Santa Cruz is a parish in the municipality of Praia da Vitória on the island of Terceira in the Portuguese Azores.

[3] In 1582, D. António, Prior of Crato disembarked in the Praia, escaping his conflict with Philip II of Spain, where he was acclaimed by the peoples of the Azores.

[3] This victory influenced Queen D. Maria II to change and bestow the name of Praia da Vitória to community.

[3] Its economic importance grew, even following the 15 June 1841 earthquake (known as the Caída da Praia) that completely destroyed the settlement.

[3] But, this growth and development expanded significantly during the 20th century, with the arrival of the British and North American forces during the Second World War.