The municipality of Itaparica has a population of is 22,337 (2020 estimate) and covers an area of 115.922 square kilometres (44.758 sq mi).

The initial Portuguese settlement of the Island of Itaparica was at Baiacu, now part of the municipality of Vera Cruz.

It was occupied by the Dutch between 1600 and 1647; they constructed the Forte de São Lourenço in this period.

The historic center includes the Church of Saint Lawrence (Igreja de São Lourenço, 16th century), which was constructed prior to the Dutch occupation; and Parish Church of the Blessed Sacrament (Igreja Matriz do Santíssimo Sacramento, 1794).

It was elevated to city status in 1962, and subsequently divided into two municipalities: Itaparica and Vera Cruz.