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
Santa Cruz sits where dry eastern ridges and deep coastal inlets meet the sea, which shapes its layout and its everyday rhythm — fishing, 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 family-run restaurants take cards; small village shops sometimes still prefer cash for under €5.
- Buses connect the main towns through the day, but a small rental car is far more flexible if you want to chain villages together.
- Old-town streets are tight and one-way; use the signed car parks on the outskirts and walk the last few minutes in.
Best time to visit
Santa Cruz is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.
Location
East coast, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.68920, -16.79750
Visitor reviews
Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Santa Cruz. Reviews are moderated before they appear — no account needed.
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Frequently asked
Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?+
Yes. Santa Cruz shows a quieter, more local side of Madeira than central Funchal, and pairs naturally with the trails, beaches and viewpoints in the same valley.
How do I get to Santa Cruz from Funchal?+
20–35 minutes east of Funchal on the VR1 — easy day-trip distance, and Aerobus / SIGA lines run through regularly.
Plan around Santa Cruz
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk — the three things most visitors pair with Santa Cruz in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Santa Cruz.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.