About Praia da Vitória

Praia da Vitória is a municipality on the island of Terceira in the Azores. The population in 2011 was 35,402, in an area of 102.06 km². It forms the eastern side of Angra Bay, with the town of Angra do Heroísmo to the west. It is notable as the first settlement on the island of Terceira, founded in 1450. It is also the site of Lajes Field, one of the two main bases of the Portuguese Air Force. The municipality includes the civil parish of Nossa Senhora da Vitória, which covers the entire island of Terceira. The town of Praia da Vitória, the seat of the municipality, is located on the southeastern coast of the island. The town is built on a series of hills and cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The name "Praia da Vitória" means "Victory Beach". The town was so named after the Portuguese victory over the French in the Battle of Praia da Vitória on August 14, 1808, during the Peninsular War. The municipality was created in 1508, when the island of Terceira was divided into two municipalities: Angra and Praia. Praia da Vitória became the capital of Terceira in 1766, when the capital was moved from Angra. Praia da Vitória is an important commercial and industrial center. The principle industries are fishing, agriculture, livestock raising, and dairy processing. The town is also a center for the Azorean bullfight, a traditional sport on the island of Terceira. Praia da Vitória is served by Lajes Airport, which has regular flights to Portugal and the United States. The town of Praia da Vitória is the seat of the municipal government. The current mayor is José Maria Rosa (PSD). The municipality of Praia da Vitória consists of the town of Praia da Vitória and the villages of Alto da Tropa, Biscoitos, Cedro Branco, Fajã de Baixo, Fajã de Cima, Ginjas, Lajedo, Lizandro, Monte Brasil, Morro Alto, Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Ponta Delgada, Porto Martins, Santo António, São Bento, São Mateus da Serra, São Roque, and Vale de Chãos. The municipality has a total area of 102.06 km². Praia da Vitória is located on the island of Terceira in the Azores. The town is situated on the southeastern coast of the island, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Praia da Vitória has a mild climate, with average temperatures of 22 °C in the summer and 17 °C in the winter. The town of Praia da Vitória is the seat of the municipal government. The current mayor is José Maria Rosa (PSD). Praia da Vitória is an important commercial and industrial center. The principle industries are fishing, agriculture, livestock raising, and dairy processing. The town is also a center for the Azorean bullfight, a traditional sport on the island of Terceira. Praia da Vitória is served by Lajes Airport, which has regular flights to Portugal and the United States.