Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo – São Miguel Island

The Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is located in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, on the south coast of the island of São Miguel. This small volcanic islet is about 500 meters from the coast of Vila Franca and 1 kilometer from the Tagarete pier, in the center of the village.

Information for the 2024 season already updated. Check below

The Ilhéu de Vila Franca, also known as the “Princess Ring”, is one of the most picturesque landscapes on the Island of São Miguel and offers an intense visit to all who explore it. In addition to its paradisiacal beauty, the islet has become one of the island’s main attractions since it hosted a stage of the world cliff diving championship, the Red Bull Cliff Diving.

Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
Fotografia de ByAçores

Visiting the islet is only possible from June to October, as it is a Protected Area with efforts to preserve the site and control access. If you plan to visit and enjoy Ilhéu de Vila Franca, schedule your trip for this period.

Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo

Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is classified as a Protected Area, requiring great care and respect from all who visit. The site is the result of an ancient submerged volcano whose flooded crater formed an almost perfect circle with a small opening to the sea.

Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo – Vista aérea I
Fotografia de Lchacal

The crater edges form two islets: the smaller one on the northeast coast and the larger Ilhéu Grande. Its walls are covered with endemic vegetation, and inside, there is a natural pool excellent for swimming and snorkeling.

Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo – Vista aérea II
Fotografia de Lchacal

As the small opening of the pool faces the island’s coast, it prevents ocean swells from entering and keeps its waters warmer than the outside. Additionally, during low tide, there is a charming small beach perfect for sunbathing and spending the day.

The only inhabitants of the islet are seabirds like the cagarro and terns, and the crab known as the caranguejo-fidalgo. As for infrastructure, there is only a bathroom area and some paved paths to facilitate visitor movement. Most of the terrain is uneven and requires attention.

History

The “Princess Ring” was classified as a Natural Reserve on March 3, 1983, and has been a protected area for the management of habitats and species since 2008. It is located 500 meters from the coast of Vila Franca and is considered one of the Important Bird Areas by the non-governmental organization Birdlife International.

Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo was classified as a Natural Reserve due to its diverse fauna and flora in 1983, and since 2008, its area has been protected for habitat and species management.

The islet was an important natural shelter port for intercontinental travelers. It also served as a depot during the whaling era and was used as a plantation site. Before being owned by the Regional Government of the Azores, the Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo belonged to the Portuguese Crown and some private owners.

Red Bull Cliff Diving

Since 2009, the Ilhéu de Vila Franca has hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, a world championship of cliff diving. Divers performed jumps combined with acrobatics from a height of 27 meters.

It was an event full of adventure and adrenaline that brought much visibility to the islet. In 2020, the stage was canceled due to the global coronavirus outbreak, and it has since been held in Boston from 2022 onwards.

How to Visit the Islet

Visiting the Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is only possible during the summer, from June to October, with daily boat departures from the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo. As entry is limited to 400 people per day, it is recommended to secure your ticket in advance.

Departures are hourly, and the trip takes no more than 10 minutes across the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Returns are usually 10 minutes after the hour of arrival, also hourly.

See also: We went to explore Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo

The visit can only be made with the official boat. Other boats can approach for guided tours around the islet, but visitors cannot disembark on the islet.

2024 Prices

Depending on the method of ticket purchase and your place of residence, prices vary as follows:

Physical Ticket Office

The round-trip ticket price is:

• Non-resident in the Azores: €10
• Resident in the Azores: €6
  Residents must present their citizen card when purchasing their tickets.

Online Ticket Office

You can purchase your tickets up to 15 days in advance until 24 hours before the day of the trip (subject to availability). If the tickets for the desired day are sold out on the platform, you can buy them on the same day at the physical ticket office.

Ticket prices are the same as above, with an additional non-refundable Service Fee.

Buy Ticket

Tickets can be purchased on the website or at the sales kiosk at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo. 

2024 Timetable

Trips are scheduled to start on June 15, 2024. There are round trips hourly, at the following times:

Departure > Return

• 10:00 AM > 10:10 AM
• 11:00 AM > 11:10 AM
• 12:00 PM > 12:10 PM
• 1:00 PM > 1:10 PM
• 2:00 PM > 2:10 PM
• 3:00 PM > 3:10 PM
• 4:00 PM > 4:10 PM
• 5:00 PM > 5:10 PM
• 6:00 PM > 6:10 PM

Important Tips

Before visiting the islet, consider these important tips:

• There are no kiosks or bars on the islet: bring everything you might need, such as water and small snacks;
• Bring a bag to collect and take back your trash;
• Since most of the islet is rocky, a towel or beach mat is very useful;
• Bring flip-flops or plastic sandals;
• Don’t forget your snorkeling equipment (it can be rented at the shops at Marina de Vila Franca do Campo);
• A camera for magnificent shots;
• As the weather is very unpredictable in the Azores, a raincoat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are always recommended.

As the terrain is quite uneven and covered with smooth rocks, it is very important to be cautious and attentive! 

Other Information

For additional questions about ticket purchases or visits to Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, you can contact the Sales Service, available from June 15 to October 14, 2024, through the following contacts:

• Email: bilheteira@cnvfc.net
• Phone: +351 911 927 039

Photos of Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo

Ilhéu Vila Franca do Campo
Fotografia de Sara Ribeiro

Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
Fotografia de Nuno

Ilhéu
Fotografia de José Maria Sousa

Video

Visiting Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is a unique, unforgettable delight that nourishes the senses and soul. A truly unmissable destination.

As an additional suggestion, before or after your visit to the islet, also visit the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz, from where you can view the islet and take excellent photos. Don’t forget to visit and taste the famous and delicious Queijadas da Vila.