Things to do at Ilhéu de Vila Franca

The Ilhéu de Vila Franca is a sunken, crater-shaped islet a short boat ride off Vila Franca do Campo, and its inner lagoon is one of the few places on São Miguel where you can swim inside an old volcano. It is a protected nature reserve with a daily cap on visitor numbers, so access is controlled rather than open-ended.

The only way out is a small shuttle boat from the Vila Franca do Campo marina, and it runs in season only, roughly June to September, weather and sea state allowing. In any swell the crossing is cancelled outright.

There are no facilities on the islet itself, so bring water, sun cover and swimwear, and plan the visit around the boat's schedule rather than around your own.