[3] As Gaspar Frutuoso noted: "The other [parish], of Santa Bárbara, is within the sierra, of the same band from Norte, a league and a half from Vila [do Porto].

[3] Many of these points were connected by dirt roads, that were not easy to travel throughout the year, and the area obtained the non-ephemeral Terras do Nordeste (Lands of the Northeast).

The parish is located between the Ribeira do Salto and Ponta do Norte, with its main nucleus along a valley, in an area of southeastern Santa Maria, about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from the seat of Vila do Porto.

Santa Maria is one of the more important geomorphological islands of the archipelago, owing to its varied geological sedimentary, calcium and marine fossil deposits, along with basaltic formations.

Its accented relief of hills and valleys resulted in isolated communities of less than 100 inhabitants, with the largest being the seat of the parish (Santa Bárbara).

The concave coastal area includes several tourist-oriented villas, wine cellars and summer cottages used by locals throughout the year, in addition to the native community.

The local microclimate of this region was also responsible for the growth of an early wine-making industry, highlighted by the terraced parcels located along the clifftops overlooking the residential and tourist cottages.