Explore Cape Verde
Car Rental in Maio
Maio is Cape Verde's most discreet island, known for wild white-sand beaches, historic salt pans and a slow, almost timeless pace of life. The capital, Vila do Maio (Porto Inglês), is a small colonial town set on one of the country's loveliest bays, with a whitewashed church and an 18th-century fort. Beaches such as Ponta Preta, Morro and Santana stretch for kilometres with no buildings in sight — among the most pristine in the archipelago. The salt pans of Porto Inglês are still worked by hand. The island is essentially flat (highest point: Monte Penoso, 437m), making driving easy even in small cars. The main loop road around the island is paved for most of its length, with well-compacted dirt sections leading to the more remote beaches. Maio is ideal for travellers who left Sal or Boa Vista wanting something more authentic — and it is just one hour by ferry from Praia.
Vehicles in Maio
Coming Soon
Car Rental in Maio
We are expanding our services to Maio. Soon we will have vehicles available on this island. For now, explore the vehicles available in Santiago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about renting a car in Maio
- The most common way is the CV Interilhas ferry from Praia (Santiago), a 1 to 1.5-hour crossing. There are also short domestic flights to Maio airport, but with limited frequency.
- The main loop road (Vila do Maio → Calheta → Morro) is paved for most of its length. Tracks to more isolated beaches such as Ponta Preta may be hard-packed dirt — in normal conditions any car can manage, but be careful in the rainy months (September/October).
- A small or compact car is enough for most of Maio — the island is flat and the roads quiet. An SUV only pays off if you want to explore tracks to wilder beaches or are travelling with bulky luggage.
- Wild beaches (Bitche Rotcha, Ponta Preta, Morro), sea turtle watching (June to October), the historic salt pans, snorkelling, walks through the Acacia woodland and local cuisine in Vila do Maio. Maio is an island for slowing down, not for ticking off attractions.
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