This island is probably the most advanced of all the islands in terms of modern comforts and communications due to the American Lajes Airfield,
an active military base on the north-east coast. The island is 29 kilometres long and 17.5 kilometres wide and has a population of 56.000.
In 1983 the capital Angra do Heroísmo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically, this port town has been important for boats trading between the Americas, Europe and Africa. It was here that Vasco da Gama in 1499 laid his brother to rest after his pioneer voyage to India.
In 1534 the Pope Paul III established the first diocese in the Azores at Angra do Heroísmo thus making it the oldest town in the islands. There is a local fable that during the late 15th Century the rebellious Dom António, Prior of Crato who had taken up residence on this island after fleeing from mainland
Portugal and the Spanish King of Portugal, he managed to defeat the Spanish army when in desperation he crowded some 1.000 cattle onto the beaches
and thus stopped the soldiers from successfully landing.
Another more likely version is that an enterprising farmer's wife drove a herd of bulls onto the beach as the Spanish were in the process of debarking from their ships. Later, during the War of the "Miguelistas" the Duque de Terceira was instrumental in securing the throne for the Duque de Bragança when he sailed to
the Algarve and supported by an English army advanced north to relieve the besieged Duque in the north of Portugal. In 1589 Francis Drake sacked the town of
Angra do Heroísmo followed in 1597 by a battle between the Earl of Essex and Spanish ships in the Bay. In 1642 the occupying Spanish surrendered
and left the Island. In 1832 Dom Miguel raised an army of 7.500 from the island to accompany him back to Portugal to claim the throne.
The homes and the numerous churches reflect the past wealth acquired during the 17th Century when the Spanish loaded with gold and treasures chose this port as a stopover between the Americas and Spain. During the last century the town's architectural structures have badly suffered, firstly from
earthquake in 1980 and three years later from a devastating fire.

Overlooking the harbor is the Forte de São João Baptista (also known as Forte de São Filipe), built in the early 17th Century under the direction of the Spanish. Within its grounds it now houses a comfortable Pousada. The 15th Century Convento de São Francisco acts as the home for the local museum.
The island consists of pleasant forested farmland with some reminders that its origin is purely volcanic. At the Algar do Carvão is the impressive sight of a dramatic blast-hole covered in moss and a large subterranean cave that can be visited. To the west is another attraction named the Furnas do Enxofre which is hot steaming geysers providing colourful formations in the air. This island also is famous for it special form of bull-running that takes place through the summer.
A bull is let loose in the streets but kept tethered by one rope held by teams of men whose main hope is to keep hold whilst the bull goes in its own way!
The north coast at Biscoitos there is a Museu do Vinho that explains the making of the special local wine "vermelho".
Another product for which this island relies for an income is its quality cheese which finds its way to mainland Portugal and the United States.

For the culinary inclined we suggest Sopas de Espírito Santo which often varies according to the chef but the one based on pineapple is recommended. Another dish of interest in the local Caldeirada, a fish stew with an apple base.
The international airport provides regular flights to Lisbon and some northern America cities.
A boat service also connects the island with Ilha Graciosa, Ilha de São Jorge, Ilha do Faial and Ilha do Pico several times a week.