Santa Cruz

The municipality of Santa Cruz, whose area of 95.5 km2 covers also the Desertas Islands, visible from the coast, lies on the South coast of Madeira Island and is composed of five villages: Santa Cruz and Caniço, towards the sea, and Gaula, Camacha and Santo António da Serra, in the interior of the municipality. The Foundation of the village who gave him the name dates back to the early 15TH century is therefore one of the oldest on the island, and its name is due to the discoverers who, coming to this land and finding some trunks tipped by time, of them did a cross that hung at the top of a tree, giving rise to the name of Santa Cruz. Alongside the construction of the cross, erected on a site in celebration of discovery cruise, who disappeared in 1889. The June 26, 1515, is created the municipality of Santa Cruz, and the village was elevated to a town on August 2, 1996. Currently, the County enjoys a high dynamic which is reflected in an evident economic and demographic growth, also thanks to the tourist potential and supply generated by the historic, cultural, natural richness and landscape of the County, with emphasis on the waterfront, the forest areas in the interior and the Natural Reserve of Selvagens Islands. Santa Cruz is also home of the Madeiran traditional arts, whose secular techniques if mirror in pieces of embroidery, wood, cane, straw, wicker and wooden spoons characteristics.

What to do in Santa Cruz

Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

Summer: 17 water parks in Portugal

Spend a different weekend or add some adrenaline to your summer vacation with these water parks. There is fun for the w…

Where to eat in Santa Cruz

Where to sleep in Santa Cruz

PortoBay Serra Golf
PortoBay Serra Golf

4 star

The former coaching inn Serra Golf, located in Santo da Serra, is now the Porto Bay Sierra Golf. Your name does not doubt, and the hotel is the best located ho…

Hotel Galomar - Galo Resort
Hotel Galomar - Galo Resort

4 star

Localizado numa falésia em Ponta d'Oliveira, oferece vistas deslumbrantes sobre o Oceano, permitindo acesso direto ao mar. Dispõe de piscinas interior e exteri…

Vila Joaninha
Vila Joaninha

Manor house set on a farm with 14000m2, located in front of the Santo da Serra Golf Course and only 10 minutes away from Machico and Santa Cruz beaches. It of…

Near Santa Cruz

São Vicente

São Vicente


Located in the North of the island of Madeira, the municipality of São Vicente occupies an area of about 80 square miles and consists of the parishes…

Calheta

Calheta


The municipality of Calheta is located between the south and far west of Madeira island. The municipality is bordered on northwest by the municipalit…

Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol


The municipality of Ponta do Sol, based in the city of the same name, is located 18 kilometres from Funchal, on the South coast of Madeira Island. It…

Ribeira Brava

Ribeira Brava


Created May 6, 1914, the municipality of Ribeira Brava has an area of 65 km2 and is formed by the parishes of Belfry, Ribeira Brava, Serra de Água an…