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ItalianoThe Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is located in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo, on the south coast of São Miguel island. This small volcanic islet lies about 500 metres from the coast of Vila Franca and 1 kilometre from the Tagarete pier in the town centre.
⚠️ The Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is closed for bathing during 2025. However, you can enjoy an alternative activity at the Islet:
Historic Boat Trip around the Islet – Book online here (Use the coupon 3EUROFF and get a €3 discount)
The Ilhéu de Vila Franca, better known as the “Princess’s Ring,” is one of the most picturesque landscapes on São Miguel Island and offers an unforgettable experience to all who visit. In addition to its paradise-like setting, the islet has also become one of the island’s main attractions since hosting a stage of the world cliff diving championship, the Red Bull Cliff Diving.
Fotografia de ByAçores
The islet can only be visited from June to October, as it is a Protected Area with controlled access to ensure its preservation. If you wish to visit and enjoy the Ilhéu de Vila Franca, be sure to schedule your trip during this period.
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
The Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is classified as a Protected Area and therefore requires great care and respect from all who visit. The site is the result of an ancient submerged volcano whose flooded crater formed a nearly perfect circle with a small opening to the sea.
Fotografia de Lchacal
The crater’s rims form two islets: the Pequenino on the northeast coast and the Ilhéu Grande, which makes up the larger structure. Its walls are covered in endemic vegetation, and inside, there is a natural pool perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Fotografia de Lchacal
Since the pool’s small opening faces the coast, it blocks the ocean waves from entering, keeping the water calm and warmer than the surrounding sea. At low tide, a charming little beach appears, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the day.
The islet’s only inhabitants are seabirds, such as Cory’s shearwaters and common terns, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. In terms of facilities, there is only a restroom area and some paved paths to make it easier for visitors to walk around. Much of the terrain is uneven and requires careful footing.
History
The “Princess Ring” was classified as a Nature Reserve on 3 March 1983 and has been a protected area for habitat and species management since 2008. It is located 500 metres from the coast of Vila Franca do Campo and is considered one of the Important Bird Areas by the non-governmental organisation Birdlife International.
The Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo was classified as a Nature Reserve in 1983 thanks to its diverse fauna and flora, and since 2008, its area has been protected for habitat and species management.
The islet was an important natural harbour for intercontinental travellers. It also served as a depot during the whaling era and was used for planting crops. Before becoming the property of the Regional Government of the Açores, the Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo belonged to the Portuguese Crown and several private owners.
Red Bull Cliff Diving
Since 2009, the Ilhéu de Vila Franca has hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, the world championship of cliff diving. In a free fall from a height of 27 metres, divers performed jumps combined with acrobatics.
It was an event full of adventure and adrenaline that brought great visibility to the islet. In 2020, the stop was cancelled due to the global coronavirus outbreak, and since 2022, it has been held in Boston.
How to Visit the Islet
The Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo can only be visited during the summer, from June to October, with daily boat departures from the Marina de Vila Franca do Campo. As entry is limited to 400 people per day, it’s recommended to book your ticket in advance.
Departures are hourly, and the journey across the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean takes no more than 10 minutes. Return trips are also hourly, typically departing 10 minutes past the hour.
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