Ilhéu de Vila Franca

The Ilhéu de Vila Franca is the remnant of a small volcanic cone whose crater is now flooded and connected to the open sea through a narrow gap, so it forms an almost perfectly circular natural pool a couple of hundred metres across, sheltered from swell, with the crater rim rising around it. It is a nature reserve, protected for its seabirds - Cory's shearwaters and terns nest on the rim - and swimming inside the lagoon is permitted in the summer season only, with a daily cap on visitors and boats running from Vila Franca do Campo harbour. The cliffs on the outer side have hosted the Red Bull cliff diving series, from a platform on the rim. Outside the summer season the boats do not run and the islet is closed. Numbers are limited and popular days book out.

What you actually see

• The flooded crater - a near-circular lagoon connected to the sea by a narrow gap.
• The rim - the crater wall enclosing the pool, with seabirds nesting on it.
• The reserve status - protection for shearwaters and terns.
• The diving platform - the cliff site used for the Red Bull series.

When to go

June to September only; boats and access close outside the season. Half a day. Book ahead - the daily cap fills on good-weather days.

Honest expectations

The daily limit means turning up without a booking often fails. No shade, no facilities beyond basic ones, and nothing sold on the islet. Access is over rock, not sand. Boats do not run in swell. Nesting areas are closed and must be respected.

Nearby

Vila Franca do Campo is on the shore; Lagoa do Fogo is inland above.