Explore Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is on the southeastern shore of Madeira, situated just one mile from Aeroporto do Funchal. Though it loses much of its tourism to the nearby capital of Funchal, Santa Cruz holidays are calm and rexlaxed. The resorts' hidden gems make it an ideal destination for those who love the beach, a rich local history and the beauty of orchards rolling just above the sea.

You'll love Santa Cruz holidays If...

• You're looking for plenty of activities to keep the family occupied.
• You are interested in exploring local culture.

 Explore Santa Cruz
If you're looking for a cheap way to cool off, wander down to Praia das Palmeiras, which is a public lido offering toys for children and plenty places to sunbathe.
Head to the Mercado de Santa Cruz for a spot of shopping. Alternatively the reed tapestry or the Promenade, with shops, bars and restaurants running it's length, offer opportunties to experience Santa Cruz firsthand.
 

Why a holiday to Santa Cruz?

If you want a holiday with a balance of nightlife and quiet, step out of Funchal, and stay in Santa Cruz. Enjoy the peace location without the bustle of a city street.
You have direct access to one of the most popular beaches on the south coast of Madeira right out of your door. Head there for a relaxing day and enjoy golden sands, beautiful scenery and great facilities on offer.

Sandy Beaches
Santa Cruz boasts one of the finest beaches along Madeira's southern coast, where golden sands meet azure blue sea waters. If you head to the nearby resort of Machico you will also find one of the island's only other sandy beaches at the heart of the town. For some livelier beaches, the nearby Praia Formosa enjoys a bustling pebbled spot along the coast.

Other Beach Holidays

Water-Sports
The beach is not only a great place to soak up the sun, but it's also the ideal spot for venturing out into the sea. You can enjoy some swimming in the ocean, or you can try some of the water sports on offer, which include surfing, jet skiing and wind surfing.

Activities
One of the most loved activities in Santa Cruz is to simply sit back and enjoy the sun and relaxation on the beach. If you feel like stepping things up a notch or two, you can head out into the sea and enjoy some swimming, or you can try some water sports or take a relaxed fishing trip.

Hotels
The Santa Catarina Hotel sits just moments from a little pebble beach, as it overlooks the ocean from its position within the rugged countryside. Also found along one of Santa Cruz's beaches is the Vila Gale Santa Cruz, a modern hotel which boasts features such as an indoor spa, with a Jacuzzi, Turkish bath and a massage and treatment service.

Attractions
The relaxed town of Santa Cruz is the ideal place to head to on a romantic break. Not only does the traditional culture of the town appeal to those who want to experience somewhere authentic, but the stunning landscape surrounds give you the chance to enjoy a peaceful retreat alongside a cultural break. Santa Cruz also sits just moments from the island's capital, Funchal.

Activities
The surrounding landscape lends itself well to exploration, and you can spend time taking a romantic stroll or a brisk hike across the beautiful scenery. One of the most romantic ways of exploring the region is to take a horse riding trip. You can also enjoy a laid back morning on the water and take a fishing trip from the beach.

Nightlife
Santa Cruz offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy some romantic evenings during your holiday. With a choice of beachside bars and restaurants, you can dine or drink under the stars, listening to the sea as it laps at the bay. If you wish to experience a livelier nightlife, head to Funchal, where a number of bars and clubs await.

Hotels
Stylish and elegant, the Hotel Apartamentos Baia Brava offers self catered accommodation, which gives its guests both privacy and convenience during their stay. Each apartment is equipped with a fully fitted kitchenette, a living room and a bathroom with a hydro massage bath. The hotel sits in a beautiful location, overlooking the Sao Lourenco bay.

Baia Brava
Attractions
Santa Cruz sits amongst a vast landscape of mountainsides and valleys, so it's ideal for those who are looking to explore whilst on holiday. You can take in some local culture with a visit to the Church of Santa Cruz, a 16th century building that is the biggest temple outside of Funchal.

Activities
The stunning landscape enclosing the town is ideal for walking and hiking trips, whether you wish to enjoy a brisk trek, or a slow stroll. Some of the most popular hiking routes are those of the Levada trail, which can last for hours or days, depending on which you choose. Each will see you discovering the mountains and cliff sides, walking past caves and waterfalls and through tunnels and over balconies.

Festivals
Travel acrross the island and visit Ponta do Pargo in September and you will experience the Festival of the Pêro, where farmers from the island come together in celebration of their apple crops, with parades and cider drinking. The nearby city of Funchal sees the Flower Festival in springtime, which includes a children's parade, a street procession and a flower carpet on the city's streets.

Architecture
The town is a beautiful blend of typical Portuguese architecture, with old houses lining the streets as they wind in and out and up and down the hillsides. The 16th century Church of Santa Cruz is a must see for architecture fans, as it is not only the largest temple outside of the capital, but it has a Manueline trace.

Attractions
Sitting just one mile from the airport, Santa Cruz is the ideal destination to head to with little ones, as there's no lengthy transfer once the plane hits the runway. The public lido is a great place for families, as it offers toys and plenty of space for adults to sunbathe. The Santa Cruz Aqua Park also offers some fun for every member of the family.

Activities
You can spend some time at the lido, swimming in the water and relaxing in the sun whilst the children play, or you can laze on the sands of the beach, which is one of the finest in the south of the island. It is from here that you can enjoy water sports such as canoeing and windsurfing. If you wish to take a day trip, the capital, Funchal is only around 15 minutes away.

Nightlife
Santa Cruz's nightlife offers families a relaxed way to spend the evening, with some lovely beachside cafes and bars that provide a laid back setting within which to enjoy a drink. The town is also home to a wide array of restaurants, which range from local eateries that serve traditional Madeiran cuisine, to those that offer British and international food.

Hotels
Found just a short walk from the pebble beach and the promenade, the Santa Catarina Hotel is the ideal spot for a family holiday. Sitting in a typical Madeiran style building, the hotel boats an outdoor swimming pool with a children's paddling area and sunbathing space. Even though the town's centre is relatively close, the hotel's surrounds are quiet and peaceful.