#340 European Rank
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel, Portugal•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: July, August, September
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.53/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
23.2°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€31/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Volcanic Black Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Ideal Swimming
Jan
16.8°C
Air 20°C
Feb
16.3°C
Air 21°C
Mar
16.2°C
Air 23°C
Apr
16.7°C
Air 26°C
May
17.6°C
Air 29°C
Jun
19.5°C
Air 32°C
Jul
21.7°C
Air 34°C
Peak
Aug
23.2°C
Air 34°C
Sep
22.9°C
Air 32°C
Oct
21.3°C
Air 29°C
Nov
19.4°C
Air 25°C
Dec
17.9°C
Air 22°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 5 Jul – 20 Oct (>21°C) · 106 days
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Portugal Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting5.0 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.5 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.5 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.2 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5
About Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
A drowned volcano off São Miguel forms an almost perfect circular pool, reached only by ferry. The Azores' most photographed swim.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Passenger ferry from Vila Franca do Campo marina (Cais do Tagarete) operating June to October with daily ticket quotas.
•Protected Status / Environment: Classified Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural do Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo) with strictly capped visitor numbers.
•Notable Feature: Submerged volcanic caldera forming an almost perfectly circular natural ocean lagoon connected by a narrow channel (Boquete).
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
NoFood / Tavernas
NoGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
NoNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel. Accessible via regional coastal roads (37.702°N, -25.442°E).
•A calm, near-circular natural pool reached by ferry, with daily visitor limits in summer.
•A tiny sunken volcano off São Miguel's south coast; a protected nature reserve forming an almost perfect round lagoon.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel, Portugal.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
What is the water temperature at Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo averages 23.2°C (74°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo?
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is classified as a volcanic black sand shoreline located in Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel, Portugal.
Is Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo good for families with kids?
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo?
Parking arrangements vary locally. No public restrooms directly on-site.
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