city, southeastern São Paulo estado (state), Brazil. It lies on São Vicente Island and adjoins Santos city in Santos Bay, forming part of the greater Santos metropolitan area. Although the exact date of its settlement is unknown, São Vicente was one of the earliest successful Portuguese captaincies in Brazil. It was given town status in 1532 and was made the seat of a municipality in 1700. Long since surpassed in importance by Santos and São Paulo, the city is now primarily a resort with a large beach, the Praia Grande. Pop. (2005 est.) 325,300.