Things to do in Santa Cruz

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Santa Cruz Beach featuring a pebble beach and a coastal town as well as a small group of people
Santa Cruz Beach featuring a pebble beach and tropical scenes
Santa Cruz Beach which includes rocky coastline
Santa Cruz Beach featuring tropical scenes and a pebble beach
Santa Cruz Beach showing a coastal town and a pebble beach

Santa Cruz Attractions

Smaller cities have a vibe you just don't find in their larger counterparts. Jot down all the exciting things to do in Santa Cruz before you travel so you can pack the most into your break. You'll soon learn that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better!

Find out what makes Santa Cruz tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Check out our top {500 fun activities in Santa Cruz fun activities in Santa Cruz}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

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Most popular activities in Santa Cruz

Tours & day trips

See all 452 activities
Funchal: Enchanted Terraces, Porto do Moniz & Fanal 4WD Tour

Funchal: Enchanted Terraces, Porto do Moniz & Fanal 4WD Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $74 per adult*
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Private & custom tours

See all 133 activities
Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $38 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 19 activities
Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $37 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 9 activities
Funchal: Sunset Sailing Private Tour

Funchal: Sunset Sailing Private Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $533 per traveler*
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Shows & concerts

See all 4 activities
Madeira: Folk Dancing Show and Traditional Local Dinner

Madeira: Folk Dancing Show and Traditional Local Dinner

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $46 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz

Number of things to do
500
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Ponta Do Sol : Madeira Banana Museum guided tour: $11
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Santa Cruz

Free Things to Do in Santa Cruz

Sightseeing on a limited budget in Santa Cruz? Spend time instead of money on great experiences.

Santa Cruz Beach - Be on the lookout for colorful shells and other ocean gems dotted along the coastline here.

Things to Do in Santa Cruz with Kids

There are lots of outstanding experiences in Santa Cruz that the whole gang will enjoy. These are a few of the best family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Santa Cruz? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Cruz

Ponta da Oliveira showing landscape views and general coastal views

Ponta da Oliveira

Find a secluded dive spot in the cove protected by this dramatic rocky bluff or walk along cliff-top paths to take in Atlantic coast views.

Ponta da Oliveira

Santo da Serra Market

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Santo da Serra Market during your trip to Santo da Serra. While you're in the area, wander around the gardens.

Santo da Serra Market

Quinta Da Junta

Explore the great outdoors at Quinta Da Junta, a lovely green space in Santo da Serra. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Quinta Da Junta

Palheiro Golfe

Enjoy a round of golf in Canico at Palheiro Golfe. Stroll along the seaside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Palheiro Golfe

Garajau Cable Car

You can take time to visit Garajau Cable Car during your travels to Canico. Amble around the area's seaside or visit its spas.

Garajau Cable Car

Cristo Rei

You can learn about the history of Canico with a trip to Cristo Rei. Stroll along the seaside or attend a sporting event in the area.

Cristo Rei

Aquaparque Madeira

Enjoy an outing to Aquaparque Madeira during your stay in Pinheiro.

Aquaparque Madeira

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Santa Cruz

Madeira

Funchal

Machico showing a pebble beach

Machico

Ponta da Oliveira which includes landscape views, a coastal town and general coastal views

Canico

Santana

Santana

Photo by Brian Scrivner

Porto da Cruz

Palheiro Gardens featuring a garden

Sao Goncalo

Madeira Botanical Garden which includes flowers

Santa Maria Maior

Monte Palace Gardens which includes a pond

Monte

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Santa Cruz is explore CR7 Museum. Tick this major attraction off your list, then discover more of this 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 kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Santa Cruz while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
CR7 Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Santa Cruz and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
Book a trip to Santa Cruz for three days and you'll have enough time to explore its most in-demand sights and get a feel for the local vibe. For the chance to see attractions in the surrounding areas and get off the tourist trail, consider staying for seven to ten days.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all ages, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in Santa Cruz for adults including Museu da Madeira Wine Company and Universo de Memorias Joao Carlos Abreu.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Santa Cruz. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Palmeiras Beach is a must for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.