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Things to do in Santa Cruz

30 experiences — hand-picked & rephrased

Top 25 things to do in Santa Cruz

  1. Madeira’s Fanal Assobiadores Guided Nature Walk, Santa Cruz01

    1. Madeira’s Fanal Assobiadores Guided Nature Walk

    5 hoursFrom₹5,795/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Embark on a breathtaking hike from Paul da Serra to Fanal, one of the few places in Madeira where you can see the Laurissilva vegetation at its best. Admire ancient trees, birds, and breathtaking views over the Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira valleys. Enjoy the magnificent Fanal area, a small volcanic crater classified as a rest reserve by the Madeira Natural Park. Discover the beauty of this area, which lies not only in the forest of large century-old Ocofea foefens trees. A very special walking expedition for regular hikers! Walking time: approx. 4.5 hrs. Walking distance: 11.5 km. Difficulty Grade: Moderate Walk.

  2. Madeira Amazing West on Jeep Safari Mountain Expedition, Santa Cruz02

    2. Madeira Amazing West on Jeep Safari Mountain Expedition

    7 hoursFrom₹7,840/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Embark on a thrilling full-day adventure along Madeira’s rugged North Coast! This unforgettable safari takes you deep into the island’s stunning landscapes as you drive through some of its most scenic and iconic locations like: Funchal, Lugar de Baixo, Candelaria, Lombo Mouro, Paul da Serra, Fanal, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and São Vicente. Breathe in the pure, fresh air of the mystical Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as you explore Madeira's most breathtaking natural wonders. With crystal-clear skies, majestic views, and hidden treasures around every corner, this tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the island’s wild, untouched beauty. Whether you're gazing at the dramatic coastline, exploring volcanic rock formations, or wandering through lush forests, this adventure is sure to leave you inspired. Available daily, don’t miss your chance to discover the true heart of Madeira!

  3. Sudoeste Tour Ponta do Sol & Calheta it a walk in banana route, Santa Cruz03

    3. Sudoeste Tour Ponta do Sol & Calheta it a walk in banana route

    From₹22,724/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    This experience along the southwest coast of the island, gives you some of the traditions and cultures of the island of Madeira. The banana plantation, and the fishing villages in which it was the bread of our ancestors and still it is for some families. This coast of the island is known for being nice and warmer relative to the north side.

  4. Madeira Queimadas Caldeirão Verde, Santa Cruz04

    4. Madeira Queimadas Caldeirão Verde

    7 hoursFrom₹5,681/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    This is a Levada walk whose beauty amazes us all along the trail. We start at the Queimadas guest house, heading west through dense, emerald green vegetation that leads us to Caldeirão Verde. Along the Levada, the landscapes are spectacular, we are surprised by beautiful villages at the foot of the valleys, by a waterfall, and by tunnels that we must cross, until we finally reach the majestic waterfall of Caldeirão Verde. After a short rest and picnic break, we begin our return journey. More than just a walk, it’s a passage through Madeira’s most hidden landscapes.

  5. Vereda do Larano: Machico to Porto da Cruz via Boca do Risco, Santa Cruz05

    5. Vereda do Larano: Machico to Porto da Cruz via Boca do Risco

    6 hoursFrom₹5,454/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    This walk connects Machico to Porto da Cruz through an old footpath once used by the local people to move from one place to another to do exchange business. This was a path once used by local people to travel between these two locations that offers breathtaking views of the north coast of the island and with an adventurous coastal path above the sea.

  6. Madeira Combo Tour: Levada Walk & Jeep Safari, Santa Cruz06

    6. Madeira Combo Tour: Levada Walk & Jeep Safari

    7 hoursFrom₹7,840/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Prepare for a full-day adventure and begin with a drive into the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its mild subtropical climate makes exploring this 40-million-year-old forest a delight, with ancient trees plunging into valleys and waterfalls cascading from cliffs, creating a magical atmosphere. After touring the forest, head out on foot to reach the summit of Pico do Arieiro where panoramic views of Madeira Island await. Next, visit the Miradouro do Guindaste viewpoint at Madeira’s northeastern tip, where dramatic sea cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean. Continue south to Porto da Cruz, home to one of Madeira’s oldest Catholic parishes, overlooked by the majestic Penha de Águia, a refuge for endangered seabirds. End your day at the jewel of Madeira’s east: Ponta de São Lourenço, where volcanic cliffs meet the endless Atlantic.

  7. Sunrise in Areeiro Peak, Santa Cruz07

    7. Sunrise in Areeiro Peak

    5.0· 72 reviewsFrom₹6,817/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    In Portugal they have a say: "early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise ", and in this tour you will experience the revigorating energy of a sunrise, and we will make sure you take this experience in your heart!

  8. Agriculture Green Tour, Santa Cruz08

    8. Agriculture Green Tour

    5.0· 6 reviews7 hoursFrom₹10,226/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Includes: Pick up and Drop Off Hotel, Qualified Guide for this tour, Small Groups. Maderian Lunch included, Snacks and drinks included. Recommendations: Please bring good footwear and warm jackets. During this excursion, you will be visiting, a private banana farm in Funchal, Biggest Banana Cooperation taking the old road to another interesting local family vegetable and fruit farm,that supplies most of our supermarket chains of the island, a cattle farm that provides most of its milk for the making of our famous “requeijão” cheese, and see the old milking techniques. Stop for lunch in a typical restaurant, visit to this wonderful village with farming history. Visit the rum factory with visit to this attraction, tasting of rum and maderian cake included, this factory exports most of the honeycake. After lunch a drive through countryside in the North stop at the cable car viewpoint. Return to the Hotel. Definetely a way to understand how farming in Madeira works, the tecniques used.

  9. Transfers DE arrival or DE departure to Funchal and Airport, Santa Cruz09

    9. Transfers DE arrival or DE departure to Funchal and Airport

    5.0· 5 reviewsFrom₹1,704/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmationLikely to sell out

    Transfer service DE from Funchal to the airport and vice versa conveniently and safely. No waiting saving time and money. You will be picked DE at your hotel or accommodation conveniently and taken to the airport. On arrival be directed immediately to a vehicle and conducted to your accommodation. ATTENTION! Price POR trail! (Only one way)

  10. Ponta de São Lourenço Trail with a Geologist (With Transfer), Santa Cruz10

    10. Ponta de São Lourenço Trail with a Geologist (With Transfer)

    5.0· 2 reviews5 hoursFrom₹10,907/ person
    Free cancellation

    - Hike along the iconic Ponta de São Lourenço Trail (PR8): Explore coastal trails with dramatic views over cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, where the peninsula’s arid climate creates an almost lunar environment — unique in Madeira; - Discover the island’s majestic volcanic geology: Observe geological strata and dike structures, including rocks less than 5.57 million years old, revealing the long and fascinating story of Madeira’s formation; - Perfect scenery for photography: Panoramic viewpoints and dramatic landscapes where the warm hues of the geological formations contrast with the deep blue of the ocean — the perfect backdrop for photos and social media content; - Touches of endemic fauna and flora: Brief encounters with seabirds and reptiles, along with small endemic plants that complete the experience.

  11. Sunset A Relaxing Experience and Stunning Views, Santa Cruz11

    11. Sunset A Relaxing Experience and Stunning Views

    5.0· 1 reviewsFrom₹3,977/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Contemplate the sunset at the most iconic peak of Madeira, the Pico do Areeiro! At sunset, the movement is smaller than at sunrise, providing a more relaxing and peaceful experience. With plenty of time to enjoy the view, you can take a little walk along the PR1 trail to the Manta Ninho, a natural viewpoint in the middle of the peaks that offers breathtaking views! If you don't like hiking, you can still enjoy the amazing views at a safer bench/miracle, just 5 minutes from the road.

  12. Package: 70€ 3 tours - 3 days, Santa Cruz12

    12. Package: 70€ 3 tours - 3 days

    5.0· 1 reviews20 hoursFrom₹9,658/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    This tour package 2+1 can help guests organize their trips for the week. This is a conveniente way to visit all the great attractions in 3 days at an affordable price. Two full days Western side of Madeira with attractions such as Câmara de Lobos fishing village,Cabo Girão high cliff, Porto Moniz natural pools, waterfalls and visit to São Vicente village. Second Tour Eastern Side, Pico Arieiro, Laurel Forest, balcões walk, and the typical houses of Santana, porto da cruz with rum tasting included and short walk 45 minutes along the levada, Machico and são lourenço eastern part of the island Both Tours are full day 7 hours. Half day tour - Nuns valley 4 hours. This tour is only bookable on mondays and thursdays morning. with the stop in monte, eira do serrado viewpoint 1100m, Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint. 355m Return to Funchal

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The activities ranked above are sorted by traveller rating and review count — start with the top 3 if you're short on time. Santa Cruz is strongest on heritage walks, food tours and outdoor day trips; the listicle covers all three categories. Most experiences are 3–6 hours and can be combined with a morning visit to a landmark.

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