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Top reasons to visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and family fun, with crystal clear waters and soft sand.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy a range of activities such as golfing, hiking scenic trails, and thrilling surf trips.
• Charming Local Culture: Explore delightful neighbourhoods with friendly locals, vibrant culture, and delicious restaurants.
• Botanical Gardens: Discover stunning botanical gardens that showcase the region's unique flora.
• Picturesque Lookouts: Take in breathtaking ocean views from scenic lookouts, perfect for romantic getaways.

Find great hotels near Santa Cruz

Discover a range of accommodation options in Santa Cruz, Madeira, perfect for every type of traveller. From family-friendly guesthouses to adventure-focused hotels, you'll find the ideal base for your holiday. Whether you're seeking luxury suites or select hotels with business amenities, Santa Cruz has something to suit your needs. Enjoy the charm of this coastal town while staying at one of its best hotels for an unforgettable experience.

• Dom Pedro Madeira: Nestled only 3.2km from Santa Cruz, Dom Pedro Madeira is a delightful 4-star hotel perfect for families seeking a beach vacation. With direct access to the beach, guests can enjoy sun-soaked days by the sea. The hotel is well-equipped for children, featuring a dedicated children's pool, arcade game room, and childcare services, ensuring a fun and safe environment for younger guests. The family-friendly amenities and proximity to the beach make this hotel an ideal choice for a memorable family getaway.
• TURIM Santa Maria Hotel: Located 11.3km from Santa Cruz, TURIM Santa Maria Hotel is a charming 4-star accommodation that beautifully combines beach and city themes. Set in the heart of the city centre, it offers easy access to local attractions while providing direct access to the beach. This hotel is perfect for nature lovers and beachgoers alike, allowing guests to enjoy Madeira's stunning coastline alongside vibrant city life. Its welcoming atmosphere and convenient location make it a great choice for those wanting to explore both beach and urban experiences.
• Hotel PortoBay Santa Maria: Situated 11.3km from Santa Cruz, Hotel PortoBay Santa Maria is a luxurious 4-star retreat that caters to adventure enthusiasts and spa lovers. This hotel offers a range of adventure sports nearby, including hiking, biking, and scooter rentals, ensuring an action-packed stay. Guests can unwind in the full-service spa, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, and facial treatments. Located in the city centre, it allows for easy exploration of local attractions while providing a relaxing oasis after a day of adventure.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, located in the stunning Madeira Region of Portugal, offers a perfect blend of picturesque beaches and breathtaking ocean views. This family-friendly destination is ideal for outdoor adventures and romantic getaways alike. Explore its charming neighbourhoods, where friendly locals create a warm atmosphere, making it a relaxing escape. With its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, Santa Cruz is an exceptional spot for any traveller seeking both adventure and serenity.

• Machico: Located a mere 4.8km from Santa Cruz, Machico is a charming city known for its vibrant outdoor and beach experiences. Travellers flock here, particularly during the peak months of June to July and September, to enjoy its stunning coastline and family-friendly atmosphere. The area boasts a variety of attractions, including scenic hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, and an aquatic centre perfect for a day of family fun. Don't miss the local beach and marina, ideal for sunbathing and water activities, as well as the nearby park, which provides a lovely space for picnics and relaxation.
• Canico: Nestled within the Santa Cruz area, Canico is a picturesque parish that draws visitors with its outdoor charm and family-friendly environment. The best times to visit are March to April and September when the weather is ideal for exploring. Canico offers a delightful public market where you can experience local culture and cuisine, as well as access to hiking trails that wind through its lush landscapes. The nearby beach, park, and marina provide ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation, making Canico a fantastic spot for those seeking both adventure and leisure.
• Santa Cruz: As the namesake parish, Santa Cruz offers a year-round destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While it sees a peak in visitors from July to August and October, its attractions remain appealing throughout the year. Visitors can explore the vibrant public market and local markets, where fresh produce and crafts abound. The aquatic centre is perfect for families looking to cool off, while the marina, beach, and surrounding park create an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and outdoor activities. Santa Cruz embodies the spirit of Madeira's coastal beauty.

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers a fantastic family-friendly beach vacation filled with outdoor activities. You can enjoy a round of golf at the local course or hike scenic trails. Be sure to check out upcoming events, explore delightful restaurants, and uncover hidden gems in the area. For those keen on adventure, surf trips are also available, making Santa Cruz a perfect destination for both relaxation and excitement.

Shopping

Santo da Serra Market offers a local vibe right in Santa Cruz, perfect for unique gifts. For a wider selection, Funchal Farmers Market is 11.3km away, while Centro Comercial Forum Madeira, 16.1km away, provides entertainment and family-friendly shopping options if you're up for a drive.

Recreation

The Lido Bathing Complex offers a family-friendly aquatic experience with stunning ocean views, perfect for relaxation and fun. For sports enthusiasts, Madeira Stadium hosts various events, while Palheiro Golfe invites you to enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes right in Santa Cruz.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the Funchal-Monte Teleférico, a scenic cable car ride located 11.3km from Santa Cruz, perfect for families and adventure seekers. Closer to home, the Garajau Cable Car offers thrilling rides with stunning vistas, while the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões hiking trail showcases beautiful scenery just 9.7km away.

Nightlife

Santa Cruz offers a vibrant nightlife with local bars like Bar da Praia, perfect for sipping cocktails by the ocean. For a lively atmosphere, visit the popular Clube de São Vicente, where you can dance the night away to live music and DJs.

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 is perfect for a family beach holiday, offering stunning botanical gardens, beautiful beaches, and scenic lookouts. Explore attractions like Santa Cruz Beach and Wharf, as well as the charming Santa Cruz Church. Whether you're after outdoor adventures or a romantic getaway, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this captivating destination.

• Palmeiras Beach: Located a mere 161m from Santa Cruz, Palmeiras Beach offers a relaxed vibe perfect for sunbathing and swimming. With its golden sands and clear waters, it’s an ideal spot to unwind while soaking up the sun.
• Madeira Botanical Garden: Situated 9.7km away, this stunning garden is a haven for nature lovers. With vibrant flora, scenic pathways, and family-friendly spaces, it provides a romantic outdoor experience that showcases the beauty of Madeira’s plant life.
• Ponta da Oliveira: Nestled within Santa Cruz, this picturesque cape boasts breathtaking scenery and beach vibes. It’s a fantastic spot for walking along the cliffs while enjoying the stunning ocean views and natural beauty.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Santa Cruz is dependant 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 Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	61.7°F (16.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	63.0°F (17.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	68.4°F (20.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	71.1°F (21.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	72.7°F (22.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	71.2°F (21.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Cruz

When visiting Santa Cruz in the Madeira Region of Portugal, you can conveniently fly into two major airports. Funchal Airport (FNC-Cristiano Ronaldo) is located 1.4km from Santa Cruz and offers nearby hotels such as Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club, just 322m away, and the 5-star Savoy Palace, 14.5km from the airport. Transportation services to Funchal are available at these hotels. Alternatively, Porto Santo Airport (PXO) is situated 59.5km from Santa Cruz, with excellent accommodation options like Torre Praia Hotel, 1.6km away, and Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa, 3.2km from the airport, both offering easy access to transportation services.