Santo Tirso is part of the Porto Metropolitan Area, with an area of 132.6 km2, comprising 14 parishes.
The valleys of Ave and Vizela to the north, the Leça valley to the south and the Serra da Assunçäo to the east characterize the morphology of the municipal territory.
In the Ave and Vizela valleys have more population, with interconnection between the housing function and industrial activities, services and equipment.
The settlement is dispersed and results from a linear occupation along roads and public roads. In the Vale do Leça, the population is more nucleated, although it also presents some dispersion with a linear type of occupation along the main roads and public roads, generally located in the middle of the slope and with more rural characteristics.
Agricultural occupation in the valley and forest stands are dominant.
