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
Portuguese, Regional
8.00 €
Simple and familiar space with a large, covered esplanade.
Italian
12.00 €
Large and pleasant restaurant, serving up Italian dishes, such as pizza.
Portuguese, Regional
12.50 €
Rustic and refined space, offering well prepared dishes, specially grills. The chicken roast spit i…
Portuguese, Regional
15.00 €
Restaurant at the Inn A Quinta, located on a slope surrounded by mountains. It offers regional dish…
Where to sleep in Santa Cruz
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…
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…
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
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…
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
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…
Machico
It was at Machico beach, in 1419, that the navigators Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz landed for the first time in Madeira, kicking off the colonizat…