From Praia: Full-day Private and Guided Maio Island Tour
Active
14h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on a beautiful two-hour ferry trip from Santiago Island. Discover the lesser-known paradise of Cape Verde, Maio Island. Explore São José Fortress, agricultural and fishing areas, sand dunes, and the Handcraft Center.
Available options
Private Tour
Private<br/>Pickup included
Shared Group Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Liability insurance
Guide/Driver
Round-trip port transfers in Praia and Maio
Transportation
Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia
Detailed itinerary
1
Get picked-up at your hotel in Praia and embark on a beautiful two-hour ferry trip to Maio.
2
Upon arrival, be trasnfered to a local restaurant and enjoy a breackfast at your expense. Start your discovery from the Eco-Museum, and learn about the history of the colonization of the island, rooted in the exploitation of salt and coal. Move on to Porto Inglês Salinas wetland and have a chance to see the locals producing Salt.
Please, note that the €2 per person for Eco-Museum entrance is not included.
3
Next, head to Morro village known for its small colonial houses built with pyramid-shaped tiles.
4
Your tour progresses to the locality of Calheta, where a visit to its handcraft center gives you the opportunity to buy local souvenirs.
Continue towards Morrinho village and walk throughout the white sand dunes brought by the wind from the Sahara desert. After that, head to Pedro Vaz village followed by a break for a delicious lunch
5
Then, drive to Vila do Maio and there visit São José Fortress, built to protect the island from pirate attacks.
6
Finally, enjoy a dip at Bitchirotcha, the most beautiful beach on the island, and then take the ferry back to Santiago Island.
7
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.
What's not included
Round-trip ferry tickets
Lunch
Round-trip Flight tickets
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
FR
ES
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Hotel pickup from Praia starts 1 hour before your ferry's scheduled departure time.
Please bring passport, sandals/flip flops, a towel, a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen.
The ferry ticket or flight ticket are not included in the tour price. We recommend that you book this tour only after booking your ferry or flight tickets.
About Praia
Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, is a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and warm hospitality. It's a unique blend of African and Portuguese influences, offering a mix of modern amenities and traditional charm.
Top Attractions
Praia City Hall (Câmara Municipal da Praia)
A historic building with colonial architecture, serving as the city's administrative center.
Historical
30 minutes
Free
Plaza Alexandre Albuquerque
A central square with historic buildings, a statue of Alexandre Albuquerque, and a lively atmosphere.
Historical
30 minutes
Free
Praia Beach (Praia de Gamboa)
A popular beach with golden sand and clear waters, ideal for relaxation and water sports.
Beach
Half day
Free
Museu da Tabanka
A museum dedicated to the Tabanka tradition, a unique cultural expression of Cape Verde.
Museum
1 hour
Budget
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cachupa
A traditional stew made with corn, beans, and various meats or fish.
Main Course
Vegetarian versions available
Pastel de Milho
Corn-based pastry filled with various ingredients like meat, fish, or cheese.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Canja
A comforting soup made with chicken, rice, and vegetables.
Soup
Can be made vegetarian
Grogue
A traditional Cape Verdean rum made from sugarcane.
Drink
Alcoholic
Popular Activities
Hiking in Serra Malagueta
Water sports at Praia Beach
Sunbathing at Praia Beach
Picnicking in Parque da Várzea
Visiting Museu da Tabanka
Exploring Cidade Velha
Swimming
Snorkeling
Best Time to Visit
November to July
This is the dry season with sunny weather and minimal rainfall, ideal for beach activities and sightseeing.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Portuguese
- Widely spoken: Cape Verdean Creole
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
Time Zone
GMT-1
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Praia is generally safe, but petty crime can occur. Exercise usual precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
Getting there
By air
- Nelson Mandela International Airport • 3 km from city center
By bus
Praia Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and widely used, but can be crowded. Routes cover most of the city and nearby areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Boltax
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Plateau
Achada Santo António
Várzea
Day trips
Cidade Velha
15 km • Half day
A UNESCO World Heritage site with historic buildings, churches, and a rich colonial history.
Tarrafal
30 km • Full day
A beautiful beach town with stunning beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Serra Malagueta
10 km • Half day
A scenic mountain area with hiking trails and panoramic views of Praia.
Festivals
Carnaval de Praia • February or March (dates vary)
Festival de Música da Praia • July
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic phrases in Portuguese or Cape Verdean Creole
- Try local dishes like Cachupa and Pastel de Milho
- Visit local markets for authentic shopping experiences
- Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems
- Respect local customs and traditions for a more immersive experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
