Vila Franca do Campo Islet (Ilhéu de Vila Franca) is a small volcanic island located about 1 km off the coast of the town of Vila Franca do Campo on São Miguel Island, Azores. It is the flooded crater of an extinct underwater volcano, formed through volcanic activity typical of this region.

The crater, created between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago by phreatomagmatic eruptions, has an almost perfectly circular shape, forming a natural lagoon connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow channel known as the “Boquete.” The crater’s diameter is approximately 150 meters, with walls covered in lush vegetation, giving the island a unique and picturesque appearance.

Declared a nature reserve in 1993, the islet has been protected to conserve its ecosystem and biodiversity. Today, Vila Franca do Campo Islet attracts tourists with its natural beauty and unique lagoon, ideal for swimming and snorkeling thanks to its crystal-clear waters and variety of marine life. It’s also known as the site of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, adding to its appeal among adventure sports enthusiasts.

An option for a unique experience is a small group boat tour around the island without entering the volcanic ring itself. This allows for a closer look at the island’s formations and provides a more intimate perspective on the surrounding landscape.

Visits to the islet are possible during the summer months, from June to September, when boats regularly depart from the Tagarete pier in Vila Franca do Campo to transport visitors. This islet is one of the main natural attractions of the Azores and is highly recommended for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

By the way, when I posted my drone videos of this island, CNN’s Arabic division became interested in my work and wrote an article about my Azores adventures