Vila Franca do Campo was the first capital of São Miguel, until an earthquake and landslide destroyed it in 1522. Today it is a relaxed seaside town on the sunniest stretch of the island, facing a round volcanic islet whose flooded crater makes a perfect natural swimming lagoon. This guide covers the islet, the town and its hilltop chapel, the best beaches of the south coast and the neighbouring town of Lagoa, famous for its ceramics.
- Where
- South coast of São Miguel, 25 minutes from Ponta Delgada
- Known for
- The islet, beaches, queijadas
- Time needed
- Half a day; a full day with the islet
- Best time
- June to September, when boats go to the islet
- Weather
- One of the sunniest coasts on the island
- Getting there
- Car or bus from Ponta Delgada
At a glance
Highlights of Vila Franca and the south coast
Tap any photo to see the place on the interactive map, with directions from where you are.
The crater in the sea
The Vila Franca do Campo islet
Just off the town, the Vila Franca islet is the top of an old volcano. Its crater has broken open to the sea on one side, leaving an almost perfectly round lagoon of calm, clear water inside a ring of rock: one of the most unusual swimming spots in Europe. It is a protected nature reserve, and it has hosted the world cliff-diving series.
- Season: small boats run from the town marina in summer, usually from June to September, weather permitting.
- Limited numbers: the number of daily visitors is capped to protect the reserve, so buy your boat ticket early in the day or in advance.
- Bring everything: there are basic facilities only; take water, food, sun cream and snorkel gear.
In town
Things to do in Vila Franca do Campo
- Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz: a white chapel on the hill above town, reached by a zig-zag staircase lined with blue-and-white tile panels. The view over the town, the islet and the coast is superb.
- The old town: the main church of São Miguel Arcanjo and the streets around it were rebuilt after the 1522 disaster that buried the first capital.
- Vila Franca do Campo Municipal Museum: the story of the town and its traditions.
- The marina: a pleasant waterfront for a coffee, and the departure point for the islet.
Swim
Beaches near Vila Franca do Campo
- Água d’Alto Beach: a wide beach of dark sand just west of town, one of the best on the island, with lifeguards in summer.
- Vinha d’Areia Beach: the town beach, close to cafés and the marina.
The south coast is sheltered from the prevailing winds, so it is usually calmer and sunnier than the north. More in our São Miguel beaches guide.
West of Vila Franca
Lagoa, Caloura and Água de Pau
- Lagoa: a town known for its pottery. Cerâmica Vieira, a family workshop working since the 19th century, still makes the traditional blue-and-white pieces by hand. On the seafront, a large sea-pool complex is popular in summer.
- Caloura: a tiny harbour with a natural pool of very clear water, good for snorkelling, below a coast of vineyards and old manor houses.
- Água de Pau: a village on the slopes of the volcano that holds Lagoa do Fogo, whose mountain road starts here.
Local sweet
Queijadas da Vila
Vila Franca is famous for its queijadas: small, crisp tarts filled with a sweet fresh-cheese custard, made in the town for generations. Buy them warm from the bakery and eat them on the waterfront.
Access
How to get to Vila Franca do Campo
- By car: about 25 minutes from Ponta Delgada on the south-coast expressway.
- By bus: regular buses link the town with Ponta Delgada and continue to Furnas.
- As a base: the south coast between Lagoa and Vila Franca is a sunny, central base, halfway between Ponta Delgada and Furnas.
🚗 Car, tour or bus? See how to get around São Miguel: why a hire car or a guided tour is the way to reach places like Caloura and the Lagoa do Fogo road.
Planning
A day in Vila Franca do Campo
- Morning: the first boat to the islet for a swim in the crater lagoon.
- Lunch: by the marina, with queijadas for dessert.
- Afternoon: climb to the Senhora da Paz chapel, then Água d’Alto Beach.
- Late afternoon: continue east to Furnas for an evening hot-spring bath, or west to Caloura and Lagoa.
More ideas in the full São Miguel guide and on the São Miguel map.
Questions
Vila Franca do Campo FAQ
How do you get to the Vila Franca islet?
By small boat from the town marina, usually from June to September. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so buy tickets early.
Can you swim at the Vila Franca islet?
Yes. The flooded crater forms a calm, round lagoon that is ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Is Vila Franca do Campo worth visiting?
Yes, for the islet, the Senhora da Paz chapel and view, its beaches and queijadas. It is an easy stop between Ponta Delgada and Furnas.
What are queijadas da Vila?
Small tarts with a sweet fresh-cheese filling, the traditional pastry of Vila Franca do Campo.
How far is Vila Franca do Campo from Ponta Delgada?
About 25 minutes by car, with regular buses along the south coast.