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Porto Inglês

Cabo Verde · Coast · CVE · 15.133300, -23.216700
Family friendly 7.3/10 · Rank 506 of 2 709
Best season: November-June

Best for

Quiet beach holiday, nature, birdwatching and Cape Verdean culture lovers

Best season

November-June

Daily budget
$90.00 (≈ 7 553 ₽)
For 7 days
$630.00 (≈ 52 870 ₽)
Porto Inglês, also known as Vila do Maio, is the capital and main port of Maio Island. This quiet and unhurried town is located on the southwestern coast of the island and is famous for its calm beaches and secluded atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a slow pace of life, walks along the waterfront, and sea turtle watching. Porto Inglês is the ideal place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle.
Summer
31.0°C
Winter
20.0°C
Sea
27.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, value traditions and community

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Scenic beaches
  • Salt pans
  • Calm atmosphere
  • Affordable prices
  • Rich nature

Cons

  • Limited nightlife
  • Far from major cities
  • Few entertainments
  • Dry climate
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
25.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
27.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
31.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
21.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
23.5°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
20.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
25.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
27.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
August-October
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Bitxe Rotxa Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Jellyfish possible during the warm season, swim on guarded beaches and follow lifeguard instructions

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchin Diadema antillarum — found on rocky bottoms off Porto Inglês, stings are painful, special swimming shoes recommended
  • Sea urchin Eucidaris tribuloides — inhabits rocky patches and the intertidal zone, requires caution

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs are absent off Porto Inglês — Maio waters are characterised by moderate temperatures and the absence of extensive reef frameworks. Isolated colonies of soft corals and gorgonians occur
  • Reef-building corals such as Porites are present but do not form extensive reef structures

Jellyfish — details

  • Portuguese man o' war (Physalia physalis) — found in Cape Verde waters, especially during the rainy season, stings are very dangerous and require immediate medical attention
  • Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) — common species in coastal waters, stings are mild but can cause skin irritation

Sharks — details

  • At least 50 species of sharks and rays inhabit Cape Verde waters, including the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris)
  • Sharks pose a potential danger, caution is recommended when swimming and diving
Attractions

Porto Inglês Salt Pans

Historic salt pans, a national heritage site, where you can see the salt production process

São José Fortress

Historic 18th-century fortress built to protect the island from pirate attacks

Bitxe Rotxa Beach

Main beach of the town with white sand and crystal clear water

Eco-Museum

Museum telling the nature and culture of Maio Island

Best areas

Town Centre

Historic part with market, fortress and shops

Coastal Zone

Area along the coast with beaches and viewpoints

Must-try food

Cachupa

National dish of Cape Verde — hearty stew of corn, beans, vegetables and meat or fish

Grilled Fresh Fish

Local fishermen's catch, grilled with lemon and spices

Xerém

Traditional corn porridge, served with fish or meat

Grogue

Local sugarcane spirit, traditional to Cape Verde

Where to go next

Praia

Capital of Cape Verde 15 minutes by plane

Santa Maria

Tourist centre of Sal Island, accessible by ferry

São Filipe

Capital of Fogo Island, accessible by ferry

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Maio Airport (MMO).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-June
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$65.00
≈ 5 455 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$160.00
≈ 13 427 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Porto Inglês: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-June. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Porto Inglês: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +31.0°C, during the day — up to +27.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Porto Inglês: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +20.0°C, during the day — up to +23.5°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Porto Inglês: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +27.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Porto Inglês: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on August-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Porto Inglês: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, white sand, crystal water. The most popular beaches: Bitxe Rotxa Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Porto Inglês: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Porto Inglês: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, jellyfish, sharks. Jellyfish possible during the warm season, swim on guarded beaches and follow lifeguard instructions. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Porto Inglês: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $90.00 (≈ 7 553 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Porto Inglês: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $20.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $65.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $100.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $160.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Porto Inglês: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $7.00, dinner at a restaurant — $15.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Porto Inglês: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $10.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Porto Inglês: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Porto Inglês Salt Pans — Historic salt pans, a national heritage site, where you can see the salt production process; São José Fortress — Historic 18th-century fortress built to protect the island from pirate attacks; Bitxe Rotxa Beach — Main beach of the town with white sand and crystal clear water; Eco-Museum — Museum telling the nature and culture of Maio Island. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Porto Inglês: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Cachupa — National dish of Cape Verde — hearty stew of corn, beans, vegetables and meat or fish; Grilled Fresh Fish — Local fishermen's catch, grilled with lemon and spices; Xerém — Traditional corn porridge, served with fish or meat; Grogue — Local sugarcane spirit, traditional to Cape Verde. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Porto Inglês: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Town Centre — Historic part with market, fortress and shops; Coastal Zone — Area along the coast with beaches and viewpoints. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Porto Inglês: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Porto Inglês: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Maio Airport (code MMO). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $10.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Porto Inglês: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CVE. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $90.00 (≈ 7 553 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Porto Inglês: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Porto Inglês: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Porto Inglês: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Praia — Capital of Cape Verde 15 minutes by plane; Santa Maria — Tourist centre of Sal Island, accessible by ferry; São Filipe — Capital of Fogo Island, accessible by ferry. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.3/10
Overall rank: 506 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 374

Best season

November-June

Useful information

Currency: CVE
Coordinates: 15.133300, -23.216700