MAIO Morphologically similar to Sal and Boavista, this small sanded island is only 268 kmq wide and has 5.500 inhabitants. The main pick is Monte Penos which is 436 mt high. Maio is one of the most charming islands, the coasts north to south, are all covered by white sanded beaches leading to the natural sault ponds to the south. This island is not well known by tourists and has only few small posadas. It’s not very easy to reach, the only flights leave from Sal through Praia. Since it is not a very popular touristic destination, this island is still very wild and primitive both morpholigically and touristically speaking. But if you love a very quite places, this is the right island for you. Here you can relax sitting in a very “primitive” restaurant tasting delicious seafood, chatting with the friendly locals, listening to the sound of the local (always life) music. Thanks to the fauna and to the clean water, the island of Maio has been included in the "Cabo Verde Nature 2000", a project specially developed to protect the fauna and flora, born in the University of Las Palmas, under CEE supervision.       Visit the capital Vila do Maio located on one of the most beautiful beach of the island. The architecture of the buildings have english influence. One of the most fascinating building in town is the small church "Nostra Senora da Luz", meeting place for all community. Near te harbour area there is the Fortress called Sao Josè, built to fight pirats' incursions. The second most populated town is Calheta,a small village where people live of agriculture and fishing.       BEACHES Maio is very famous for its numerous beautiful white sanded beaches surrounding all the island. Do not forget to leave the island without visiting these small wonderful paradises: Calhetinha and Pau Seco, near Morrinho village. Tatarugas and Cais, near Porto Cais. Praiona, Prainha and Boca Ribeira are really astonishing facing a deep blue ocean.