Approximately 90 miles of São Miguel and 66 miles of Faial, and has a surface area of 382 km2. The international airport, located in "Lajes", is 3 km from the city of "Praia da Vitória" serves both civilian and military needs and includes both the Military Command for the Azores as well as an important American Air Force Base. This island is the second most populated with 58.000 inhabitants.

The municipal seat is located in "Angra do Heroísmo”, where the The "Paços do Concelho" (City Hall), a majestic construction of the 19th century, is an important example of the rich patrimony of Angra.

After a violent earthquaque in 1980 and the reconstruction of the city, a large portion of Angra's historical centre has been classified Public Interest, and is included in the UNESCO’s list of World Patrimony since 1986.

Some of the places to visit:          

• "Monte Brasil", classified as Protected Landscape, provides a recreational area and resting place as well as a fantastic view over the ocean and the city.
• The São João Baptista do Monte Brasil Fort, is a large, fortified wall 4 km long.
• The Angra do Heroísmo Museum, is located in the old Convent of St. Francis and is adjoined to the "Nossa Senhora da Guia" Church (Our Lady of Guidance).
• The “Impérios”(religious monuments) are all over the island and are considered interesting due to their coloured façade
• The "Algar do Carvão" is famous for its' grottoes that reach a depth of approximately 100 meters. These spectacular grottoes contain stalactites, stalagmites and an interior lake. Near the "Algar" the "Enxofre, Água" and "Cabrito" Caves and the "Balcões, Agulhas" and "Natal" Grottoes, are of special interest especially to speleologists.
• "Praia da Vitória"  is a young city with one of the most inviting beaches of the Azores. The architectonic patrimony is concentrated in the churches and chapels. 
• In "Biscoitos" you can visit the only Wine Museum in the Archipelago. This museum, inaugurated in 1990, illustrates the process of traditional wine making in the archipelago.

Some of local Festivities:          

• “São Joaninas” (24th of June is the highest point of the festival though the celebrations take usually 10 days), the popular marches are the most important activity of the celebrations. The tauromathic fair is inserted in the São Joaninas.
• “Tourada à Corda” is another traditional activity all over the island. It consists in leaving the bull in the streets, tied with a rope, some men challenge the bull while other control the bull with the rope.
• “Festas of Praia da Vitória” (includes a gastronomical fair, with small restaurants from the whole Portygal and some international as well)- second week of August.
• “Angrajazz” (jazz Festival in Angra do Heroísmo) : first weekend of October.
• “Ramo Grande Festival” (world music) –end of October/beginning of November.