A coastal town on São Miguel Island where 16th-century churches and a historic fort overlook the Atlantic. Local bakeries still make the famous "queijadas" pastries.
Vila Franca do Campo stretches along the southern coast of [São Miguel Island](/pt/sao-miguel-island) in the Azores. You can swim in the volcanic crater pool at Ilhéu de Vila Franca, walk through orange and pineapple plantations, or visit the 15th-century Church of São Miguel Arcanjo to see its gold-leafed altar and azulejo tiles. The town's volcanic landscape includes black basalt cliffs and the inland Lagoa do Congro lake.
Swimming at the Vila Franca Islet
The Ilhéu de Vila Franca lies 1,200 meters from the town's shore. Inside this ancient volcanic crater, you'll find a natural saltwater pool connected to the ocean through a narrow channel called Boquete. The north-facing channel blocks ocean waves, making the water calm enough for swimming and snorkeling. The clear water allows you to see up to 10 meters deep. To reach the islet, take one of the regular boats departing from Tagarete port between June and September. Bring snorkeling gear to see the marine life in the pool.
The Church of São Miguel Arcanjo
The 15th-century Church of São Miguel Arcanjo has a simple brick exterior that opens into an elaborate interior with a 16th-century organ and gold-leaf woodwork. Portuguese azulejo tiles line the chancel walls. You can visit the church daily and attend mass services on Sundays. In 1900, this church became the first building with electricity in São Miguel, making Vila Franca do Campo the island's first electrified municipality.
Natural Geography
Volcanic formations shape the town's landscape. Monte Escuro rises 890 meters above sea level, while Pico d'El-Rei reaches 674 meters. The temperature stays between 14°C and 22°C year-round. Frequent rain creates rich soil that supported orange plantations in the 18th century and now grows pineapples.
Getting Around Vila Franca do Campo
Take the Regional E.R.1-1ª road to reach Ponta Delgada in the west. Mountain roads connect to eastern and northern towns like Furnas and Povoação, winding through volcanic hills and farmland. The town has six parishes - Água de Alto, Ponta Garça, Ribeira das Tainhas, Ribeira Seca, São Miguel, and São Pedro - each with local roads and walking paths.
