A Perfect Circle in Portugal

By Linda Tancs

Situated opposite the Portuguese town of Vila Franca do Campo in São Miguel, the biggest island in the Azores, the islet of Vila Franca results from the crater of an ancient submerged volcano. Classified as a nature reserve, it boasts a nearly perfect circular lake inside the crater walls. It’s an important flyover zone for seabirds like Cory’s shearwater and common tern. It’s also a popular destination for swimming and cliff diving. Couple your visit with a dolphin and whale watching tour.