Santa Cruz, Madeira, located on the eastern coast of the island, is a picturesque borough that boasts stunning natural beauty and a range of activities for visitors of all ages. With five parishes, including Camacha, Caniço, Gaula, Santa Cruz, and Santo António da Serra, as well as the offshore Desertas Islands, this destination is perfect for nature lovers and families alike. In this blog, we will take you on a journey through the best that Santa Cruz Madeira has to offer, from its breathtaking beaches and lush mountains to its local attractions and activities.
1. Camacha, a charming town full of culture and craftsmanship
Just 7km northeast of Funchal and 6km west of Santa Cruz, Camacha is most famous for its wickerwork industry, where talented craftsmen showcase their skill by weaving beautiful baskets, hats, and other items from locally-grown willows.
The town is also known for its lively Apple Festival in October and traditional folklore dances, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience an authentic lifestyle in Madeira.
What to do in Camacha:
– Café Relógio – an iconic building that once housed one of the last few wicker factories. Unfortunately, it is now closed but you can still explore nearby shops that offer a wide range of handcrafted products, both traditional and contemporary.
– Largo da Achada, a great park in the centre of Camacha, with a football field, a playground and a small bar. This is where the first organized game of football in Portugal took place in 1875. There is also the village market and public toilets.
– Visit the Casa do Povo de Camacha, a cultural centre where you can learn about the history of wickerwork and watch demonstrations of traditional dances.
– Levada da Serra do Faial – an easy 11.3km out-and-back trail near Camacha that is considered a moderately challenging route and takes around 3h12min to complete. It can get quite busy so start the trail early in the day.
2. Caniço, a coastal town located halfway between Funchal and the airport
Caniço offers a wealth of attractions – from its gorgeous scenery, warm climate, and stunning beaches to its luxurious hotels and lively bars and restaurants. It’s no wonder Caniço is such a popular destination for visitors to Madeira.
What to do in Caniço:
– The Garajau Partial Natural Reserve, established in 1986, spans six miles and boasts abundant biological diversity and crystal clear waters. It’s a popular spot for scientists, tourists, and recreational activities.
– The Cristo Rei statue in Garajau, inaugurated on October 30, 1927, was the world’s first of its kind. Its French sculptors, Pierre Charles Lenoir and Georges Serraz, made the 14-meter concrete statue.
From the hilltop where it stands, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Funchal and Caniço de Baixo. Notably, it predates the famous Cristo Rei statue in Brazil, which was built in 1931.
– The serene Praia do Garajau in the Garajau Partial Natural Reserve is perfect for diving, snorkelling, and kayaking. Access the beach via the Garajau Cable Car, or with a partial drive followed by a walk. Taking the cable car is more enjoyable due to the steep hill.
– The Praia dos Reis Magos is renowned for its beach with clear waters. The beach has been awarded the blue flag for its excellent quality. The area also features catering and sports establishments, as well as charming basaltic stone houses previously occupied by fishermen.
A seaside promenade follows the beach, and two four-star hotels, Hotel Riu and Hotel Four Views Oásis, are located nearby.
3. Gaula, a unique parish spanning from the sea to the mountains
Gaula is located just 10 minutes drive from the airport and around 25 minutes from Funchal.
Known for manufacturing Madeira Embroidery, the parish also has the most fountains listed as a heritage that’s worth exploring.
What to do in Gaula:
– Enjoy the views from the Miradouro da Contenda – The “Contenda Viewpoint” offers stunning scenery of the ocean and the island’s tropical nature. Located halfway between the sea and mountains, the viewpoint is surrounded by greenery and provides benches for relaxation. Visitors can see points of interest such as Ponta de São Lourenço, Santa Cruz, and on clear days, the Desertas Islands.
– Plane spotting – you can find many local bars and hidden viewpoints along the road that offer great views of the airport. If the visibility is optimal, you can watch the planes landing and taking off, while drinking your coffee.
4. Santa Cruz, the coastal capital city of the borough of Santa Cruz, Madeira
Located on the east coast of the island, Santa Cruz is a charming city famous for its seafront promenade and pebbly Praia das Palmeiras beach.
The city boasts historic 16th-century buildings such as the ornate São Salvador church and the town hall.
The Funchal international airport is also located in Santa Cruz. Informally known as Funchal Airport, it was previously called Santa Catarina Airport, and officially named Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in 2016.
What to do in Santa Cruz:
– Santa Cruz Cultural Centre / Quinta do Revoredo – This public space is dedicated to promoting various cultural activities and is an important hub for the arts in the area.
Inside the Quinta do Revoredo building, you’ll find several exhibition rooms, a ‘plastic arts’ workshop, a photography lab, and a library. And if you’re in the mood for some outdoor entertainment, there’s a charming open-air amphitheatre where you can catch a show.
But the Cultural Centre isn’t just about indoor and outdoor spaces. The mansion itself is a beautiful sight, surrounded by well-kept gardens that are home to the renowned dragon tree and a variety of other plant species. It’s a lovely place to take a stroll and soak up some greenery.
– Praia das Palmeiras – If you’re looking for a beautiful beach in Santa Cruz, Praia das Palmeiras is definitely worth checking out. One thing to note though, the pebbles on the beach are quite large, which can make it a bit tricky to get into the sea. But don’t worry, there’s a great alternative nearby.
If you head over to the local free swimming pool complex nearby, you’ll find two swimming pools. The first one is perfect for kids, while the other is much larger and great for anyone.
– Aquaparque Madeira – With a capacity for over 1,000 people, this aqua park offers a ton of fun options for all ages. You can ride down one of the five toboggan rides or try out one of the four fast slides. There are also two seawater swimming pools, one of which is reserved for children, and a saltwater lazy river that runs around the pools.
One of the coolest things about this aqua park is the show of birds and reptiles, which is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. The Aquaparque is only opened during the summer so check before you travel.
– Piscinas de Ribeira da Boaventura – Located near the Aquaparque Madeira, the Piscinas de Ribeira da Boaventura complex has two swimming pools that are perfect for families with children. There’s also a generous solarium area where you can catch some rays and soak up the sun.
And if you want to take a dip in the sea, there’s even a small protected bay located between the boating area and the swimming pools.
– Promenade de Santa Cruz – If you’re looking for a beautiful walk by the sea, you should definitely check out the sea-front promenade. It starts at the Piscinas de Ribeira da Boaventura and takes you all the way through to Casa da Cultura, passing by Praia das Palmeiras along the way.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even continue on to a small harbour located under the west side of the airport. However, be aware that there have been some ongoing improvement works in the area, so access may be restricted at the moment.
5. Santo António da Serra, a romantic little town, above Machico and Santa Cruz
Santo da Serra, located above the towns of Machico and Santa Cruz, Madeira, is a charming and romantic little town surrounded by fragrant eucalyptus and pine trees. The town is dotted with beautiful villas and country houses, boasting lush gardens that add to its allure.
On Sundays, the town comes alive with the opening of the Farmers’ market. This is a popular destination for locals from across the Santa Cruz borough, who gather to purchase fresh, locally grown produce such as fruits, vegetables, and honey. It’s also an excellent opportunity to catch up with friends over a refreshing drink of poncha, a traditional Madeiran cocktail made with local rum, honey, sugar, and lemon juice.
What to do in Santo da Serra:
– Quinta do Santo – This park is a favourite of families, students, and visitors alike. Originally built in the late 19th century by the Blandy family in the English colonial style, the park later became the official holiday residence of the President of the Regional Government.
Today, it’s a public leisure and recreation space with plenty to offer, from animals like peacocks, fallow deer, and Garrano horses to a mini-golf course and tennis court.
One of the highlights of Quinta do Santo is its stunning flora, which includes exotic species like azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias.
And if you’re looking for a great view, be sure to check out the park’s viewpoint overlooking the municipality of Machico, Ponta de São Lourenço, and even the island of Porto Santo.
– Ribeira Primeira Park – The park boasts dense sub-tropical vegetation of the ancient Laurissilva forest, which is around 20 million years old and home to many endemic species of Macaronesia.
The sound of the flowing Ribeira Primeira, meaning pure and fresh water, adds to the calming atmosphere of the place.
One of the main attractions of the park is an eleven-lagoon trail where visitors can fish for trout, which can then be cooked in an outdoor picnic area.
Additionally, the park has a Coffee Shop & Tea House where visitors can enjoy refreshments.
– Santo da Serra Golf Club – one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in Madeira. Located a short distance from Funchal and less than 15 minutes from the Madeira International Airport, the Santo da Serra Golf Club offers a breathtaking view of Machico bay.
It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and green mountain ranges, making it an extraordinary natural setting for golf enthusiasts. With 9003 metres and 27 holes, the course features generous fairways and greens, offering various levels of difficulty for players. It is an ideal place for both relaxed matches and challenging games.
The Santo da Serra Golf Club has hosted the Madeira Island Open, a part of the European PGA Tour, for many years. Playing golf in this botanical garden, with its rich flora and four lakes, is a refined, serene, and fun experience.
6. Desertas Islands, a group of three uninhabited islands located about 26km southeast of Madeira
The Desertas are sometimes referred to as the Galapagos of Europe due to their unique wildlife. The largest island, Deserta Grande, is 12km long and has towering red and grey cliffs with scrubby vegetation.
The islands are a haven for rare and endangered wildlife, including the marvellous Mediterranean monk seals. With only a few hundred left in the world, these seals find refuge on the Desertas, where a colony of around 25 of them has quadrupled since 1988.
In addition to the seals, the islands are home to a variety of intriguing sea life, such as the barred hogfish, Mediterranean slipper lobster, and several species of turtles. The skies are filled with rich birdlife, ranging from kestrels, canaries, and buzzards to possibly the largest colony of Bulwer’s petrel in the Atlantic.
How to get to the Desertas and what to do there:
Boat trip – Visitors can take a boat trip to the islands to see the wildlife up close and explore the rugged coastline. The islands are also home to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the region. The trip can take around 45 minutes from Canico port or 90 minutes if you’re travelling from Funchal.
With its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and diverse range of attractions, the borough of Santa Cruz, Madeira, is the perfect destination for tourists of all ages. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a relaxing holiday, there’s something for everyone in this charming region.
So why not come and explore the best of Santa Cruz Borough with us? Visit the statue of The Cristo Rei in Garajau, feed the animals in Quinta do Santo da Serra, or simply relax on the many beautiful beaches. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable holiday in this beautiful part of Madeira.