In the beginning of the settlement, it was the place chosen by the first Donatary Captain and soon became an important populated place, prospering out of wheat and pastel crops, harvested from one of the most rich and fertile lands in the island, the "Ramo Grande".
In history records, Praia would became famous for acclaiming Prior do Crato as King in 1582 and being the place where one of most remarkable events of the liberal struggles was staged - August 11 battle, this date being celebrated annually as Praia da Vitória`s municipality day.
To speak about Praia is also to evoke one of the greatest Portuguese writers -
Vitorino Nemésio. The city is embedded in his vast cultural legacy, marked by the people and spaces where he was born and lived part of his life.
At present time, Praia is also a city that grows and succeds in economic and social terms, seconded by air and sea communications.
To this contributes the harbour and airport located nearby, the development of trade and tourism leaning in one of the most beautiful beaches in the Azores, recently improved with a new yacht marina and a seaside avenue connecting the city to the sea port in a functional and majestic manner.
Praia da Vitória has plenty of places to visit. Most important are:
Landscape / sightseeing viewpoints:
Downtown and Historical:
d. José Silvestre Ribeiro statue (former governor of Angra do Heroísmo in the XIX century and the personality who ordered the rebuild of Praia);
Culture and Entertainment:
Religious / Churches:
