The Secret of ‘VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO’ Islet of Azores archipelago

Ilheu de Vila Franca do Campo

Ilheu de Vila Franca do Campo is a circular island within the Azores archipelago, located west of the coast of Portugal. The island is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and just a short distance from the island of San Miguel. It is the crater of an ancient submerged volcano and was formed due to the collapse of a volcano whose crater became a natural swimming pool with a small beach. it is one of San Miguel’s main tourist attractions. The edges of the crater comprise two islets: Ilheu Pequenino, located on the northeast coast; and Ilheu Grande, which is the largest emerging structure. Basaltic rock dominates the areas and is affected by the action of the waves. There are many entrance channels and fissures through which the water comes out of the crater, known locally as goals.

The walls of its crater are lined by endemic vegetation, where many species of seabirds find shelter, while inside there is a natural lake. The islet is connected to the sea by a small channel called Boquete, a narrow passage that allows the entry of ocean water. The island of Vila Franca do Campo is declared a Nature Reserve, to protect and safeguard the entire habitat. Crystal clear waters and the small but lovely beach of Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo are excellent for swimming and diving.

Vila Franca do Campo and Crater

Vila Franca do Campo is a town in the southern part of the island of Sao Miguel in the Portuguese Autonomous Region of the Azores. The town incorporates the urbanized parishes, São Miguel and São Pedro. Two volcano-peaked islands Santa Maria and Sao Miguel, the easternmost of the Azores look like a moon in the middle of the Atlantic. This archipelago is part of Portugal, but its location is so remote that arriving here feels like getting in the Bermuda triangle.

The Azores are possibly Europe’s most exotic islands. The secret gardens of the Atlantic are lush and green, thick with temperate forests are alive with birds and rich wildlife. The scenery is beautifully painted with dramatic rugged coastlines and empty beaches crashing with waves, which are spectacular. The largest of the nine islands, Sao Miguel, is a place of natural wonder. Agricultural scenes, crater lakes, steaming hot springs, and heart-stopping views. Both landscape and weather are unpredictable, changing every 15 minutes.

Most of the mountainous areas of the municipality are forested, interspersed with agriculture and grazing land. The climate in this region is mild and humid, with temperatures oscillating between 14 °C and 22 °C, and with regular precipitation, responsible for the fertile soils and ravines.

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The relief of this region is characterized by a basaltic rock from volcanic activities on the island. The Rock is forming many of the distinctive geomorphological structures, such as the islet of Vila Franca, Pico d’El-Rei 674 m, Monte Escuro 890 m, Lombados Pisoes 258 m, Miradouro 685 m. Vila Franca do Campo is the perfect place for swim and snorkeling in the natural pool or walking the tiny trail, taking in the impressive views back towards Sao Miguel.

The Three famous Parishes of the island

Agua de Alto is located on the western border of the municipality and is known for the beaches and coves that hug the coast.

Ponta Garça is the largest within Vila Franca, and longest by extension in the Azores, Ponta Garcia is an inhabitant located along a lateral roadway that hugs the clifftops of the south-central region to the small beaches of Povoacao.

Ribeira das Tainhas is the smallest islet in the area, it was historically an agricultural center involved in the cultivation and exportation of oranges and wine, in the Porto de Calhau de Areia.

The Spectacular Vila Franca do Campo can only be visited in the summer months, between June and September.  Ilheu de Vila Franca do Campo can be reached by a ferry that departs from the Tagarete Pier. The Island is a magical place and a hidden corner that allows the Geotourist to experience the incredible thrill of swimming inside a volcanic crater.