Amazing European island that's home to 'paradise' lagoon phenomenon
An idyllic Portuguese island is home to a paradise lagoon where tourists can experience a phenomenon rarely occurs in the natural world.
Islet of Vila Franca do Campo is situated opposite the town of Vila Franca do Campo and less than one mile from the coast. It was formed as a result of the crater of an ancient submerged volcano, and is home to a natural circle lagoon - known as the “Princess Ring”.
A narrow channel called the 'Boquete' links the lagoon to sea. It faces north towards the coast of São Miguel. Its location stops waves from the North Atlantic entering.
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The beach area is small, but the lagoon's crystal clear waters make it the ideal location for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
The beautiful spot has been featured on the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Professional international divers jump from 27 meters high for men and 21 meters high for women and is a spectacular event to watch, usually taking place between June and July, reports the Express.
"Ilhéu de Vila Franca is not only some beach of the Azores, nor just a Nature reserve. It is much more than that — a little paradise," writes Azores Adventures Futurismo.
The islet of Vila Franca is the result of an ancient submarine volcano that forms part of the Fogo volcanic complex, which erupted around 5,000 years ago.
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The semicircular islet measures approximately six hectares (15 acres) in area and its highest point is approximately 62 metres above sea level.
The islet also has a rich human history. The Boquette channel is not a natural area - it was widened by locals to accommodate larger boats during the seismic crisis in 1522, as the islet served as a shelter when Vila Franca do Campo was destroyed by an earthquake.
In 1582 it found itself in the middle of a naval battle between Spanish and French forces and served as a prison and execution place for French prisoners. Whalers also built a hut on the highest point to help hunt sperm whales.
Another of the islet's most notable geological formations is the 32-metre volcanic stack called Farilhão, which is located off the islet's southern end.
It was not until 1989 that the regional government acquired the islet. Today it is a very popular tourist zone during the summer months, from June to October. The islet is strictly closed for the rest of the year.
Classified as a nature reserve, the walls of its crater are lined by nine endemic species of vegetation and it is a paradise for 29 different species birds that nest and live there for months, such as the Cory’s shearwater.
24 species of littoral fish, including parrotfish, grouper, dreamfish, and pufferfish, have already been registered in the water. Fishing, removing plants, or introducing invasive species to this protected habitat is strictly forbidden.
Since 2005, boats have also been banned from entering the lagoon. A small port outside allows for preserving the water inside.
Daily ferries operate during the summer months between Vila Franca do Campo and the islet at 10 euros (£8.40) for foreigners and six euros (£5) for residents.
However, there is a limit on the number of people who can enter the area to 400 per day - and 200 at the same time - to limit the impact of tourism on the islet’s rich fauna and flora.
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