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The best area to stay in Santa Cruz is right along the beachfront, particularly near Praia da Física and Praia do Navio.


This central coastal strip is the heart of Santa Cruz, offering direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and its beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find a relaxed, open layout here, with a promenade superb for strolls and several cafes and restaurants with ocean views. It's the ideal spot if your primary goal is to enjoy the sea and sunshine.


For couples, staying close to Praia da Física offers a romantic setting with stunning sunsets and the soothing sound of waves. There are several upscale accommodations here that provide excellent service and amenities, superb for a relaxing escape. You'll be able to enjoy long walks on the beach and beachfront dining.


Families will also find the areas around Praia do Navio and Praia da Física very convenient. The beaches are generally well-kept, and there's plenty of space for children to play. Many of the accommodations in this immediate vicinity are well-equipped for families, sometimes offering apartment-style options.

The best time to go to Santa Cruz is during the shoulder seasons of May, June, September, and early October.


During these months, you'll experience pleasant, warm weather great for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. The crowds are also thinner than in the peak summer months of July and August, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience without the hustle and bustle. Accommodation and flight prices can also be more favourable during these times, offering better value for a high-quality trip.


For those looking primarily for beach holidays and guaranteed hot weather, July and August offer the warmest temperatures and the liveliest atmosphere. However, be prepared for more people and potentially higher prices for everything from hotels to dining.

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Santa Cruz.

One Key™—Expedia’s free travel rewards programme—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Santa Cruz hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Prices for hotels in Santa Cruz often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$132 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.