Ilhéu de Vila Franca

About this place

Ilhéu de Vila Franca is a small uninhabited islet about 1 km off the south coast of São Miguel in the Portuguese Azores, facing the town of Vila Franca do Campo and about 21 km in a straight line east of Ponta Delgada. It is the remains of a volcanic cone formed by an eruption in the sea and worn down by the waves, covering about 5 to 6 hectares and rising to about 62 m. The crater opened to the sea on the side facing São Miguel and filled with water, forming an almost circular lagoon about 150 m across with a small sandy beach sheltered from the waves. Its brown rocks of volcanic tuff are cut into columns and arches, and off its southern end stands a 32.5 m sea stack called the Farilhão. The islet and the waters around it have been a nature reserve since 1983. Seabirds such as Cory's shearwater nest here, and plants found only in the Azores grow on its slopes, among them Azorean heather. The lagoon is clear, with fish such as parrotfish and groupers. In the past the islet held vineyards, a small fort and a port. Licensed boats from Vila Franca do Campo take visitors to the islet, and the number allowed to land each day is limited. Visiting and swimming rules have changed in recent years to protect the reserve, so check the current situation with the licensed operators in town before you go. The crossing is paid.