A tiny paradise Portuguese islet makes for an exciting day out for anyone who visits – as it offers the chance to swim in a phenomenon that rarely occurs in the natural world.
Situated opposite the town of Vila Franca do Campo, less than one mile from the coast, the idyllic Islet of Vila Franca do Campo is a result of the crater of an ancient submerged volcano, and is home to a natural circle lagoon – known as the “Princess Ring”.
The lagoon is linked to the sea by a narrow channel called “Boquete.” This channel faces north towards the coast of São Miguel and prevents waves from the North Atlantic entering.
The lagoon's crystal clear waters and small but stunning beach are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
In fact, it is a regular stop on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, last held there in 2019. Professional international divers jump from 27 meters high for men and 21 meters high for women and is a spectacular event to watch, usually taking place between June and July.
“Ilhéu de Vila Franca is not only some beach of the Azores, nor just a nature reserve. It is much more than that — a little paradise,” writes Azores Adventures Futurismo.
The islet of Vila Franca is the result of an ancient submarine volcano that forms part of the Fogo volcanic complex, which erupted around 5,000 years ago.
The semicircular islet measures approximately six hectares (15 acres) in area and its highest point is approximately 62 meters above sea level.
The islet also has a rich human history. The Boquette channel is not a natural area – it was widened by locals to accommodate larger boats during the seismic crisis in 1522, as the islet served as a shelter when Vila Franca do Campo was destroyed by an earthquake.
In 1582 it found itself in the middle of a naval battle between Spanish and French forces and served as a prison and execution place for French prisoners. Whalers also built a hut on the highest point to help hunt sperm whales.
Another of the islet's most notable geological formations is the 32-metre volcanic stack called Farilhão, which is located off the islet's southern end.
It was not until 1989 that the regional government acquired the islet. Today it is a very popular tourist zone during the summer months, from June to October. The islet is strictly closed for the rest of the year.
Classified as a nature reserve, the walls of its crater are lined by nine endemic species of vegetation and it is a paradise for 29 different species of birds that nest and live there for months, such as the Cory's shearwater.
24 species of littoral fish, including parrotfish, grouper, dreamfish, and pufferfish, have already been registered in the water. Fishing, removing plants, or introducing invasive species to this protected habitat is strictly prohibited.
Since 2005, boats have also been banned from entering the lagoon. A small port outside allows for preserving the water inside.
Daily ferries operate during the summer months between Vila Franca do Campo and the islet at 10 euros (£8.40) for foreigners and six euros (£5) for residents.
However, there is a limit on the number of people who can enter the area to 400 per day – and 200 at the same time – to limit the impact of tourism on the islet's rich fauna and flora.