Santa Cruz Holidays

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Your Santa Cruz Holiday

When you reserve a holiday package to Santa Cruz, all the planning is done in advance. This gives you more time to uncover some of the things that define this beachfront city, such as its lively atmosphere, beaches and cultural experiences. You'll want to take in the sights during your trip to Santa Cruz. Carve out some time for major attractions such as Palheiro Gardens, Madeira Stadium and Palmeiras Beach. Don't delay visiting this city any longer. The perfect Santa Cruz holiday is a few clicks away with Expedia.

Santa Cruz Holiday

Santa Cruz Beach Holiday

Listen to the sound of waves lapping at the shore and stroll by the shimmering waters during your Santa Cruz holiday. If you need an escape from everyday life, a trip to Santa Cruz is your ticket to relaxation. We have plenty of Santa Cruz packages to pick from. Snap up one near Palmeiras Beach, just 0.16 kilometres from the centre of town, and live out your holiday fantasies without blowing your budget.

Things You Should Know About Santa Cruz

  • Imagine the smell of salty sea breezes floating through your window and the sound of lapping waves as your lullaby each night. There's nothing like a seaside escape. Take a look at our Santa Cruz beach hotels and see what's available.
  • The apartments, such as Villa Camelia Boutique House and Cais da Oliveira, are popular with travellers here. Book either of these top options and your holiday in Santa Cruz is sure to be unforgettable.
  • The population of Santa Cruz is approximately 6,000. If you're eager for a few sightseeing tips, there are lots of locals who'll be happy to fill you in. Our Santa Cruz things to do page is also a wealth of useful information.
  • One attraction to add to your must-do list is Palmeiras Beach. However, there are plenty of other awesome things to explore in this region. Tick off more of them with our cheap Santa Cruz holiday deals.

Santa Cruz Essential Information

Language
Portuguese
Currency
Euros
Local Welcome
Olá
Local Goodbye
Adeus
Closest Airport
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC)
Population
6,000
Max Temp Winter
18ºC
Max Temp Summer
21ºC
Top Sights
Funchal Cable Car - Monte Station, Se Cathedral and Funchal-Monte Teleferico

Our pick of the best Santa Cruz Hotel Deals

Dom Pedro Garajau

Dom Pedro Garajau

3 out of 5
Estrada do Garajau, 131, Santa Cruz
7.2/10 Good! (450 reviews)
Nice place for a few days
"Nice place. Welcoming/check in was ok, but not exceptional. No explanation on the wifi (just available in the lobby), the pools, and other services available to us. The room was clean but dated. No AC and no Wifi in the room."

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

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Dom Pedro Garajau
The Views Oasis - Family Friendly

The Views Oasis - Family Friendly

4 out of 5
Praia dos Reis Magos, Santa Cruz, Madeira
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$337 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
AU$337
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (205 reviews)
"We had a lovely time at the hotel. Particularly enjoyed the table tennis and pool. If we had known how great the hotel is we would have booked a longer stay!"

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

The Views Oasis - Family Friendly
Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Praia dos Reis Magos, Santa Cruz
The price is AU$581 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
AU$581
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (226 reviews)
"Beautiful property! Excellent service! Wonderful vacation!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive
See all 601 properties in Santa Cruz
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.
All Inclusive Holidays
All Inclusive Holidays
All Inclusive Holidays
Cheap Holidays
Cheap Holidays
Cheap Holidays
beach holidays
Beach Holidays
Beach Holidays

What to do in Santa Cruz

Monte Palace Tropical Garden Tour

Monte Palace Tropical Garden Tour

AU$111
per adult
Monte Palace Tropical Garden Tour
Sunrise Hike Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Sunrise Hike Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

AU$72
per adult
Sunrise Hike Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
Kayak and Snorkeling Tour in Underwater Nature Reserve Garajau

Kayak and Snorkeling Tour in Underwater Nature Reserve Garajau

AU$88
per adult
Kayak and Snorkeling Tour in Underwater Nature Reserve Garajau
See all activities in Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Santa Cruz holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Santa Cruz getaway. However, factors like the season, choice of hotel and length of stay will influence how much your holiday to Santa Cruz costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Santa Cruz?
January, May and September are the best times to search for cheap Santa Cruz holiday packages. Choosing to travel in quieter months means you can usually find reduced prices on flights and accommodation.
How many days is enough for Santa Cruz?
We'd recommend booking a Santa Cruz holiday for a minimum of 5 days. This will give you enough time to tick off popular sights such as Palheiro Golfe and Ponta da Oliveira, and also explore neighbourhoods like Santa Maria Maior and Sao Goncalo. You might even be able to make time for one or two day trips outside of Santa Cruz.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Santa Cruz?
Well known for its coastal beaches, hiking and fishing, a Santa Cruz holiday offers something for everyone. Be sure to visit major sights like Palmeiras Beach and Santo da Serra Market, and consider renting a set of wheels for day trips to experience even more.
How to find the best Santa Cruz package deals?
Use Expedia's handy filters to find some great Santa Cruz package deals. When you begin your search, just set your maximum budget and then sort the results by "Price: low to high." If you're looking to save, plan your break for midweek, or search for Santa Cruz package deals in the off-season. Play around with your travel dates and you may score even better discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's typically best to book your holiday package well in advance.
Is it cheaper to book a Santa Cruz holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your Santa Cruz retreat by booking a customised holiday package. Click on the "Package" heading, then enter your travel dates and destination to view some great flight and hotel prices. Bundle everything into a neat package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Santa Cruz?
If you're considering a spur-of-the-moment Santa Cruz holiday, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you take off. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can score terrific deals on your flights and hotels by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Santa Cruz?

  1. Pick your travel dates: The things you'd like to do in Santa Cruz and your preferred season can help you decide when to go.
  2. Figure out your budget: Make sure you have enough money to pay for everything from transportation and dining out to activities and airfares. Your hotel will probably be the biggest expense during your trip to Santa Cruz.
  3. Decide how long to go for: Now that you know more about Santa Cruz, you can figure out the perfect length of your holiday. Pull together a rough itinerary and allocate enough time to cover everything you want to see.
  4. Bundle your flights and hotel: Awesome destination, check. Length of stay, check. All that's left is to pick a Santa Cruz holiday package that brings all your bookings together.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.