What to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

A rainbow over a rural landscape with fields and a distant town.

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!

Things to do

Santana: Magical East Coast Full-Day Tour

Santana: Magical East Coast Full-Day Tour

£59
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santana: Magical East Coast Full-Day Tour
Vila Franca Islet: Bioligist Guided 0% Carbon e-Boat Tour

Vila Franca Islet: 0% Carbon Biologist Guided e-Boat Tour

£21
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Vila Franca Islet: 0% Carbon Biologist Guided e-Boat Tour
Picture 1 for Activity Vila Franca do Campo: Kayak Rental

Vila Franca do Campo: Kayak Rental

£17
per traveller
Vila Franca do Campo: Kayak Rental
Full Day Sete Cidades + Lagoa do Fogo

Full Day Sete Cidades + Lagoa do Fogo

£75
per adult
Full Day Sete Cidades + Lagoa do Fogo
Half-Day 4x4 Tour to Lagoa das Sete Cidades

Half-Day 4x4 Tour to Lagoa das Sete Cidades

£46
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Half-Day 4x4 Tour to Lagoa das Sete Cidades
Whales on the surface in Vila Franca do Campo, Azores

São Miguel, Azores: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour

£49
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
São Miguel, Azores: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
Snorkeling Tour Ilhéu from Vila Franca do Campo

Snorkeling Tour Ilhéu from Vila Franca do Campo

£23
per adult
Snorkeling Tour Ilhéu from Vila Franca do Campo
Islet Snorkeling & Boat Tour – Around the Ilhéu de Vila Franca

Islet Snorkeling & Boat Tour – Around the Ilhéu de Vila Franca

£21
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Islet Snorkeling & Boat Tour – Around the Ilhéu de Vila Franca
Vila Franca do Campo: Boat Tour Around Ilhéu

Vila Franca do Campo: Boat Tour Around Ilhéu

£21
per adult
Vila Franca do Campo: Boat Tour Around Ilhéu
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Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz

Number of things to do
352
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Discover the Azores Islands: A Self-Guided Tour: £3
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Santa Cruz

Stay near popular Santa Cruz attractions

Portuguese Republic Square

8.8/10 (163 reviews)
You can find out about the history of Santa Cruz with a trip to Portuguese Republic Square. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
See properties

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Santa Cruz

An aerial view of a coastal area with dense green vegetation, a sandy beach, and clear green water.

Vila Franca do Campo

A mountainous landscape with a lake, dense greenery, and hydrangea flowers.

Lagoa

A coastal town with a bridge, a river, and lush greenery.

Ribeira Grande

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
Santa Cruz offers a unique blend of attractions, local charm and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or regional cuisine, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Aquafit Natural Pools. Then, explore different areas of Santa Cruz for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
Aquafit Natural Pools is ranked the top tourist attraction near Santa Cruz, so don't go home without paying it a visit.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
Book a break in Santa Cruz for three days and you'll have plenty of time to explore its most in-demand sights and get a taste for the local vibe. For the chance to enjoy attractions in the surrounding areas and get off the tourist trail, consider sticking around for a week or more.
Is Santa Cruz a walkable neighbourhood?
With central Santa Cruz as your starting off point, several popular attractions like Aquafit Natural Pools are within walking distance. If you want to walk some more, the neighbourhood of Nossa Senhora do Rosário is about 2 kms (1 mile) away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Santa Cruz. Whether you're into the arts, adventure or just love discovering new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
There's a variety of cheap things to do in Santa Cruz. Stroll through the parks or soak up the vibes at free events and festivals. Santa Cruz offers plenty of budget-friendly activities that let you discover the area without spending a lot.