Horta today is polarized between the same dichotomy that existed between the hinter- and heartlands, with most primary economic activities (agricultural mostly) dispersed into the parishes, while the secondary and tertiary activities are concentrated in the three main parishes (Angústias, Conceição and Matriz).
The island is circled by the Regional E.R.1-1ª roadway which directly connects all the parish centres (except Flamengos) with the city Horta.