Santa Cruz
Coastal municipality home to Madeira's international airport and the Aquaparque waterpark.
About Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is part of the municipality of Santa Cruz, with a population of around 43,005. Coastal municipality home to Madeira's international airport and the Aquaparque waterpark.
Like most settlements on Madeira, Santa Cruz grew up between the steep mountain interior and the Atlantic, which shapes both its layout and its everyday rhythm — fishing, terraced agriculture, and increasingly tourism. Spending half a day here gives a much better feel for the island than only visiting Funchal.
What to know before you go
- Most cafés, bakeries and small restaurants take cards; tipping is appreciated but not expected.
- Buses connect the main towns but can be infrequent on weekends — renting a small car gives the most flexibility.
- Parking near old-town centres is limited; use the marked car parks on the outskirts and walk in.
Best time to visit
Santa Cruz is comfortable year-round. April to October is warmer; winter still averages 17–20 °C on the coast.
Location
East coast, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.68920, -16.79750
Frequently asked
Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?+
Yes. Santa Cruz offers a quieter, more local side of Madeira than central Funchal, and is easy to combine with nearby trails, beaches or viewpoints.
How do I get to Santa Cruz from Funchal?+
Santa Cruz is reachable by rental car or local SAM/Rodoeste buses from Funchal. Driving is faster and gives the most freedom; expect 20–60 minutes depending on location.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Santa Cruz.