Things to do in Vila Franca do Campo

Vila Franca do Campo was São Miguel's capital until 1522, when an earthquake-triggered landslide destroyed the town and pushed the seat of power to Ponta Delgada, about 20-25 minutes away by car on the south coast road.

The chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz sits on the hill above the harbour and is the town's clearest viewpoint back over the rooftops and out to sea. Offshore, the Ilhéu de Vila Franca, a sunken crater islet, has its own page with the swim-permit and season details.

West along the same coast, Caloura's small fishing port has its own page too. This one covers the town itself: the waterfront, the old streets, and the walk up to the chapel.