Many of the early homes were built along the coast, on lowlands and flanks of the interior mountain range, interspersed in the forests.

The parish received its name owing to the abundance of urzela (Roccella tinctoria) found by the first explorers and settlers, along its coastal clifftops and which later became a source of an export market, because it was used in dying.

At the time, a decision was made to construct a port, in order to support and enhance its transitory exchange between the island and continental Portugal.

The history of Urzelina has been shaped by the events of 1 May 1808, when a volcanic eruption destroyed a great part of the settlement, and caused fear and panic in its populous.

The region is primarily associated with agricultural activities, that include orchards, vineyards and the raising of dairy or meat cattle.