A vibrant sun-dappled bay
All winding cobbled streets and historical charm, coastal hotspot Santa Cruz is about as characterful as they come. Set in a scenic bay in Madeira, Santa Cruz holidays are all about relaxing. The only difficulty is choosing which lovely spot to begin your chill-out time. Perhaps a stroll along the pretty palm-lined promenade? A walk along pebbly Praia das Palmeiras beach? Or there’s popular bathing spot Ribeira da Boaventura, where the swimming pools have Atlantic Ocean views.
If history’s your thing, there’s the picturesque village and Sao Salvador church to wonder at, while active travellers can try everything from surfing to snorkelling, or go wild for the water slides at Santa Cruz’s family-friendly aqua park. And everyone will enjoy evenings spent eating sensational seafood at one of the many brilliant cafés and restaurants that hug the coast. For rest and relaxation with a generous helping of fun, holidays to Santa Cruz are an excellent choice.
Your Santa Cruz questions, answered
Flanked by the Atlantic, Santa Cruz is located on the east coast of the island of Madeira. It sits between the international airport and the capital city, Funchal.
With its year-round favourable climate – sun-drenched summers and mild winters – Santa Cruz is likely to have pleasant weather whatever time of the year you visit.
As well as an abundance of seafood, look out for ‘bolo de caco’. This local bread is made from sweet potato, and served straight from the grill with lashings of garlic butter.
Best things to do in Santa Cruz
Explore the water park
With swimming pools, water slides and even a relaxing lazy river to enjoy, Aquaparque Madeira is a fun day out for all of the family.
Laze at the beaches
The most popular beaches in Santa da Cruz include Praia das Palmeiras and Ribeira da Boaventura, the latter has a fun outdoor swimming complex, too.
Take a hike
Madeira is criss-crossed by a number of scenic walking trails, also known as ‘levadas’. Santa Cruz is the perfect base to head out and explore some of them.