page_title: São Mateus da Calheta
section_title: Physical geography
hierarchical_section_title: São Mateus da Calheta / Geography / Physical geography
caption_attribution_description: Panoramic view of typical pastures around Sao Mateus, Ilha Terceira, Azores
context_page_description: São Mateus da Calheta is a civil parish within the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. The population in 2011 was 3,757, in an area of 5.98 km². It is located on the periphery of the urbanized area of the city of Angra do Heroísmo, and developed from a small fishing port in a bay along the volcanic coast of the island.
context_section_description: The territory extends through the transition al zone within the Santa Bárbara massif and volcanic complex of the Serra do Morião, in a zone that is relatively low, with a slope of less than five percent grade until 170 metres (560 ft) elevation, along a north-northwest tract. The highest point in the parish is situated in the extreme north of Canada da Cruz Dourada along Canada de Trás. In the central part of the territory is the basaltic spatter cone Pico dos Merens: its peak is named after one of the local families who, for centuries, were local property-owners in the region: the Merens of Távora. Also known as Pico de Merens or Pico do Alvernaz, the cone is 104 metres (341 ft) elevation, and responsible for the Biscoitinho Platform that extends to the sea.
  The Biscoitinho Platform, over which the main built-up part of the civil parish is situated, terminates at small rectangular promontory 300 metres (980 ft) consisting of several coves and bays. One of these bays, which is relatively deep, provided shelter for early settlers from western and southwestern weather systems, giving rise to the port of São Mateus. Another cove to the west, which is wider and open to the sea, resulted in the settlement of Terreiro. To the east and west of the Biscoitinho Platform the coast is low, with altitudes less than 10 metres (33 ft), consisting of basalt primarily, with some pyroclasts. The exception is the zone of Ponta de São Mateus, near the old church, where the coast is covered in a thick layer of ignimbrites.
  To the east of the port there two areas, Baía das Mercês and Poço da Luz, where the coast is almost level with the sea, and where stone beaches are common. Historically, there have been records of tsunamis or southerly swells that have inundated the areas (the last occurring on 18 February 2003), while the area the territory is delimited by wall to protect the roadway.
  West, after the Calheta do Terreiro, the coast extends further into the sea, yet still only less than 10 metres (33 ft) above sea level, forming the tip of São Mateus. Being on the coast, the area is influenced by Atlantic storms, resulting in the construction of various barriers. In the small bay of Negrito, historically defended by the Fort of Negrito and location of a former whaling port, are the principal swimming areas on the island. After Negrito is the western limit of the civil parish in the area known as Chanoca, an area of basalt cliffs with difficult access.
caption: Panoramic view of a rural portion of São Mateus da Calheta in the interior
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