Maio
To the south of Boa Vista lies the easternmost of the Leeward Islands, May Island, covering 269 km². Although the name translates as “May”, the only thing that is actually spring on the island is the temperature. May is quite arid, but it has fantastic beaches that stretch for kilometers. Some of them are considered the most beautiful in the country. Therefore, the island will certainly play a more important role in Cape Verde’s tourism in the future.
Especially around the main city of May City, there are particularly fine sandy beaches with turquoise water, reminiscent of the Caribbean. The highest point is in the interior of the island, but Monte Penoso only rises to 436 meters. The island offers desert and savannah landscapes, with little vegetation but plenty of atmosphere.
However, thanks to reforestation, May has the largest contiguous forest area in the country and even allows for extensive forestry, with the wood being exported to other islands.
As there are few flights to May, tourists haven’t really arrived yet. The corresponding infrastructure doesn’t exist either. But it’s only a matter of time before the island’s attraction – its kilometers of beaches – attracts the necessary investors.
Until then, the local inhabitants make a living from cattle breeding, fishing and handicrafts, particularly pottery production.
So if you like long beaches and clear waters, you’ll find what you’re looking for here in May.
