Vila Franca do Campo islet: the ideal getaway for summer

Situated more than 1000 km away from the nearest land surface, San Miguel, the Vila Franca do Campo islet attracts a great number of tourists every season. Regardless if it’s for fun, relaxation or exploration, the natural landscape and setting are the ideal getaway for anybody.

Here is what makes this place stand out from the wide range of islands belonging to Portugal.

First of all, it’s the shape. The islet slightly resembling a slice of pizza and has a perfectly shaped circle right in the middle of it. The circle is a lake formed by an ancient underwater volcano, with a small channel connecting it to the ocean waters.

The same channel is a path for boats transporting tourists to the magical natural setting. Due to the shape and formation of the islet, there are no beaches – however, visitors don’t seem to mind at all. When it comes to having fun, the braver ones can jump off cliffs or climb nearby to explore the wide forests. Furthermore, the lake protected by the surrounding land is perfect for diving, particularly due to its various depths.

During the past century, the Vila Franca do Campo islet was a commonly visited tourist attraction all year long regardless of the weather. After 1983, when the location became a Natural Reserve, visitors were welcomed only during summer – between June and September. Also, tourists are not allowed to come here with their own boats; the only way to get here is by a special boat taking a couple of passengers at a time.

The road towards this wonder of nature is not only an unique way of getting away from the daily life, but also an exciting discovery.