Beach
Ilhéu de Vila Franca
Volcanic crater islet off Vila Franca with a sea-water pool inside; the CNVFC boat season ran 12 June–11 October 2026 and is now over. Check the next season before planning a crossing.
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Beach in Vila Franca do Campo
Praia de Água d'Alto
Long sandy beach west of Vila Franca with parking, changing rooms, a bar and step-free access; lifeguarded in the bathing season; its 2026 Blue Flag season ended 13 September.
- Address
- EN 1-1ª, Praia Trinta Reis, 9680-031 Água d'Alto
The notes
What the sources say (research)
- Large sandy beach in the parish of Água d’Alto with a car park, changing rooms and toilets, a bar and access for reduced mobility; supervised during the bathing season. [Azores tourism portal, 9 Oct 2026]
- Água d’Alto had a 2026 bathing season from 13 June to 13 September and a Blue Flag season from 15 June to 13 September. These dates have passed. [ABAAE, checked 14 Oct 2026]
Open questions
From Praia de Água d'Alto: Ilhéu de Vila Franca (3 km), Praia da Vinha d'Areia (4 km). Straight-line distances from the centre point, not driving times.
Beach
Praia da Vinha d'Areia
Town beach next to Vila Franca marina: about 320 m of sand facing the islet, lifeguards in the bathing season and step-free access; its 2026 Blue Flag season ended 13 September.
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