Discover Vila Do Maio through the history of salt production as well as the beaches of Vila Porto Inglês. The town combines a historic focus with coastal experiences.
Salt Pans and City History
The “Salinas e Cidade de Porto Inglês” walking route passes through the city of Porto Inglês and visits the salt pans of Porto Inglês. It introduces the city as the island’s centre and explores its history of livestock farming and salt production, taking in everything from the city’s past to the salt pans.
The Paisagem Protegida das Salinas do Porto Inglês is located in Cidade do Porto Inglês. The Salinas de Porto Inglês are part of this protected landscape; the salt pans are at the end of the avenue. The Centro Interpretativo das Salinas de Porto Inglês presents the cultural and natural heritage of the island of Maio. The landscape, salt production and island heritage thus offer three different perspectives on the salt pans.
Historical Connections
Vila do Maio was formerly known as Porto Inglês. When the town bore this name, British ships loaded salt there. The former place name is therefore directly linked to the history of salt. The Igreja Matriz, the Farol de S. José and the Castelo do Maio are considered evidence of a time when territories had to be protected from pirate attacks. They are also among the main tourist attractions in Vila do Maio.
Beaches, Activities and Flavours
Vila Porto Inglês is home to the beaches of Praia de Beach Rotcha, Praia de Ponta Preta, Praia de Porto Inglês and Praia do Maio. Snorkelling and windsurfing are also associated with the town. The coastal side of the town’s profile therefore includes several beaches as well as snorkelling and windsurfing.
Traditional fishing is mentioned not only for Vila Porto Inglês, but also for Calheta, Ribeira de João and Barreiro. While the four beaches mentioned are associated with Vila Porto Inglês, this activity is linked to several places. This distinction is useful when comparing the places associated with these activities.
Along the avenue on the “Salinas e Cidade de Porto Inglês” route, you can sample traditional snacks, including queijo di Maio in various dishes. This adds a culinary perspective to the history of the city and salt pans. For travellers who want to explore cultural history and food together, this is another specific aspect of the walking route.
Search for Hotels by Travel Interest
If you would like to combine several aspects, you can consider these interests side by side and then compare the details of the hotel offers you find against your own requirements. This helps tailor your search to your planned stay.
Discover more destinations: Calheta.
Go to the main travel overview: Maio.
