ILHÉU DE VILA FRANCA

Opposite the town is a small island accessible by boat: Ilhéu de Vila Franca, also known as Anel da Princesa (literally, Princess Ring). Classified as a nature reserve, it has a curious shape: it is hollowed out, in a circle, facing the coast, by a bay sheltering a delightful little beach. In reality, it's a 4,000-year-old volcanic crater that probably collapsed in on itself after an eruption. Comprising two islets, the Grand and the Petit, only the latter is home to human infrastructure. Since its discovery at the end of the ^15th century, the island has been used as a wine-growing area, but it has also been home to other human activities such as whaling.

It was near this beautiful islet that the tragic defeat of the French fleet sent by Catherine de Médicis to help Dom António regain his throne took place, against the Spanish armada of the Marquis de Santa Cruz, on July 26, 1582.

Now protected, notably by the European Commission, the islet can only accommodate 400 people per day at any one time. The purpose of this limit is to reduce the negative impact and damage caused by tourism and to conserve the environment. The island is a breeding ground for certain marine and migratory birds. As such, visitors are only allowed access to certain restricted areas of the crater.

The easiest way to get there is to take the shuttle bus from the port of Vila Franca do Campo. The journey takes around ten minutes, and there is only one boat per hour. Tickets are sold online (limited to 5 per person) or directly on site. Once the 400-person limit has been reached, it's no longer possible to book online, so it's advisable to book in advance. WC on site, but no showers or changing rooms. No restaurant or café, so plan accordingly. Please note that the beach disappears underwater at high tide, and is only accessible at low tide.

An alternative way of discovering the islet is to rent a kayak at Vila Franca do Campo, and go in by force of arms! You won't be allowed to dock on the island (unless you have a ferry ticket), but you can still enjoy the scenery and a superb excursion, admiring the crater from every angle from your boat, and possibly taking a swim, all the while respecting nature. A highly recommended activity.