Santa Cruz

A seafront town beside the airport with a lido, a beach and a water park.

Palm-lined seafront promenade at Santa Cruz, Madeira
Photo: Ввласенко · CC BY-SA 3.0

Santa Cruz has a palm-lined promenade, a public lido complex, a pebble beach and the Aquaparque — which makes it the most family-practical stop on the east coast.

What families use it for

The Praia das Palmeiras lido has pools, sea access and lifeguards; the water park above town has slides and a wave pool in summer. Both are cheap by resort standards.

The 16th-century church of São Salvador in the centre is worth ten minutes.

Local tips

  • Planes land directly overhead — children tend to consider this a feature.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Coastal road on Madeira leading towards Funchal
    30 minutes Airport

    Madeira Airport Private Transfer

    Fixed-price private transfer between Cristiano Ronaldo Airport and your accommodation, day or night.

  • Family-friendly sailing boat on calm water off Madeira
    3 hours Caniçal

    Ponta de São Lourenço Boat Tour

    A calm coastal boat tour around the eastern peninsula's red cliffs — sea caves, swim stops and the easiest way to get the family on the water.

  • Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour in Madeira
    7.5 hours Santana 4.9(247)

    Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour

    Get ready to explore the enchanting landscapes of eastern Madeira, where every moment promises lasting memories.

  • Full Day Jeep Safari East - Pico do Areeiro - Santana - Ponta de são Lourenço in Madeira
    7 hours Santana 4.8(918)

    Full Day Jeep Safari East - Pico do Areeiro - Santana - Ponta de são Lourenço

    Get to know the true spirit of the Island in this unique fashion 4x4 tour, the only way to enjoy the magnificent scenery of these unknown areas. An opportunity to 'step back in time'.

  • Full Day East Tour at Pico do Arieiro and Santana with Pickup in Madeira
    8 hours Santana 5.0(54)

    Full Day East Tour at Pico do Arieiro and Santana with Pickup

    Why explore the East of Madeira in a noisy, polluting car when you can experience it in silence, comfort, and style? We don't just show you places– we help you feel the heart of Madeira’s wild side.

  • Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer in Madeira
    5 hours Machico 5.0(15)

    Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer

    Embark on a self-guided hike from Porto da Cruz to Machico. Enjoy a scenic hike through the northeast coast of Madeira and admire the different vegetation and dramatic scenery changes.

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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