It is the main urban settlement of the island, and also seat of the Maio Municipality.

The name Porto Inglês refers to English ships that exported salt produced on the island of Maio from this town.

[3] The inconclusive Battle of Maio was fought between British and French frigate squadrons close to the town on 23 January 1814 in the last stages of the Napoleonic Wars.

The port of Porto Inglês has ferry services to Praia on the island of Santiago.

The domestic Maio Airport lies 1 km north of the city.