Vila Franca do Campo Islet
The Vila Franca do Campo Islet is a small natural paradise located off the southern coast of São Miguel, just about 1 km (0.6 miles) from the town of Vila Franca do Campo. Known as the "Princess Ring," it's one of those places that look like they're from another world. It has been a nature reserve for decades and, since 2008, it's been part of the São Miguel Island Natural Park.
The islet is the emerged part of an ancient underwater volcano, sculpted over some 4,000 years by the erosion of the sea. The most spectacular thing is its interior: the crater forms an almost perfectly circular natural pool that connects to the sea through a narrow opening. That's why its water tends to be warmer and calmer than the open sea, which makes it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The crater walls also form two islets, the small one and the big one.
Although on maps it shows a surface area of about 95 hectares (around 235 acres), that figure includes the entire protected marine zone around it. The land area you actually walk on is much smaller, so you can cover it in no time.
HEADS UP! The islet is a nature reserve, so access is tightly controlled: you can only land from June to October and with a limited daily capacity. In high season the spots vanish fast, so it's a good idea to reserve or buy your ticket as early as possible.
One way to reach the Vila Franca Islet is via the official boats that depart from the Vila Franca marina. Tickets can be purchased at the sales point located at the harbor.
Our favorite and highly recommended option firsthand is this Whale Watching + Vila Franca Islet activity. In this case, you won't disembark on the Islet but rather visit it from the boat used for whale watching.
Another way to visit the Vila Franca Islet is with this Tour of the Vila Franca Islet. In this case, you will disembark on the Islet and can enjoy its natural pool for about 3 hours. After that time, the boat will take you back to Vila Franca.
>> Book the Whale Watching + Vila Franca Islet here.
>> Book the Tour of the Vila Franca Islet here.
