It is historically significant for the famous Battle of Salga, which delayed the military conquest of the Azores by Spanish forces on 25 July 1581.

Alongside the bay is a monument to Brianda Pereira, a peasant woman who led a group of women who released cattle and bulls against the Spanish coming ashore, forcing the troops to return to their ships.

This incident permitted the islanders to hold out for another two years, and resulted it becoming the unique independent Portuguese territory not administered by Spain.

Also within the proximity of the coast is the former home of Brinda Pereira, which was restored and preserved to mark the heroic woman's perseverance and fortitude.

The beach has been classified by the Regional Government of the Azores (1/2005/A, 15 February 2005) for "intensive use, adjacent or not to the urban agglomerations, that has several infrastructure of elevated level, supports and equipment to secure public service use."