Santa Cruz Holidays from £762

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Your Santa Cruz Holiday

The lively atmosphere, beaches and cultural experiences are three of the many reasons why travellers adore this beachfront city. Discover this exciting destination in whatever way you choose with a Santa Cruz holiday package. Ready to explore your new surroundings? Palheiro Gardens, Madeira Stadium and Palmeiras Beach are three of the most popular places to visit during a trip to Santa Cruz. Whoever you're escaping with and whatever your budget, your dream Santa Cruz holiday is only clicks away with Expedia.

Top Santa Cruz Flight + Hotel Deals

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort Hotel
Pestana Casino Park Ocean and SPA Hotel
Villa in Porto da Cruz With Ocean Views
Holiday Home in Porto da Cruz With Garden
Pestana Miramar Garden & Ocean Resort

Things to do in and around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz in Madeira is perfect for outdoor and beach family holidays, offering activities like golf and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy Madeira walking holidays, thrilling boat trips, and fun at Aquaparque Madeira. For those seeking adventure, there are opportunities for outdoor pursuits and scuba diving, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Shopping

In Santa Cruz, you can visit the Santo da Serra Market for local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, the Funchal Farmers Market offers vibrant city vibes with fresh products, while Centro Comercial Forum Madeira is perfect for family entertainment and shopping, located 16.1km away.

Recreation

At Madeira Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying various fitness activities just 8.0km from Santa Cruz. The Lido Bathing Complex, located 14.5km away, offers family-friendly aquatic fun, while the Porto Moniz Natural Pools, 28.0km away, invite you to relax amidst stunning natural beauty.

Adventure

The Funchal Cable Car offers a thrilling ride to Monte Station, showcasing breathtaking views. For hiking enthusiasts, the PR11 Vereda dos Balcões trail presents stunning scenery and adventure. Meanwhile, the Garajau Cable Car provides a fantastic experience within Santa Cruz, perfect for families and outdoor lovers alike.

Nightlife

Santa Cruz offers a vibrant nightlife with charming bars and local entertainment. Visit the Bar Onda on the seafront for refreshing cocktails and stunning views. For a lively atmosphere, check out the sports bars like Bar da Praia, where you can enjoy a mix of music and friendly locals.

*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 is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, offering beautiful beaches and scenic lookouts. Visitors can explore local attractions such as botanical gardens, perfect for romantic strolls or family outings. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Santa Cruz provides a delightful blend of experiences to enjoy during your stay.

  • Palmeiras Beach: Located a mere 161m from Santa Cruz, Palmeiras Beach offers a delightful escape with its golden sands and inviting waves. Perfect for sunbathing and swimming, the beach boasts a relaxed vibe that allows visitors to unwind while soaking up the sun.
  • Madeira Botanical Garden: Situated 9.7km from Santa Cruz, this stunning botanical garden is a haven for nature lovers. With its beautifully landscaped gardens, exotic plants, and romantic pathways, it provides a serene environment for families and couples alike to explore and connect with nature.
  • Ponta da Oliveira: Nestled within Santa Cruz, Ponta da Oliveira is a picturesque cape that offers breathtaking coastal scenery. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views, explore the surrounding beach area, and capture the essence of Madeira's natural beauty.

Best time to go to Santa Cruz

The best time to visit Santa Cruz is dependent 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. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April63.0°F (17.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June68.4°F (20.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July71.1°F (21.7°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August73.0°F (22.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September72.7°F (22.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Santa Cruz

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Santa Cruz during the low season (January to February and November) for more affordable options.
  • 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.

Santa Cruz Beach Holiday

Listen to the waves breaking onto the shore and look out over the glistening waters during your Santa Cruz holiday. If you're in need of some time out, a trip to Santa Cruz will work wonders. We have plenty of Santa Cruz holiday deals to pick from. Lock in one close to Santa Cruz Beach, just 1 mile from the city centre, and live out your holiday dreams without hurting your budget.

Things You Should Know About Santa Cruz

  • Imagine the smell of salty breezes drifting through your window and the sound of crashing waves lulling you to sleep at night. Nothing compares to a seaside escape. Check out our Santa Cruz beach hotels and see what you can find.
  • The apartments, such as Pérola dos Anjos by MHM and Garajau I by Travel to Madeira, are popular with travellers here. Book either of these 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 travel tips, there are lots of locals who'll be able to clue you in. Our Santa Cruz things to do page is also a wealth of useful information.
  • Santa Cruz Beach is a top attraction to tick off your itinerary. If you'd love to see even more sights, our Santa Cruz holiday deals will make your budget stretch further.

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

Top hotels in Santa Cruz

The Views Oasis - Family Friendly

The Views Oasis - Family Friendly

4 out of 5
Praia dos Reis Magos Santa Cruz Madeira
9.2/10 Wonderful! (253 reviews)
This is a family friendly hotel so not one we would normally choose. Our flight was cancelled so we booked it for just one night.

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

The Views Oasis - Family Friendly
Sentido Galosol

Sentido Galosol

4 out of 5
Rua D. Francisco Santana Santa Cruz Madeira
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £109 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
£109
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (428 reviews)
The room itself was nice and had a great see view. The hotel is advertised as two connected properties with spa amenities but in reality they are pretty disjointed and quite a bit of walk from each other. The spa reservation system is not great because there is no online way to reserve a massage ...

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Sentido Galosol
Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Praia dos Reis Magos Santa Cruz
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £218 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
£218
26 Mar - 27 Mar
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (269 reviews)
We had a great frontal view from our room. Affordable medium luxury. Very clean. Service impeccable.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Hotel Riu Madeira - All Inclusive
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.

Popular places to visit

What to do in Santa Cruz

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected.