Praia Da Vitoria is a charming town located on the east coast of Terceira Island in the Azores. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, including Praia Grande and Praia da Riviera, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Visitors can also explore the historic center of Praia Da Vitoria, which features colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming cafes. Don’t miss a visit to the Algar do Carvão volcanic cave, a unique natural wonder that offers a glimpse into the island’s geological history.
The town celebrated a famous victory in 1581 when Spanish troops attempted to seize the island at Baía da Salga, a small village just 10 km to the south. They were thwarted and eventually driven away by the release of a large herd of cattle onto the sea’s shore.
With its attractive main square and pedestrianized main street, Praia da Vitória (indicated on the Google map below) is one of the most impressive-looking places in the Azores, having been elevated to the status of vila (comparable to town) in 1480.
Today the town’s welcome stretch of pale-coloured sand (quite rare in the Azores) and bustling modern marina give it a relaxed holiday vibe, with a succession of yachts and other seafaring vessels stopping en route across the Atlantic Ocean to enjoy its special atmosphere, especially during the warm summer months.
Founded by one of the island’s first settlers, its pretty parish church is remarkable for the delightful Gothic doorway, fine Manueline architecture, and gold Baroque side chapel. On Rua do Cruzeiro on the other side of the town center, the striking Império Do Divino Espírito Santo da Caridade is an interesting chapel-like structure with a wonderfully ornate interior.
There’s plenty to see and do near Praia da Vitória, making it the ideal base from which to explore the whole of the enchanting island of Terceira. At Vila de São Sebastião – situated midway between Praia da Vitória and the capital, Angra do Heroísmo – the 15th-century church of São Sebastião is arguably the most interesting on the island with many rare frescoes and fine Gothic features.