What to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

Un petit village accessible uniquement à pied, enclavé dans les montagnes
Un petit village accessible uniquement à pied, enclavé dans les montagnes
Turtle beach. Amazing view. Windy and ruff sea 👌🏻

Santa Cruz Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Santa Cruz has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Santa Cruz, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Santa Cruz with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Santa Cruz, and make it a breeze to explore Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Santa Cruz to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Santa Cruz, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz attractions

Santa Cruz has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Santa Cruz to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Santa Cruz.

Looking for things to do in Santa Cruz can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Santa Cruz or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Santa Cruz attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Most fun & popular experiences in Santa Cruz

Tours & day trips

See all 50 activities
From Praia: Discover Santiago Island in 1 Day

From Praia: Discover Santiago Island in 1 Day

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £57 per adult
From Praia: Discover Santiago Island in 1 DayOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 18 activities
Boat Trip to Aguas Belas Cave+Barbecue

Boat Trip to Aguas Belas Cave+Barbecue

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £104 per adult
Boat Trip to Aguas Belas Cave+BarbecueOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 4 activities
Create your own artesanal pottery with locals

Create your own artesanal pottery with locals

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £96 per adult
Create your own artesanal pottery with localsOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Full-Day Santiago – Villages, Nature & Local Culture

Full-Day Santiago – Villages, Nature & Local Culture

Activity duration is 9 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is £104 per adult
Full-Day Santiago – Villages, Nature & Local CultureOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz

Number of things to do
54
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Guided city Tour Praia, Highlights tour: £11
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Santa Cruz

Popular places to visit

Pedra Badejo Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Pedra Badejo Beach during your travels in Santa Cruz? Discover the area's museums and shops.

Pedra Badejo Beach

Pedra Badejo Municipal Mall

During your trip to Santa Cruz, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Pedra Badejo Municipal Mall. Amble around the area's beaches or experience its museums.

Pedra Badejo Municipal Mall

Porto Madeira

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Porto Madeira in Santa Cruz. Amble around the area's beaches or visit its shops.

Porto Madeira

Poilão Dam

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Poilão Dam during your travels in Santa Cruz. Stroll along the beaches or experience the area's museums.

Poilão Dam

Espinho Branco

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Espinho Branco during your travels in Santa Cruz. Stroll along the beaches or visit the shops while you're in the area.

Espinho Branco

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are many interesting things to do in Santa Cruz. Remember to discover the area's blend of unmissable attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Mangue Beach and Grandvaux Barbosa National Botanical Garden. Then, tour other areas of Santa Cruz for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
Mangue Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Santa Cruz and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
Three days is enough for a short break in Santa Cruz — you'll tick off the main attractions and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you want to truly experience it all, stay for at least seven to ten days to explore the surrounding areas too.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
If you're looking for tours and attractions for all the family, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Cruz for adults including Tabanka Museum and Poilão Dam.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Santa Cruz. If you're in need of ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Mangue Beach is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.