Things to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

A large rock formation at sunset with a clear sky.
A coastal town with a lighthouse, a beach, and rocky outcrops.
A pebble beach with a pier, palm trees, and colorful buildings on a hillside.
A coastal promenade with a clear blue sky, rocky shore, and a white building with arches.
A rocky coastline with a sunset, a lighthouse, and buildings along the shore.

Things to do

City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras

€26
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras
Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

€35
per adult
Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
From Funchal: 2-Day Guided Tour of Madeira

From Funchal: 2-Day Guided Tour of Madeira

€60
per adult
From Funchal: 2-Day Guided Tour of Madeira
Madeira Sunset or Sunrise at Pico and PR1 Stairway To Heaven

Madeira Sunset or Sunrise at Pico and PR1 Stairway To Heaven

€33
per adult
Madeira Sunset or Sunrise at Pico and PR1 Stairway To Heaven
Santana: Magical East Coast Full-Day Tour

Santana: Magical East Coast Full-Day Tour

€70
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Santana: Magical East Coast Full-Day Tour
From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin and Whale Watching

€40
per adult
From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin and Whale Watching
Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal

€43
per adult
Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal
Lighthouse View 2: Ponta de São Lourenço Boat Tour

Madeira: Ponta de São Lourenço Lighthouse Boat Tour

€18
per adult
Madeira: Ponta de São Lourenço Lighthouse Boat Tour
Caldeirão Verde Levadas Walk in Madeira

Caldeirão Verde Levadas Walk in Madeira

€48
per adult
Caldeirão Verde Levadas Walk in Madeira
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What to do in Santa Cruz

Stay near popular Santa Cruz attractions

A pebble beach with a pier, palm trees, and colorful buildings on a hillside.

Palmeiras Beach

8.2/10 (368 reviews)
The beach fronting Santa Cruz features sheltered ocean swimming, relaxing seawater pools, a fun-filled water park and magnificent views of the Desertas Islands.
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A garden with geometric flower beds and palm trees.

Funchal

A coastal town with a winding road, a beach, and mountains in the background.

Machico

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Santa Cruz is visit CR7 Museum. Tick this leading attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's fishing and coastal beaches.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
CR7 Museum and Lido Bathing Complex are two excellent places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the shopping and dining options in Santa Cruz while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz is CR7 Museum, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
Three days is enough for a quick getaway to Santa Cruz — you'll tick off the main attractions and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you really want to soak it all in, plan at least a week to explore the nearby areas too.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our ideas for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Santa Cruz, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Museu da Madeira Wine Company or Civic Centre of Santa Maria Maior.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Santa Cruz. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Palmeiras Beach is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.