The unique island of Vila Franca do Campo in Portugal: description, photos, history

And again, we all have to go on an exciting journey through the most beautiful corners of our planet. What awaits us this time? Where do we go for thrills and first-class shots? Guess!

I give you the first hint: today we will visit a unique island that fascinates with its beauty and amazing shapes. There are options? Then attention, I give a second hint: the island is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and looks like an open ring. Guess what place we are talking about? Yes, this is one of the most picturesque islands, which was “carved out” by nature itself. This is the island of Vila Franca do Campo, which is part of the Azores archipelago.

How and where to buy cheap air tickets read in our life hack.

Where is

Vila Franca do Campo is located about 1300 km from the European continent. This island, along with eight others, form a unique archipelago of its kind. The Azores are scattered in small groups of three islands at some distance from each other and are a picturesque picture from a bird's eye view.

In addition to nine islands, the archipelago includes several more small ones, which are difficult to call otherwise than reefs. It was here that the end point of our tourist route was located.

The island of Vila Franca do Campo was once part of the crater of a huge underwater volcano. It took him thousands of years before an impressive strip of land appeared above the water. That is why the island looks like an incomplete ring. In this case, attention should be paid to what ideal shape the island-ring has.

The history of the island and its features

Once upon a time, the island was used by whalers to search for their next victim. In addition, impregnable rocks have become a great place to place a real fortress. Today, Vila Franca do Campo is classified as a nature reserve and you can get to this amazing island only at certain times of the year. The tourist boom here is observed from July to September. In addition, being alone is unlikely to succeed, because each tourist group must follow their guide.

But, once on a unique island, you understand the true meaning of the word “exotic”. The island of volcanic origin, despite its modest size, can surprise you with an impressive range of tourist attractions and give, perhaps, some of the best pictures of your life.

Surprising is the fact that the island is inhabited by people. It is impossible to say that they made a choice in favor of a “wild” way of life and found themselves on the periphery of civilization. After all, despite the remoteness of the island from the continental part of Europe, local residents are always aware of all the events that take place in the world.

In the very center of the island there is a huge lake, which impresses with its perfectly round shape. The lake is connected to the ocean by a narrow channel, constantly replenishing its water world with new inhabitants.

Anyone who appreciates the unique nature and seeks to know all its best sides should visit the island at least once in their life. The island of Vila Franca do Campo, without any doubt, will give every tourist vivid emotions and unforgettable impressions from staying in this wonderful place. It is hard to imagine that somewhere, among the vast expanse of the ocean, there can be a more beautiful place.

The famous hero Robinson Crusoe spent more than one year in captivity on a deserted island. Every day he fought for survival, looking for new ways to return home. But today, I'm willing to bet, there are many who would gladly trade a measured life in the “stone jungle” of the metropolis for such a corner of paradise.

Many decades have already passed since the island was a lifeless mass of hardened volcanic lava. Today it is covered with dense vegetation, which harmoniously complements the image of a marvelous island.

Sheer cliffs and excellent diving conditions attract thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. Recently, even one of the stages of the world competition in extreme diving from rocks has been held here. It is called “Red Bull Cliff Diving” and is considered an unspoken attraction of the island.

Entertainment on the island

In addition to a bright event, in the form of a cliff diving championship, everyone who visits the island will have exciting excursions inland, as well as visiting a lot of local attractions. It is definitely recommended to find time and go on a visit to the parish church named after St. Peter. Nearby are no less interesting buildings of religious themes – the chapels of St. Catherine and the Holy Mother of God of Concord.

Pottery is especially popular among tourists. Visitors are shown master classes in the production of dishes and original figurines, which are fired in a rather unusual kiln. Well, the final point of a small island trip should definitely be a group of four dragon trees, which are considered a landmark of the settlement of Praia.

Of course, the island has all the conditions for active participation in all kinds of water sports. The underwater world is of great interest to divers, the sheer cliffs of the island beckon to climb them and rush towards the water surface, and boats scurrying around the area will gladly give everyone a ride on water skis.

It is better to go to the island at the height of the swimming season. After all, how can you deny yourself the pleasure of spending a few hours under the warm sun, enjoying the beautiful view of the round lake? But it is worth knowing that there are certain restrictions for tourists on the island. For example, the maximum number of tourists who can be here at the same time is 400 people. Therefore, take care in advance of purchasing a ticket to the island-reserve.

Don't forget to check the condition of your camera equipment. The view of the ocean and the lake in the lagoon will make your heart beat faster, and the sea air here is so fresh that at first you will have to fight its “heady” effect.

Indeed, a tourist trip to the island of Vila Franca do Campo can give a lot of amazing emotions, vivid impressions and inspire new discoveries. This is one of those few places in the middle of the ocean where you don't want to leave. Even when you find yourself far from this place, even on the other side of the world, you will dream of a unique island of its kind, and the winding paths of the reserve will forever remain in your memory. You will want to come back here again and again, just sit on a rocky ledge, aimlessly looking into the blue distance, and take many, many more pictures.