratory expedition along Africa’s western coast. It received its current name following its official discovery on May 13, 1460, by António da Noli and Diogo Gomes.
The island's colonization was extremely slow. By 1718, Maio had a population of only 60 inhabitants. The uncontrolled grazing of free-roaming goats contributed to the desertification of the land, destroying what little vegetation existed and making the soil even more barren.
True economic development only arrived later, with the intensive exploitation of salt mines by British entrepreneurs. Known at the time as Porto Inglês, Maio became a key export hub for salt shipments to Brazil, significantly boosting its economy in the 19th century.
However, as severe droughts plagued Cape Verde, the island faced a sharp economic decline, leading to a mass migration of its inhabitants.
Today, development projects focus on two main objectives: promoting sustainable tourism and reforestation efforts to restore part of the island’s lost vegetation.
A Natural Sanctuary
Maio is a true haven for nature lovers. Its wild, untouched beaches provide a perfect habitat for numerous seabird species and serve as a crucial nesting site for sea turtles, making it an ecologically rich and valuable destination.
Diving: An Underwater World To Explore
Maio’s marine environment is abundant with tropical fish and diverse marine species, featuring rock formations, caves, and volcanic platforms. These unique underwater landscapes offer an exciting experience for diving enthusiasts, as well as opportunities for underwater photography and fishing.
