← Back to places
Vila Franca do Campo Islet
Vila Franca Islet is a small volcanic islet about 500 metres from the coast, with regular connections from the town's port during the bathing season.
About this place
The Vila Franca do Campo Islet is the partly submerged crater of an ancient volcano off the south coast of São Miguel. Its opening to the ocean forms a sheltered natural lagoon within an environmentally sensitive protected area. Public access is by boat from Vila Franca do Campo marina, requires a ticket and is subject to a daily visitor limit.
In 2026, the bathing season runs from 12 June to 11 October. Time on the islet, landings and activities are governed by reserve rules, and sailings may be changed or cancelled because of sea conditions. Visitors should confirm service on the day, buy tickets through official channels and carry water, sun protection and as little waste as possible. This lagoon is not a conventional beach: obey closed areas and staff instructions and avoid disturbing wildlife, vegetation or geological features.
Nearby
All placesDegredo Beach
Degredo Beach in Água de Alto offers a wild, peaceful landscape with views of Vila Franca Islet, a spring beside the sand and a nearby waterfall.Vinha da Areia Beach
Vinha da Areia Beach in Vila Franca do Campo is about 320 metres long, with light-coloured sand and a position almost directly facing the Vila Franca islet.Leopoldina Beach
Leopoldina Beach in Ribeira das Tainhas has fine sand, is about 100 metres long and is reached by a path near fortress ruins and natural pools.What’s wrong?
Tell us what changed: opening hours, contacts, dates, location. Our editors check before fixing it.
Share a photo
Only send photos you took yourself. Once reviewed, it is published with the credit “Foto: Açores 9 member”.