Located in the southwest and formerly called Vila Porto Inglês, the largest municipality on the island is now home to about 2,500 souls. It owes its first name to the English who entered its history by exploiting the salt that made the town prosperous and famous. Vila do Maio has experienced a limited development even if tourism tends timidly to develop. The main street is lined with typical and colorful houses and the imposing baroque church is enthroned on a flowery square facing the sea. Within the city itself, there are two beaches: Bitche Rocha, the arrival point for fishermen, which is ideal for an invigorating swim, and Porto Cais behind the pier, where swimming is not recommended. There is still the option of taking long walks at sunset. The market is on the beach of Vila and comes to life as soon as the fishermen arrive. Some people suggest going out to sea, which is a good idea as long as you are not afraid of the swell. The fortress, called Castelo, built in the 18th century to protect itself from pirate attacks, is also part of the scenery and proudly dominates the city. You can still see cannons, testimony of this eventful part of history. Cradled by its turquoise waters, the city has an air of calm and serenity, a bit out of another era, oh so far from the tourist invasion. Donkeys, stray dogs, goats, chickens and roosters live and parade here in complete freedom. The local community contributes fully to this atmosphere of ambient bonhomie.

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Pictures and images Vila Do Maio

Plage de Vila do Maio. Laszlo Mates - Shutterstock.com
Jeunes adolescents sur les rochers de Vila do Maio. Charline REDIN
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