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Top reasons to visit Santa Cruz

• Stunning Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing and swimming, ideal for families and couples alike.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy activities such as hiking, golfing, and surfing, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
• Scenic Cable Cars: Experience breathtaking views of the region with the sky glider cable cars, a must-see attraction.
• Vibrant Boardwalk: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers thrilling rides and beachfront fun for unforgettable family memories.
• Charming Atmosphere: Explore the relaxed vibe and friendly locals, enhancing your cultural experience in this picturesque locale.

Find great hotels near Santa Cruz

Discover your ideal accommodation in Santa Cruz, Madeira, where a variety of hotels and guesthouses cater to adventurers, families, and business travellers alike. Whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, you'll find the best Santa Cruz hotels offering excellent facilities and services to enhance your stay in this beautiful region of Portugal.

• Dom Pedro Madeira: Perfectly situated for both adventure seekers and business travellers, Dom Pedro Madeira offers a well-rounded experience just 3.2km from Santa Cruz. This 4-star hotel is designed for families and those looking for outdoor activities, featuring nearby options for waterskiing, sailing, hiking, and windsurfing. Business amenities, including a meeting room, cater to corporate guests, while the hotel also provides child-friendly services like a game room and babysitting options. With a focus on both adventure and convenience, this hotel is a great choice for a fun-filled family vacation.
• TURIM Santa Maria Hotel: Located 11.3km from Santa Cruz, TURIM Santa Maria Hotel is ideal for travellers seeking a blend of city, beach, and nature themes. This 4-star property boasts direct access to the beach, allowing guests to enjoy the sun and surf right at their doorstep. Its central city location makes it easy to explore local attractions and the vibrant atmosphere of the area. Perfect for those looking to unwind by the sea while being close to the action, this hotel captures the essence of a beach getaway.
• Hotel PortoBay Santa Maria: Just 11.3km from Santa Cruz, Hotel PortoBay Santa Maria is a sanctuary for nature lovers and spa enthusiasts alike. This 4-star hotel offers a range of adventure sports, including hiking and moped rentals, ensuring an action-packed stay. Guests can indulge in the full spa experience with massages, facial treatments, and access to an outdoor pool and sauna for ultimate relaxation. This hotel provides a perfect balance of adventure and leisure, making it an excellent choice for those seeking rejuvenation amidst nature.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, nestled in the stunning Madeira Region of Portugal, offers an idyllic escape for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while exploring its beautiful beaches and vibrant downtown, perfect for romantic strolls and family fun. Don't miss the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where thrilling rides and beachfront properties create unforgettable memories. With friendly locals and rich culture, your vacation here promises a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure.

• Machico: Nestled approximately 4.8km from Santa Cruz, Machico is a charming city that beautifully combines outdoor adventures with family-friendly experiences. With a steady flow of visitors, particularly during the warmer months of June to July and September, Machico is ideal for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Explore stunning hiking trails and make use of the local aquatic centre for a refreshing swim. Highlights include the picturesque beach, a bustling marina, and tranquil parks, making it a delightful spot for relaxation and recreation.
• Canico: Located within the Santa Cruz area, Canico is a vibrant parish that attracts a moderate number of visitors, especially in the spring months of March to April and during September. Known for its outdoor and family-friendly atmosphere, Canico offers a variety of experiences. Stroll through the lively public market, hike scenic trails, or enjoy the sun at the nearby beaches. The area is dotted with parks and a marina, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking both adventure and leisure.
• Camacha: Also situated in the Santa Cruz region, Camacha is a captivating parish where visitors can enjoy a blend of outdoor activities and family fun. Peak visitor times occur in April and from July to August, making it a lively spot during the summer months. The area is home to an aquatic centre and a well-maintained golf course for sport enthusiasts. The nearby beaches, parks, and marina provide a delightful backdrop for a day of exploration or relaxation, ensuring a memorable stay in this picturesque locale.

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz in the Madeira Region is perfect for an outdoor family beach holiday. Enjoy activities like golfing at the local course, exploring scenic hiking trails, and catching the best waves at popular surfing spots. Don't miss the sky glider cable cars for stunning views. For travel tips, consider the best times to visit for optimal outdoor fun and wave conditions, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.

Shopping

In Santa Cruz, you can explore Santo da Serra Market for local goods. For a short drive, check out Funchal Farmers Market, offering vibrant city vibes, or visit Centro Comercial Forum Madeira for a blend of shopping and entertainment.

Recreation

Explore the Lido Bathing Complex for a refreshing swim and family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. Enjoy the sports vibe at Madeira Stadium, where you can watch local events. For outdoor enthusiasts, Palheiro Golfe offers a scenic golf experience amidst stunning landscapes in Santa Cruz.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the Funchal Cable Car, located 9.7km from Santa Cruz, perfect for families. The Garajau Cable Car, situated in Santa Cruz, offers thrilling rides amidst stunning landscapes. For hiking enthusiasts, the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões trail, also 9.7km away, showcases spectacular scenery and adventure.

Nightlife

Santa Cruz offers a vibrant nightlife with beachside bars like Bar do Pescador for laid-back vibes and stunning ocean views. For a lively atmosphere, check out the Club Cais, where you can dance the night away to local tunes.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, Madeira, is a budget-friendly destination for Aussie tourists. Enjoy free attractions like the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte and take advantage of affordable public transport options such as buses. To save on accommodation, visit during the cheaper months of January to February and November, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance, or check last-minute deals on Expedia. Fridays are the best day to stay for lower rates. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings through Expedia packages.

• 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Santa Cruz is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• 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: Expedia’s search tool lets you customise your experience by choosing your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can easily sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Santa Cruz hotel reservation with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz in the Madeira Region is perfect for outdoor family beach holidays, offering attractions like stunning botanical gardens, beautiful beaches, and private gardens. Visitors can enjoy activities with ocean views, stroll along Santa Cruz Beach, and explore the Santa Cruz boardwalk. This charming destination caters to those seeking romance and family experiences, making it an ideal spot for tourists looking to unwind and connect with nature.

• Madeira Botanical Garden: Located 9.7km from Santa Cruz, this stunning botanical garden offers a romantic outdoor escape with lush plant species, vibrant flowers, and panoramic views of the island. Perfect for families and nature lovers alike, it's an oasis of tranquillity.
• Palmeiras Beach: Just 161m from Santa Cruz, Palmeiras Beach is a picturesque spot where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the gentle waves. With its inviting atmosphere, it’s an ideal location for relaxing and unwinding.
• Ponta da Oliveira: Situated within Santa Cruz, this scenic cape boasts breathtaking coastal views and dramatic cliffs. It's a fantastic spot for beach vibes and capturing stunning sunset photographs.

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 (dry). 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 (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	68.4°F (20.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	71.1°F (21.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	72.7°F (22.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	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 planning your trip to Santa Cruz in the Madeira Region of Portugal, you have convenient access via two major airports. Funchal Airport (FNC-Cristiano Ronaldo) is situated 1.4km from Santa Cruz, with excellent hotel options like the 5-star Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club, mere 322m away. For accommodations further afield, the Savoy Palace and Pestana Carlton Madeira are both 14.5km from the airport. Alternatively, Porto Santo Airport (PXO) is located 59.5km away, with nearby hotels such as the 4-star Torre Praia Hotel, just 1.6km from the airport. Both airports offer transport services to ensure a smooth journey to your destination.