Why should I book my Santa Cruz holiday with Expedia?

Choose Expedia to plan your next adventure with ease, all in one place. Our top tip for getting a terrific deal on a Santa Cruz getaway? Bundle your airfares, hotel and/or car hire into a package holiday. Then throw in a couple of awesome tours and activities. Many bookings also have flexible cancellation policies, so there's no need to worry if you have to switch up your travel itinerary. Round-the-clock help with changing and cancelling your trip is on-hand via our Customer Service Portal link .

When is the best time of year to holiday in Santa Cruz?

If you love the buzz of peak season, travel to Santa Cruz in August, September and October. Travelling during the quieter months of May, November and December will help you avoid the crowds. Organise your escape to Santa Cruz based on what kind of adventure you're looking for. January is the coolest time of year, when average daytime temperatures are 16ºC. In August, the warmest month, you'll experience averages of 22ºC during the day.

What is the top hotel for my holiday in Santa Cruz?

Offering plenty of amenities and a cosy place to relax between adventures, The Cliff Bay will make the ideal base for your Santa Cruz trip.

How do I get a cheap holiday to Santa Cruz?

Browse and lock in everything in the one place with our Santa Cruz holidays. We have deals on flights, hotels and more that'll keep your pocket happy and adventurous side satisfied. And, with more than 400 airlines and 321,000 properties around the globe to select from, you'll have the flexibility to mix and match however you please. Learn more about how you can save money on your next holiday when you bundle your flight and hotel bookings with Expedia.

What should I do on my Santa Cruz holiday?

There are so many things to keep you busy while enjoying your holiday in Santa Cruz. Madeira Botanical Garden , Monte Palace Gardens , Madeira Stadium and Palheiro Gardens are some of this city's top attractions.

Do I need a visa for my Santa Cruz holiday?

Look up the latest rules on official government websites. Your nationality and whether you're visiting for business, leisure or study will determine if you require a visa for Santa Cruz. Get familiar with the application process, including any required documentation, fees and turnaround times. Finalise your application well in advance to allow sufficient processing time. Some visas may take many weeks or even months to obtain, depending on the country and time of year.

What should I wear on my Santa Cruz holiday?

Do some research into the sorts of clothing people in Santa Cruz wear, and maybe even check out style blogs for some fashion inspiration. Try to create a versatile travel wardrobe with pieces that suit your destination and show off your unique style.

What does an Expedia Santa Cruz holiday include?

Much of that is up to you. Simply choose from a variety of Santa Cruz packages, such as a flight, hire car and hotel. You can also book a flight with a hotel, or a flight and a car hire. Once you've made your booking, add on the fun stuff like tours and activities. Whatever your dream Santa Cruz break looks like, get ready to save! Apartments and private holiday homes are a couple of the most highly sought-after property types in Santa Cruz. No matter your holiday style or group size, you can count on Expedia for the flexibility to personalise your next dream escape.

Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Santa Cruz holidays?

Expedia has joined forces with online lender Klarna to make booking your next trip easier on your bank balance. Paying in instalments means you can spread the costs of your next big adventure, leaving you with more money to spend while you're away. Klarna has several payment plans to choose from, so you're sure to find something that falls within your budget. Take a look at these flexible payment options: Pay monthly holidays : If paying small amounts each month is something that would work for you, Klarna can help. Paying in easy monthly instalments will make your getaway dreams come true. No-deposit holidays : Hitting the "book now" button is easier with this payment plan. With no deposit required for your holiday, you can Book Now, Pay Later and start packing your suitcase.

Can I choose my airline with a Santa Cruz Expedia holiday?

Yes, and with more than 400 airlines to pick from globally, you've got lots of choice. Have a look through the available options and find out which airline best fits your budget and needs.

Santa Cruz Holidays 2025 from $753

Top Santa Cruz Flight + Hotel Deals

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

In Mountain

Save 100% on your flight

per person

8 Sept - 15 Sept

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

London (LON) to Funchal (FNC)

6.4/10 (39 reviews)

Holiday Home in Porto da Cruz With Garden

Save 100% on your flight

per person

8 Sept - 15 Sept

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

London (LON) to Funchal (FNC)

No reviews

Holiday Home in Porto da Cruz With Views

Save 100% on your flight

per person

8 Oct - 13 Oct

just found

Return flight included

London (LGW) to Funchal (FNC)

No reviews

Muthu Raga Madeira Hotel

per person

13 Sept - 20 Sept

found 2 hours ago

Return flight included

London (LCY) to Funchal (FNC)

7.8/10 Good! (222 reviews)

Good place over, you pay for what you get.

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

Villa Alto Boutique Hotel

Save 100% on your flight

per person

8 Oct - 15 Oct

found 19 hours ago

Return flight included

London (LGW) to Funchal (FNC)

8.6/10 Excellent! (46 reviews)

Villa Alto is a lovely old house set high up in the hills above Ponta do Sol. With beautiful views. You will definitely need a hire car. The Staff are wonderful and work very hard to make you feel welcome. The breakfast is amazing, all freshly made from scratch. Sadly there was no dinner service available during our stay. Our room (no 9)was small and needed some TLC. The weather during our stay was stormy and the room was cold and damp. The curtains were stained and hanging from the rails. The sash windows need attention/replacement as all three were exposed to the wind and rain. We would definitely return to Villa Alto and hope for better weather.

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2025

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz in the Madeira Region offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal beach holiday destination. Visitors can enjoy the scenic golf course, explore hiking trails, and partake in thrilling experiences like scuba diving and boat trips. The Aquaparque Madeira provides fun for all ages, while Madeira walking holidays offer the chance to immerse oneself in the stunning landscapes of this beautiful region.

Shopping

For local shopping, visit Santo da Serra Market in Santa Cruz for a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, explore Funchal Farmers Market, just 11.3km away, or head to Centro Comercial Forum Madeira, 16.1km away, offering a wide range of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Experience the Lido Bathing Complex for a refreshing swim in its family-friendly aquatic centre. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Madeira Stadium for sports events, or challenge yourself at Palheiro Golf Club, where you can indulge in outdoor activities amidst stunning landscapes.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the Funchal Cable Car, located 9.7km from Santa Cruz, where outdoor family fun awaits. The Garajau Cable Car offers an exhilarating ride with stunning scenery right in Santa Cruz. For hiking enthusiasts, the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões trail, also 9.7km away, promises adventure amidst picturesque landscapes.

Nightlife

Santa Cruz boasts a vibrant nightlife with lively bars and charming cafes. Begin your evening at the trendy Bar do Lago for cocktails, then enjoy the relaxed vibe at O Cantinho, where you can savour local wines and tapas while soaking in the coastal atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz in the Madeira Region of Portugal is perfect for outdoor family beach holidays. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including beautiful botanical gardens, scenic lookouts, and lovely beaches. This charming destination caters to those seeking romance or family experiences, ensuring a memorable stay. Don't miss out on the local points of interest while enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds Santa Cruz.

Palmeiras Beach: Located a mere 161m from Santa Cruz, Palmeiras Beach offers a delightful escape with its laid-back beach vibes. Here, you can relax on the golden sands, take a refreshing dip, or indulge in water sports while soaking up the sun.
Madeira Botanical Garden: Situated 9.7km away, this stunning botanical garden is a lush oasis perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With romantic pathways and vibrant flora, it provides a serene setting for leisurely strolls amidst nature's beauty.
Ponta da Oliveira: Nestled within Santa Cruz, this picturesque cape boasts breathtaking scenery and captivating beach vibes. Enjoy stunning coastal views, explore the rugged landscape, and revel in the tranquillity of this natural wonder.

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Cruz

Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Santa Cruz.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to February and November) for more affordable package holidays to Santa Cruz.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

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

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

Top hotels in Santa Cruz

The Views Oasis - Family Friendly

Praia dos Reis Magos, Santa Cruz, Madeira

£161

1 Sept - 2 Sept

includes taxes & fees

9.2/10 Wonderful! (208 reviews)

"This is a beautiful property, set up on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and just a 5 or so minute walk along nice coastal paved pathways to the Ponte de Piedade. The main hotel is nice, the pools are large, and the sand pool is unique and was a lot of fun for our kids. A few pros and cons based on ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive

Praia dos Reis Magos, Santa Cruz

£286

6 Aug - 7 Aug

includes taxes & fees

9.2/10 Wonderful! (226 reviews)

"Beautiful property! Excellent service! Wonderful vacation!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Sentido Galosol

Rua D. Francisco Santana, Caniço de Baixo, Santa Cruz, Madeira

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£144

10 Aug - 11 Aug

includes taxes & fees

9/10 Wonderful! (382 reviews)

"Beautiful spot, great location"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

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.