Places to Visit in Vila Franca do Campo – São Miguel Island

Vila Franca do Campo is a municipality on São Miguel Island, composed of six parishes. During its first century of settlement, it was the most important town and the capital of São Miguel Island.

This uniquely beautiful town has numerous natural and man-made attractions worth visiting during your stay. Here are some must-visit spots:

Viewpoint and Chapel of Our Lady of Peace

The Viewpoint and Chapel of Our Lady of Peace are located atop Mount Nossa Senhora da Paz and offer an incredible view of Vila Franca do Campo and its islet. This spot is a must-see for those visiting Vila Franca do Campo, given its magnificent landscape that blends white houses with green pastures.

The chapel was built in the 18th century atop another temple likely erected in the 16th century. It features an impressive 100-step staircase with 10 landings, representing the Our Father prayers of the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries and the Hail Mary prayers.

Additionally, its viewpoint stands at an altitude of 215 meters, offering one of the most privileged views in the region.

Islet of Vila Franca do Campo

The Islet of Vila Franca do Campo is one of the most spectacular spots in the town, situated about 1 kilometer off the coast. Also known as the “Princess Ring,” this site is the result of an ancient submerged volcano crater, creating a natural pool where visitors can sunbathe and swim all day.

In the summer months, there is a regular boat service connecting Vila Franca do Campo to the islet. It is a major attraction on São Miguel Island, especially after hosting the world cliff diving competition, Red Bull Cliff Diving.

Vila do Morgado Cheese Tarts Factory

Just steps from Vila Franca do Campo marina and with a beautiful view of Vinha D’Areia beach, lies the Vila do Morgado Cheese Tarts factory. The recently renovated space allows visitors to better observe the making of the town’s traditional tarts.

This is a must-visit for anyone on São Miguel Island who wants to try these sugar-dusted tarts fresh out of the oven. The space is pleasant, and visitors can see part of the process of making this delicious dessert, whose recipe is over 500 years old.

Learn more about the Vila Cheese Tarts >

Church of São Miguel Arcanjo

The beautiful São Miguel Arcanjo Parish Church is one of the oldest temples in the archipelago, built in the 15th century. During the earthquake of 1522, the church was completely destroyed and later rebuilt.

This church stands out with its Romanesque architectural style, featuring three naves and a bell tower made of basalt. Additionally, it houses the oldest bell on São Miguel Island, along with remarkable tilework and gilded woodwork inside.

Congro Lake

Congro Lake is located about 6 kilometers from Vila Franca do Campo and is a hidden treasure amidst dense vegetation. Although it is somewhat challenging to access, the trip is well worth it.

Unlike most lakes on the island that occupy volcanic craters, Congro Lake resulted from a phreatomagmatic eruption and sits in a flat area surrounded by lush greenery. There is a pedestrian trail of about 700 meters that leads to the lake’s edge, learn more here.

Castelo Branco Viewpoint / Castelo Branco

Castelo Branco is a small medieval-style tower located between Furnas and Vila Franca do Campo, built privately to control the surrounding lands. When the tower is open, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view, offering a privileged perspective of the valley and Furnas Lake on one side and Vila Franca do Campo with its islet on the other.

Today, this structure is used as a viewpoint, providing breathtaking scenery for visitors.

Praia da Amora and Praia das Areias

Praia da Amora is a bathing area made up of three sandy beaches: Praia da Amora, Praia da Ribeira da Amora, and Praia das Areias, separated by a small rocky promontory. The access path is steep and narrow, but it is highly rewarding: the beach is stunning!

With dark sand, calm waters, and few visitors, this is the perfect place to connect with nature, listening to the sounds of the ocean and birds. At the beginning of the trail, there is a picnic area surrounded by lush greenery.

Praia de Água D’Alto

Praia de Água D’Alto stretches for about 560 meters and is surrounded by mountains and abundant greenery. It is a popular beach and considered one of the best on the island.

With calm, crystal-clear waters, it has good infrastructure, including restrooms, showers, and a bar.

See also: The best beaches on São Miguel Island >

Praia do Degredo

Praia do Degredo has a short sandy strip about 360 meters long, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by green mountains and wild nature. Besides its tranquility, this beach has Vila Franca do Campo’s islet as a backdrop.

On Praia do Degredo, there is a natural spring close to the sandy area and a waterfall coming from Ribeira do Degredo, making this beach unique.

Praia da Vinha D’Areia

Praia da Vinha D’Areia is located almost directly across from Vila Franca do Campo’s islet, spanning about 320 meters. It has good facilities, including access for people with reduced mobility.

Its clear waters are surrounded by rocks and dunes. It is situated in the Vinha d’Areia complex, adjacent to Vila Franca do Campo Marina and next to the now-closed Aquapark.

Vila Franca do Campo Marina

The Vila Franca do Campo Marina opened in 2001, operated by the Vila Franca do Campo Naval Club. It is an important shelter where visitors can engage in diving, kayaking, and sailing.

The Marina is supported by the Hotel Marina and is close to Praia da Vinha d’Areia. Boats to the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo depart from here.

Fort of Baixio de Vila Franca / Fort of Tagarete

The Fort of Baixio de Vila Franca, also known as Fort of Tagarete, Fort of Areia, and Castle of Baixio, is located at Tagarete Pier. This fortification was built to protect the anchorage from pirate and corsair attacks, which were frequent in the past.

It is the last remaining fort from the fortifications that once protected the town.

Municipal Museum of Vila Franca do Campo

The Municipal Museum of Vila Franca do Campo houses a central museum and three other museological centers: the Pottery Center, the Ceramics Kiln Center, and the Light Factory Center.

Its collections are ethnographic, showcasing the ancestral traditions and culture of Vila Franca do Campo’s people and the popular culture of São Miguel Island. Visitors can see and appreciate pottery, ceramics, and a collection of traditional Azorean boats.

Hours

• Weekends: 2 pm to 5 pm
• Tuesday to Friday: 9 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm
• Closed on Mondays

Price

• Free admission
• Guided tours available in English

To book, contact: 296 539 282

Municipal Market

Vila Franca do Campo Municipal Market was remodeled in 2001, with its tile panels representing scenes from daily life at the time of its construction (1927/1929). It has a commercial structure with a blend of original and contemporary architecture.

At the Municipal Market, you can find products such as fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, dairy, groceries, pastries, bakery items, flowers, and handicrafts. It’s a traditional and pleasant place to eat or buy fresh food.

Hours

• Monday to Saturday: 7 am to 7 pm
• Sunday and Holidays: 7 am to 12 pm

Ponta Garça Lighthouse

The Ponta Garça Lighthouse was built in 1957 at an altitude of 101 meters, with a 14-meter high tower and an adjoining building. Its flashing light has a white and red sector, with the red covering Vila Franca do Campo’s islet.

Cerrado dos Bezerros Forest Reserve

The Cerrado dos Bezerros Recreational Forest Reserve covers 10 hectares and is located at about 400 meters in altitude, halfway between Vila Franca do Campo and Furnas. Established in the early 1960s, it features a wide variety of exotic trees.

Its cool shade attracts locals and visitors alike. The reserve has picnic areas and a playground, providing a perfect spot for relaxation.

Vila Franca do Campo is one of the most beautiful settlements in the entire Azores archipelago, with numerous points of interest. Enjoy your stay in this charming town.

See also: Things to do on São Miguel Island