Start your day at a local café in Vila do Maio with freshly baked bread, tropical fruit, Cape Verdean coffee, and cuscuz (traditional steamed corn cake).
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Vila do Maio and discover the town's colourful colonial-era buildings, the central square, the local church, small artisan shops and markets, and the peaceful waterfront promenade. Learn about Maio's history as a centre of the island's salt trade while enjoying its relaxed pace.
Next, head to the nearby Salinas de Porto Inglês, where salt has been harvested for centuries. Walk around the salt pans and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring Cape Verdean cuisine, such as fresh grilled fish, lobster or octopus (seasonal), cachupa (Cape Verde's national stew), tropical fruit, and fresh juices.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at Praia de Bitchirotcha or another nearby beach. Swim, sunbathe, take a beach walk, or go birdwatching (seasonal). The beaches on Maio are known for their soft white sand and tranquil atmosphere.
Take a short drive through Maio's countryside, passing acacia forests, traditional villages, coastal viewpoints, and rolling desert-like landscapes unique to the island. Stop for photographs and enjoy the island's unspoiled scenery.
Return to Vila do Maio and watch the sunset from the beach or waterfront promenade, where the calm Atlantic provides a beautiful backdrop. Finish your day with dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood and, if available, live Cape Verdean music.