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.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, off São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
- Coordinates
- 37.705638, -25.444336
- Access
- As of October 29, 2026, the regular CNVFC bathing-season boat service has ended (2026 season: June 12–October 11). The separate off-season nature visit (October 15–April 15) requires advance arrangement through an authorized maritime-tourism operator and a trained Parque guide; the operator must request the visit at least 48 hours ahead. Stay on the marked trail and obey wildlife closures. The legal limit is 160 visitors per day and 40 at once; upper-zone access through November 15 depends on no juvenile Cory’s shearwaters being present. Confirm boat availability and sea conditions before travel.
- Admission
- The 2026 regional regulation sets a €4 per-person fee for regulated islet activities; residents of the Azores Autonomous Region are exempt. This is separate from any operator boat or guide charge; obtain the total from the authorized operator before booking.
- Time needed
- The off-season guided nature visit is limited to 1 hour 30 minutes on the islet under the 2026 regulation. Boat travel, check-in, and waiting time are extra.
- Best season
- For swimming, use the regular bathing season; the 2026 boat season ran June 12–October 11. From October 15 through April 15, only the separate guided, reservation-based nature visit is available under different rules. Seasonal dates are set annually.
- Opening hours
- Off-season guided visits are permitted 09:00–17:00 on weekdays, excluding weekends and public holidays, October 15–April 15; the operator must request access 48 hours in advance. The 2026 regular boat season ended October 11. Confirm the current schedule with the authorized operator.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-19
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-29
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This article is full of mistakes. Please, search for more information and correct this. It’s not 1000 km is 500 m.
The cliff diving is only when the event Red Bull Cliff Diving is on, and there is only for the athletes, not for everyone, because it’s very dangerous.
The limit of tourist per day is 400 and the boat doesn’t take only 2 people at once, carries many more!