Situated in the middle of the Atlantic, 1,369 km west of the European mainland, the Azores archipelago comprises of nine islands spread over three groups. The volcanoes that gave birth to these islands also created smaller islets, located right off the coast of the main ones. Probably the most famous of these small formations is the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, located about 500 meters from the coast of the Island of São Miguel, the largest and most populous island in the archipelago. It is named after the city of Vila Franca do Campo, the former capital of São Miguel, which lies across from the islet.

The Islet of Vila Franca do Campo is formed by the crater of an old underwater volcano. The islet which is now classified as a nature reserve is one of São Miguel’s main tourist attractions, particularly since an event in the Red Bull Cliff Diving world championship was held here.

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