1. Vila Franca do Campo Village

Vila Franca do Campo, located on the south coast of São Miguel Island, is a charming fishing village with a lot of history. In our opinion, we believe this town is a must-visit on a trip to São Miguel Island as it boasts many essential attractions such as the Vila Franca Islet, the incredible Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz, and the opportunity for whale and dolphin watching in the wild.

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But beyond these places and experiences, the town itself is worth a visit. Vila Franca do Campo has an interesting old town with plenty of architectural heritage. In fact, it was the first capital of the island and, for many years, the seat of São Miguel's only municipality.

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Additionally, Vila Franca do Campo is also known for its Queijadas da Vila, a delicious local dessert that can be bought in the village. This delightful dessert was originally made by the nuns who lived in the ancient Santo André Convent in Vila Franca do Campo. Therefore, the recipe they created is considered a "relic" of pastry making. A great option to witness the preparation process and taste the Queijadas da Vila is to visit the Queijadas de Vila do Morgado factory.

 

And all of this, doesn't it seem like reason enough to dedicate a day to visiting Vila Franca do Campo? It seems essential to us, especially for those who enjoy the sea and fishing villages. And even if that's not your thing, a visit to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz is a must for any tourist. Once you visit, you'll understand why.

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