A pebble beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a white building with a red roof, and a rocky coastline with houses on a hillside in the background.

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Our top choices for Santa Cruz hotels

Sentido Galosol

Sentido Galosol
4.0 star property
Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (461 reviews)
"Great experience"
Canada
Giuseppe
The price is NZ$370
includes taxes & fees
4 July - 5 July
Sentido Galosol

Hotel Solar do Bom Jesus

Hotel Solar do Bom Jesus
4.0 star property
Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (228 reviews)
"Great little hotel especially if you need to be close to the airport, as it’s only a few minutes away! Very kind staff, room was clean and comfortable, and the breakfast was decent. Would stay again :)"
Canada
Megan
The price is NZ$190
includes taxes & fees
14 July - 15 July
Hotel Solar do Bom Jesus

Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive
4.0 star property
Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (283 reviews)
"The resort is amazing, super clean. The buffets are excellent, tons of selections, staffs are very friendly. The room was spacious and perfect. We really enjoy are stay, and we will be back."
Canada
Line
The price is NZ$641
includes taxes & fees
7 July - 8 July
Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive

Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club

Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club
5.0 star property
Santa Cruz
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (301 reviews)
"If you're going to Madeira Island this the place to stay. Great staff, large rooms with an ocean view and a very good restaurant. "
United States
Michael
The price is NZ$735
includes taxes & fees
29 June - 30 June
Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club

Vila Gale Santa Cruz Resort Hotel

Vila Gale Santa Cruz Resort Hotel
4.0 star property
Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (285 reviews)
"Yes superb"
United Kingdom
Jim
The price is NZ$454
includes taxes & fees
30 June - 1 July
Vila Gale Santa Cruz Resort Hotel

PortoBay Serra Golf

PortoBay Serra Golf
4.0 star property
Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (197 reviews)
"Excellent breakfast "
United Kingdom
eric
The price is NZ$281
includes taxes & fees
29 June - 30 June
PortoBay Serra Golf

Sentido Galomar - Adults Only

Sentido Galomar - Adults Only
4.0 star property
Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (68 reviews)
"This property is gorgeous and full of amenities.The staff is extremely kind and helpful."
Spain
Jacqueline
The price is NZ$342
includes taxes & fees
30 June - 1 July
Sentido Galomar - Adults Only

Inn & Art Madeira

Inn & Art Madeira
3.0 star property
Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (17 reviews)
"The staff was so kind and the property looks on the beautiful cliffs of Madeira. We loved being able to use the Galosol pool, this was definitely a highlight. There are many restaurants within walking distance and parking is very inexpensive and easy in front. Nice to be away from the city but still close to visit as needed, would recommend for a relaxing stay!"
United States
Anna
The price is NZ$256
includes taxes & fees
4 July - 5 July
Inn & Art Madeira

Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden

Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden
4.0 star property
Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (229 reviews)
"Super lovely people in beautiful surroundings"
United Kingdom
Zoe
The price is NZ$429
includes taxes & fees
1 July - 2 July
Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden

Villa-Kasia Ocean View

Villa-Kasia Ocean View
3.5 star property
Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1 review)
"This was a perfect location for a stay in Madiera. Nice view, free parking, and all the amenities anyone could want in the room. So many thoughtful extras like wine, bottled water, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, washing machine and drying rack, etc. I would definitely stay again. "
United States
Lacey
The price is NZ$362
includes taxes & fees
4 July - 5 July
Villa-Kasia Ocean View

Garajau Madeira Hotel

Garajau Madeira Hotel
3.0 star property
Santa Cruz
7.4 out of 10, Good, (496 reviews)
"Definitely a dated place, but great accommodations and LOVED the pool. Staff was also super friendly! "
United States
Courtney
The price is NZ$203
includes taxes & fees
30 June - 1 July
Garajau Madeira Hotel

Quinta de Santo António da Serra

Quinta de Santo António da Serra
3.0 star property
Santa Cruz
6.8 out of 10, (16 reviews)
"Excellent environment, beautiful place , very helpful staff and owner, highly recommended "
Canada
Tak
The price is NZ$293
includes taxes & fees
30 June - 1 July
Quinta de Santo António da Serra

Penthouse Caniço de Baixo

Penthouse Caniço de Baixo
3.0 star property
Santa Cruz
5.0 out of 10, (2 reviews)
"Spent 3 nights, good location only 11 mins from airport, in front of the Riu hotel. 3 bedrooms, one huge living room, fully equipped kitchen, terrace overlooking the sea and Riu. Small handy supermarket downstairs, parking in the building's garage but better have smaller than bigger car, it's a bit tight. Beach about 10 mins walking, I still swam in early March. Extra blankets appreciated, early March, still colder nights. One heating unit. Strict owner - if you're coming late to meet him (he'll...
Canada
Yvette
The price is NZ$673
includes taxes & fees
30 June - 1 July
Penthouse Caniço de Baixo

Hyatt Ziva Madeira

Hyatt Ziva Madeira
5.0 star property
Machico
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (245 reviews)
"Entertainment was a lovely close to an evening "
United Kingdom
Helen Tina
The price is NZ$513
includes taxes & fees
4 July - 5 July
Hyatt Ziva Madeira

Saccharum Resort

Saccharum Resort
5.0 star property
Calheta
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,003 reviews)
"Beautiful and perfect 5 star hotel."
United States
Tawny
The price is NZ$674
includes taxes & fees
3 July - 4 July
Saccharum Resort

Hotel Quinta Do Furao

Hotel Quinta Do Furao
4.0 star property
Santana
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (193 reviews)
"Excellent hotel - sparkling cleaned villa, super friendly staffs, great hospitality "
Canada
Ruiying
The price is NZ$552
includes taxes & fees
29 June - 30 June
Hotel Quinta Do Furao

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
5.0 star property
Funchal
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (629 reviews)
"Total luxury …views … beautiful gardens and amazing breakfast …."
United States
Steve
The price is NZ$1,825
includes taxes & fees
6 July - 7 July
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira

Moon & Sun Funchal

Moon & Sun Funchal
4.0 star property
Funchal
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3 reviews)
"A minha estadia neste hotel foi simplesmente excelente! Desde o momento do check-in até ao check-out, fui recebido com grande simpatia e profissionalismo por toda a equipa. O quarto era espaçoso, extremamente confortável e impecavelmente limpo, com todas as comodidades necessárias para uma estadia perfeita. A cama era muito confortável, garantindo noites de descanso tranquilas. As instalações do hotel são modernas e muito bem cuidadas. O pequeno-almoço era variado, com produtos frescos e de...
Brazil
Cristina
The price is NZ$361
includes taxes & fees
9 July - 10 July
Moon & Sun Funchal

Barcelo Funchal Oldtown

Barcelo Funchal Oldtown
5.0 star property
Funchal
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (371 reviews)
"Love this hotel. Rooms were very nice and the continental breakfast was absolutely fantastic. Great location!"
United States
Julie
The price is NZ$573
includes taxes & fees
6 July - 7 July
Barcelo Funchal Oldtown

Casa do Ribeiro Frio

Casa do Ribeiro Frio
3.0 star property
Santana
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (37 reviews)
"Excellent stay would recommend again and will stay here Gain"
Canada
Jacqueline
The price is NZ$159
includes taxes & fees
23 July - 24 July
Casa do Ribeiro Frio
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Stay near popular Santa Cruz attractions

Learn more about Santa Cruz

Experience quaint Santa Cruz: its beaches, oceanfront, dining and more!

A pebble beach with a pier, palm trees, and colorful buildings on a hillside.

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Recent Reviews in Santa Cruz

More cheap accommodation in Santa Cruz

Find out more about Santa Cruz

Top reasons to visit Santa Cruz

  • Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing and family fun.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy scenic hiking trails and golf courses with breathtaking views.
  • Charming Downtown: Experience local culture and friendly vibes in the quaint downtown area.
  • Serene Botanical Gardens: Relax in lush gardens that showcase the region's natural beauty.
  • Ideal for Families: The area offers a range of family-friendly activities and accommodations.

Find great hotels near Santa Cruz

Discover the charm of Santa Cruz, Madeira, where a variety of hotel accommodations await to suit every traveler's desire. From adventurous family-friendly hotels to relaxing guesthouses perfect for a beach vacation, you'll find the ideal spot to unwind. Enjoy luxury options and explore reviews to ensure a memorable stay in this stunning coastal town. Santa Cruz offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure, making it a perfect getaway destination.

  • Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina: This 3.5-star resort offers a luxurious escape just 9.7km from Santa Cruz, ideal for those seeking a beachside adventure. With a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, the resort features direct beach access and a range of activities for thrill-seekers. Guests can enjoy adventure sports such as Segway tours, mountain biking, hiking, and fishing nearby. The resort’s elegant atmosphere, coupled with its recreation facilities, provides a truly memorable luxury vacation experience amidst stunning natural surroundings.
  • Dom Pedro Madeira: Located a mere 3.2km from Santa Cruz, this 4-star hotel boasts a guest rating of 8.0 out of 10 and is well-suited for families and adventure enthusiasts. With direct beach access, the hotel offers various recreational activities including bicycle rentals, waterskiing, snorkeling, and surfing. Families will appreciate child-friendly amenities such as a dedicated children’s pool and babysitting services. The inviting environment and range of activities make it an excellent choice for those looking to create lasting memories with loved ones.
  • TURIM Santa Maria Hotel: Positioned 11.3km from Santa Cruz in the city centre, this 4-star hotel excels in providing a nature-themed experience with a guest rating of 9.4 out of 10. The hotel features direct access to the beach and includes a rooftop terrace, allowing guests to soak in the serene vibes of the surroundings. With a focus on wellness and natural accommodations, TURIM Santa Maria Hotel offers a tranquil retreat for those looking to balance relaxation with the beauty of Madeira's landscapes.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz in the Madeira Region of Portugal offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and beach relaxation. Explore the stunning Santa Cruz Beach, perfect for families and sun-seekers alike. The charming downtown area invites you to experience the local culture and friendly atmosphere. With its romantic vibes and easy access to the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz is an ideal destination for a memorable getaway. Enjoy the best of both worlds in this picturesque coastal city.

  • Machico: Positioned a mere 4.8km from Santa Cruz, Machico is a charming city that offers a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure. Known for its scenic beaches and family-friendly atmosphere, Machico is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The local beach, marina, and parks are perfect for unwinding or engaging in water sports. The peak months for visitors are June to July and September, making it an ideal spot to soak up the sun while enjoying activities like golfing or visiting the aquatic centre.
  • Canico: Nestled within the Santa Cruz area, Canico is a picturesque parish that attracts visitors with its stunning coastal views and outdoor activities. It experiences moderate seasonal traffic, peaking around March to April and September. Canico is famous for its beach access and thrilling sports activities, including golf and cable car rides that offer breathtaking panoramas of the coastline. The local marina and parks provide serene spots for relaxation after an action-packed day.
  • Camacha: Located in the scenic surroundings of Santa Cruz, Camacha is a quaint parish renowned for its family-friendly vibe and outdoor pursuits. Visitor numbers peak in April and during the summer months of July to August, although it maintains a steady flow throughout the year. Camacha's attractions include golf courses and a cable car gondola, making it an adventurous choice for those looking to explore the area’s natural beauty. The proximity to beaches, marinas, and parks ensures that visitors have plenty of options to enjoy the sun and scenery.

Things to do near Santa Cruz

Shopping

In Santa Cruz, explore local shops offering unique gifts and souvenirs reflecting Madeiran culture. If you're up for a drive, visit the Madeira Shopping Centre in Funchal, about 16.1km away, where you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Recreation

In Santa Cruz, the Hotel Riu Palace Madeira boasts a serene wellness centre with a range of spa treatments and fitness classes. Nearby, the Quinta do Lorde offers yoga sessions amidst stunning coastal views, allowing you to connect with nature while rejuvenating your body and mind.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views at the Funchal-Monte Teleferico, located 11.3km from Santa Cruz. This gondola ride offers a thrilling ascent through lush landscapes. The Funchal Cable Car - Monte Station, 9.7km away, provides similar outdoor excitement. For a longer journey, the Achadas da Cruz Cable Car, 43.5km from Santa Cruz, delivers stunning coastal vistas.

Nightlife

In Santa Cruz, the lively Café Bar do Mercado offers a relaxed atmosphere with local music and drinks. For a more vibrant scene, check out the nearby Praça do Mercado, where you can enjoy street performances and mingle with locals. The nightlife here is inviting and full of charm.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, Madeira offers a range of budget-friendly options for visitors. Enjoy free entry to local attractions like the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. For transport, opt for buses over taxis to save money. Travel during the cheaper months of January to February and November, and book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates. Consider Friday for stays, as it's the least expensive day. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, combine bookings for savings, and filter for eco-friendly accommodations to suit your preferences.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Santa Cruz are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Santa Cruz about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Santa Cruz is Friday. The most expensive day to stay in Santa Cruz is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will show you a range of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Santa Cruz hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz in the Madeira Region of Portugal is perfect for outdoor and family vacations, offering a blend of beautiful beaches, scenic lookouts, and serene botanical gardens. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a romantic getaway, the local attractions cater to all types of travellers, ensuring a memorable experience amid stunning natural landscapes.

  • Ponta da Oliveira: This stunning cape offers picturesque beach views and captivating scenery vibes, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and photography enthusiasts.
  • Cristo Rei: A striking monument that embodies cultural significance, Cristo Rei provides a reflective atmosphere and panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, perfect for those interested in local heritage.
  • Madeira Botanical Garden: Located 9.7km from Santa Cruz, this botanical paradise features a diverse collection of plant species, enchanting walking paths, and romantic spots, making it a delightful outing for families and couples alike.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Santa Cruz is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April63.0°F (17.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June68.4°F (20.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July71.1°F (21.7°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August73.0°F (22.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September72.7°F (22.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Cruz

Flying into Santa Cruz, Madeira Region, Portugal, is convenient via two major airports. Funchal Airport (FNC-Cristiano Ronaldo) is located 1.4km from Santa Cruz, with nearby luxury options like Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club, just 322m away, offering easy access to the airport. Other notable hotels include Pestana Casino Park Ocean and SPA Hotel and Savoy Palace, both approximately 14.5km from the airport. Alternatively, Porto Santo Airport (PXO) is situated 59.5km away, with excellent accommodations like Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa and Torre Praia Hotel, both within 3.2km, ensuring straightforward transport to the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best place to stay in Santa Cruz?
Sentido Galosol is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data. This hotel offers 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Other good options for your visit include Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive and Garajau Madeira Hotel. See all available top hotels, or vacation rentals in Santa Cruz.
What are some of the best holiday rentals that Santa Cruz has to offer?
Charming 2 Bedroom House with Comfortable Living in Camacha: This highly rated holiday home rental in Santa Cruz is next to a golf course, and equipped with laundry facilities and WiFi to help you feel perfectly comfortable in your new surroundings. Other favourite homes for rent in Santa Cruz are Sea House Madeira - Atlantic Ocean and Vacation home with fantastic sea views in the first row. See all vacation rentals in Santa Cruz.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Santa Cruz, will I receive a refund?
Yes, you'll find most hotel room reservations are refundable if you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of check in. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you might be able to cancel it and receive a refund within 24 hours of booking. Filter your search by fully refundable to find flexible hotel deals in Santa Cruz.
What's the best family accommodation in Santa Cruz?
Sentido Galosol is a hotel with 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants, and it's a top choice on Expedia for families. Other good options for your child-friendly holiday include Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club and Cais da Oliveira. Also, attractions in the area such as CR7 Museum and Lido Bathing Complex are fun for children of all ages. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Santa Cruz.
What's the best all-inclusive hotel in Santa Cruz?
Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive is an all-inclusive hotel featuring 2 restaurants and 2 outdoor pools, and a favourite with Expedia travellers. Cais da Oliveira is another good choice for your holiday. See more all-inclusive resorts in Santa Cruz.
What's the best LGBTQ-friendly accommodation in Santa Cruz?
In Mountain is a top LGBTQ-friendly country house, and features a full-service spa and private pools. See all available hotels listed as LGBTQ-friendly in Santa Cruz.
What's the best dog-friendly place to stay in Santa Cruz?
Casas de Pedra is a top dog-friendly option for your stay. See more pet-friendly hotel accommodations in Santa Cruz.
What's the best accommodation option for a beach holiday in Santa Cruz?
Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive is a top beach hotel with 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants, and it's located on Reis Magos Beach . Other good options to stay near the beach include Sentido Galosol and Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club. See more stays near the beach in Santa Cruz.
What's the best luxury hotel in Santa Cruz?
Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club is a luxury hotel with a private beach and a beachfront restaurant, and it's a popular choice for Expedia travellers looking for an elegant place to stay. Another upscale choice for your stay is Royal Orchid. Find more luxury hotels in Santa Cruz.
What's the best place to stay if I'm looking to play golf in Santa Cruz?
Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive is a top hotel that has an adjacent golf course and features free WiFi. Other good options to stay near a golf course include Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club and Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden. You can tee off at Palheiro Golfe during your trip. See more golf hotels in Santa Cruz.
What are some accommodation options with pools in Santa Cruz?
Sentido Galosol is a top hotel with 2 outdoor swimming pools, a children's pool and 2 restaurants. A couple of other options that offer an on-site pool include Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club and Cais da Oliveira. View all hotels with pools in Santa Cruz.
What is the best spa hotel in Santa Cruz?
Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive is a top beach spa hotel featuring 4 bars, a fitness centre, tennis courts and an indoor pool. Treat yourself to a massage or sauna at Atlantic Relax. Other popular spa hotels in Santa Cruz include Sentido Galosol and Cais da Oliveira. See all spa hotels in Santa Cruz.
What is staying in Santa Cruz like?
Travellers give high marks for the top-notch restaurants in Santa Cruz, which is also known for its beaches. Tourists can also enjoy so much more including its sporting events. In Santa Cruz, there are 739 hotels and other accommodation options to choose from. Find out more about Santa Cruz.
What should I do while I'm visiting Santa Cruz?
Landmarks like Cristo Rei and Road of Christ the King might be worth a visit. Natural beauty is on display at Palmeiras Beach, Reis Magos Beach and Ponta da Oliveira. A couple of additional sights to add to your itinerary are Santo da Serra Market and Aquaparque Madeira. Take a look at what more there is to see and do in Expedia's Santa Cruz guide.
What's the weather like in Santa Cruz?
The hottest months are usually August and September, with an average temperature of 22°C, while the coldest months are February and March, with an average of 17°C. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 506 mm.

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