Our most recommended things to do in Vila Franca do Campo

São Miguel: Azores Whale Watching and Islet Boat Tour

1. São Miguel: Azores Whale Watching and Islet Boat Tour

Begin the excursion with an introduction to cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and other marine species, their natural habitat, communication, migration, and behavioral patterns. After the briefing, board the designated boat and head out to sea. Approach the whales slowly and carefully as the naturalist guides and marine biologists on board provide commentary. Next, take a tour around the Princess Ring Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, for an up-close look at the volcano and resident wildlife. Light food is permitted on board, and a camera is essential to capture the wildlife you spot on the tour.

Azores: Vila Franca do Campo Islet Kayaking Experience

2. Azores: Vila Franca do Campo Islet Kayaking Experience

Paddle along the beautiful coastline of Vila Franca de Campo on a morning or afternoon kayaking tour. Enjoy a kayaking adventure suitable for beginners and experienced kayakers alike, including families with children. Get geared with the necessary equipment for your kayak tour, then receive a safety briefing from your instructor before heading out onto the waters with a local nature guide. Kayak 4.5 kilometers along the beautiful Vila Franca do Campo Islet. During the excursion, take a dip in the refreshing waters and try snorkeling. Paddle into the islet bay, relax on the beach, and venture into the islet for a better look at this protected landscape.

Azores: Full Day Furnas & Nordeste with lunch (East Tour)

3. Azores: Full Day Furnas & Nordeste with lunch (East Tour)

This is the perfect tour to take you to discover how the Azoreans live in the volcano's mouth. Start your adventure day with a morning stop at the former Island capital, Vila Franca do Campo, for a small marina walk or try the island's unique pastry, the queijada da vila. Next, head to the mystical Furnas Valley, where geothermal wonders await. Soak in the area's enchanting charm discovering fumaroles and bubbling springs, a testament to the island's volcanic soul or a splash of pleasure by soaking in the thermal waters or visiting one of Europe's most beautiful botanical gardens, the Terra Nostra Natural Park and Thermal Pool. This Park is one of the must do thing in Furnas Volcano. (entrance fee not included) Savor a delectable local lunch, the "Cozido das Furnas" also with a vegetarian option and cooked in volcanic soil, perfectly crafted to tantalize your taste buds, this is a unique experience! After lunch break, venture to the picturesque Nordeste to visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park, where a living watermill museum and cascading waterfalls that seem to belong to a fairy tale awaits you, preserving Azorean heritage in a magical setting. Capture the essence of local life, and immerse yourself in the island's vibrant past. On the way back to your hotel, there is nothing better than admiring one of the last two 100% natural tea plantations in the world while enjoying a tea tasting visiting Gorreana tea plantation.

São Miguel: Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling

4. São Miguel: Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling

Discover the life that lies deep in the Azores Sea from the comfort of this glass-bottom boat, with an expert crew and guide. Your adventure begins at Vila Franca do Campo Marina. A biologist will give you a briefing about the itinerary and then you can set off. Learn about the marine life, nature, and historical curiosities of Vila Franca do Campo. You can spot the unique sea life of the protected area and observe the seabirds and crustaceans that fill the islet landscape. The biologist will help you identify the species, but you can expect to see everything from colorful shoals of fish, to starfish, sea cucumbers, and underwater volcanic activity. When you want to cool off you can go for a swim and snorkel, and get closer to some of the wildlife you've been spotting.

São Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

5. São Miguel East: Full-Day Van Tour with Lunch

Explore the highlights of the eastern half of São Miguel island on a guided tour by van. Discover the hot springs at Furnas, the waterfall at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, as well as the remote rugged beauty of the Nordeste region. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the northern coast of the island until you get to the Santa Iria Lookout, with a spectacular, ample view of the north coast in both directions, before continuing to Furnas. Find yourself in Furnas and admire a spectacular panoramic stop to gaze over the lake and town. Descend where you will be given the choice of visiting the geothermal fields and tasting the sparkling waters, or bathing in the hot springs, for an additional fee. Next, discover a traditional way of cooking as your lunch of cozido (stew) is pulled from the warm volcanic soil. In the afternoon, continue the journey eastward, with a stop at the charming waterfall of Ribeira dos Caldeirões.  Explore Nordeste, the most unexplored and rural part of the island. Visit two amazing lookouts over the high cliffs that characterize the East coast of São Miguel, before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Vila Franca do Campo: Kayak Rental

6. Vila Franca do Campo: Kayak Rental

There's no better way to enjoy the Azorean sea than on a Kayak. Enjoy the freedom of paddling in an open sea along the unique coastline of Vila Franca do Campo, where you can spot the beautiful islet. Rent it for yourself or bring the family aboard (up to 4). All experience levels are welcome and the equipment is provided for free (vest and paddle). The kayaks you will be renting are safe and comfortable, difficult to flip in the sea and don't sink. This rental is valid for two hours per person. We look forward to welcoming you!

Vila Franca Do Campo: Introduction to Scuba Diving Tour

7. Vila Franca Do Campo: Introduction to Scuba Diving Tour

Kick off your scuba diving experience with a small introduction session during which you will learn all about diving equipment, techniques and underwater communication. Then head out to the sea by boat, allowing a supervised and relaxed way to experience diving.  Your dive will take place at the Natural Reserve of Vila Franca do Campo Islet, an island formed by a volcano crater. Explore an area close to wrecked cannons from the 16th century and see how nature incorporated them into marine life.

Furnas Valley Full-Day Volcano and Tea Plantation Tour

8. Furnas Valley Full-Day Volcano and Tea Plantation Tour

Depart Ponta Delgada and journey along the south coast of São Miguel before heading towards the Furnas Valley to experience its dramatic volcanic landscape. Stop at the village of Lagoa en route and visit a traditional pottery. Marvel at the former capital of the island at Vila Franca do Campo. Upon arrival in the Furnas Valley, go to the lake to enjoy a lunch of authentic cozido na caldeira (traditional Portuguese stew) cooked using the heat of the volcanic soil. Savor the ingredients characteristic of this typical dish. Next, go to the belvedere of the Pico do Ferro for a panoramic view of the valley. Return to Ponta Delgada via the island's north road, and stop at the site of Europe's only tea plantations and tea factory.

Sao Miguel: Snorkeling around Vila Franca do Campo

9. Sao Miguel: Snorkeling around Vila Franca do Campo

Go on a boat and embark on a snorkeling experience in the sea. Enjoy the marine life in a supervised and relaxed way.  Receive a brief explanation of the apnea basic concepts, equipment, and swimming techniques. These are theoretical and practical sessions, where safety procedures will be explained.  This activity takes place in the Natural Reserve of Vila Franca do Campo Island, close to the wrecked cannons from the 16th Century.  Come and see what the underwater world has to offer you with the greatest comfort and safety.

São Miguel: 2-Day Sightseeing Tour Including Lunches

10. São Miguel: 2-Day Sightseeing Tour Including Lunches

Your multi day tour will start by the West or East excursion according to the availability, you will informed about before the tour starts. • São Miguel West & highlights Tour (Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo) On the Western side Tour, we start by visiting a pineapple plantation in Ponta Delgada followed by the Pico do Carvão and Vista do Rei viewpoints. From this spot, you will admire all the beauty of the blue and green lagoon with the picturesque parish of Sete Cidades on its edge. Descending inside the volcano, stop at the Cerrado das Freiras viewpoint and then at the Sete Cidades parish for a regional lunch and to visit the main church of São Nicolau. After lunch we leave towards the viewpoint of Escalvado overlooking the ocean, Ponta da Ferraria and Mosteiros Islets. Departure to the Ribeira Grande city on the north coast to explore the historical center and the Jardim do Paraíso. Stop at the Mulher de Capote liqueur store for a tasting of traditional liqueurs, they are free and you can buy a nice souvenir. Up to the Fogo volcano with a stop at the Lagoa do Fogo and Pico da Barrosa viewpoints. The last one offers wonderful views over the lagoon and the whole western part of the island. Return to the starting point. • São Miguel East & Highlights Tour (Furnas & Nordeste) We start the tour to the East side stopping at the first island capital, Vila Franca do Campo, where you can enjoy a small walk along the marina or do a coffee breack and try a typical conventual sweet, the "Queijada da Vila" before heading to Furnas volcano. On the Furnas volcano, one of the most visited attractions by travelers is the Terra Nostra botanical garden, home to one of the most beautiful thermal pools. Although this attraction is not included in our tour it remains an option and all travellers will have the opportunity to visit or have a thermal bath if they wish to include this attraction in their day tour. The admission can be acquired at the ticket office costing 10€ per person. Lunch will consist of starters, Furnas stew (vegetarian option available), alcoholic drinks, juices, water, dessert and coffee or tea. After a lunch breack tasting this unique delicacy, visit and explore the exotic Furnas village where hot springs, gardens and boilers transport you into a magical volcanic world. Ascend to Pico do Ferro viewpoint for a privileged panoramic view over the entire volcano crater Head to Nordeste stopping at its ex-libris, the Ribeira dos Caldeires Natural Park inserted in a beautiful valley with 5 watermills and the famous waterfall "Véu da Noiva". Return by the north coast stopping at the tea factory where you will visit the last natural tea plantation in the world and do a tasting.

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What people are saying about Vila Franca do Campo

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 1,290 reviews

We had Marcio as our tour guide and he was wonderful. He’s a local and able to share a lot of history and fun facts with us. The sites were fun and the meal was the best part. We ended up being the only pair on the tour, but appreciate that the tour wasn’t cancelled. We’d recommend this tour with this company.

We had a tour on 2nd of January. Even though we were unlucky to spot the whales but saw plenty of common dolphins and rare to spot sun fish. The guide was very nice and informative. Definitely would go back!

Excellent guides who were really informative about the animals we saw. We saw four different whales and a pod of dolphins. A truely incredible experience and such good value for money!

One of the best experiences of my life. Wonderful guides, the boats are safe but fun and its just excellent.

Excellent team from the ones on the boat and the whale watcher. Lots of fun!