Santa Cruz

Travel Guide

A lush green valley with terraced fields and scattered houses.
A beach with a row of sun loungers and a few people in the distance.

Stay near popular Santa Cruz attractions

Pedra Badejo Beach

8.0/10 (31 reviews)
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Pedra Badejo Beach during your travels in Santa Cruz? Discover the area's museums and shops.
See properties

Things to do

Hiking to Vale de Gongon – Sierra Malagueta Trail

Hiking to Vale de Gongon – Sierra Malagueta Trail

$101
per adult
Hiking to Vale de Gongon – Sierra Malagueta Trail
From Praia: Discover Santiago Island in 1 Day

From Praia: Discover Santiago Island in 1 Day

$89
per adult
From Praia: Discover Santiago Island in 1 Day
Old Town: Private historical tour with meals and admissions included

Old Town: Private historical tour with meals and admissions included

$225
per traveler
Old Town: Private historical tour with meals and admissions included
4h Guided city tour Praia & Cidade Velha

Praia & Cidade Velha: Guided City Tour

$51
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Praia & Cidade Velha: Guided City Tour
Picture 37 for Activity From Praia: Explore the entire island of Santiago in 1 day with tastings

From Praia: Explore the entire island of Santiago in 1 day with tastings

$51
per adult
From Praia: Explore the entire island of Santiago in 1 day with tastings
Santiago ISLAND TOUR by Aventour - Nature & Local Life Tour

Santiago Island Tour with Aventour: Nature and Local Life

$67
per adult
Santiago Island Tour with Aventour: Nature and Local Life
See all activities in Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
Santa Cruz is worth visiting for its unique attractions, such as Espinho Branco and Porto Madeira. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse culinary scene, with options ranging from delicious Latin American to flavorful Asian dining experiences.
When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz?
The best time to visit Santa Cruz is from January through May, when the climate is mild and pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the warmer months of August through October are a good bet, offering a more relaxed experience for travelers.
What is Santa Cruz known for?
Santa Cruz is known for its institutions such as Espinho Branco and Porto Madeira. Travelers can also visit the Pedra Badejo Municipal Mall. This city in Cape Verde offers a distinct Latin American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Santa Cruz?
A good itinerary length for Santa Cruz is two to three days to explore attractions like Espinho Branco, Porto Madeira, and Pedra Badejo Municipal Mall, plus the Banana Plantation / Black Sand Beach Experience. An extended stay of four to five days allows for a more relaxed pace, deeper exploration of these sites, and enjoying the local Latin American, Asian, and Italian cuisines. See Santa Cruz Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz offers a mix of landmarks and unique experiences for travelers to explore:


How do I plan a trip to Santa Cruz?
To plan your trip to Santa Cruz, search for places to stay and book flights in advance. Consider a rental car for exploring landmarks like Espinho Branco and Porto Madeira, and activities such as the Banana Plantation / Black Sand Beach Experience. Plan outdoor time for early morning or late afternoon.
What cuisines can you find in Santa Cruz?
In Santa Cruz you can find Portuguese cuisine, with dishes like Bacalhau à Brás and Pastel de Nata. Travelers can also enjoy Latin American options such as tacos and burritos, along with various Asian cuisines like Chinese and Japanese, and Italian dishes. There are also many coffee shops and dessert shops available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Santa Cruz?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Santa Cruz by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Santa Cruz with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Santa Cruz trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Santa Cruz?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Santa Cruz can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Santa Cruz trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Santa Cruz trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Santa Cruz trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Santa Cruz trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Santa Cruz?
If it's your first trip to Santa Cruz, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Santa Cruz hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Santa Cruz hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia