The Jacarenema Ecological Reserve, a 307 hectares (760 acres) conservation area established in 1997, lies along the coast to the south of the main city and contains the mangrove estuary of the Jucu River.

[3] The Morro do Penedo Natural Monument protects a granite rock mass about 132 metres (433 ft) high on the coast of Vitória Bay.

[4] Notable corporations in Vila Velha include Garoto, one of Brazil's largest chocolate manufacturers.

Vila Velha has been through several years of intense real estate development and several luxury buildings are now a common sight in all of its main beaches.

Some critics argue that this practice can be considered excess urbanization of a previously low-profile area, despite the economic benefits.