Welcome to Santa Cruz, a beautiful town located on the southeastern coast of Madeira Island, Portugal. Santa Cruz is a perfect holiday destination for those who seek a combination of relaxation, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Here’s your tourist visitor guide to Santa Cruz:
Attractions:
- Santa Cruz Beach: This beautiful beach with clear water and fine sand is perfect for a swim or some sunbathing. There is a promenade with gardens, cafes, and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy a drink or a meal with a sea view.
- Miradouro do Pináculo: From this viewpoint, you can admire the stunning coastline of Santa Cruz and the surrounding mountains. It’s especially stunning during sunset or sunrise.
- Quinta do Santo da Serra: This estate has a beautiful garden with exotic plants and a golf course. It also has a museum showcasing the history of Madeira and some exhibitions.
- Igreja de Santa Cruz: This church is one of the oldest in Madeira dating back to the 16th century. Its interior has some impressive gold carvings and paintings.
Activities:
- Levada Walks: Madeira is famous for its levadas, which are small artificial channels that carry water from the mountains to the fields. There are several levadas in Santa Cruz that you can explore on nature hikes, such as Levada do Caniçal or Levada do Rei.
- Watersports: Santa Cruz Beach is a great place to try some watersports such as surfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.
- Whale Watching: Madeira Island is one of the best places in Europe to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Several companies offer boat tours from Funchal, which is only a 15-minute drive from Santa Cruz.
- Local Markets: Every Sunday morning, the farmer's market in Santa Cruz offers a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, handicrafts, and food products. It's an excellent place to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Food:
- Espetada: Madeira’s signature dish is Espetada, which is skewered meat flame-grilled on a bay stick. It’s usually served with a side of bread and vegetables.
- Poncha: This is a traditional local drink made with rum, lemon juice, and honey. It’s a refreshing and potent beverage that you can find in most bars and restaurants.
- Bolo do Caco: This is a round flatbread made with wheat flour and sweet potato that is often served as a side with grilled meats or with garlic butter.
- Queijada: These small cheese tarts are a classic Madeiran dessert made with local cheese, eggs, and sugar.
Accommodation:
Santa Cruz has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budget and style preferences. There are several guesthouses, hotels, and villas in the area, many with sea views or near the beach.
Transportation:
You can reach Santa Cruz by car or bus from Funchal, which is about a 15-minute drive away. The local bus service also connects Santa Cruz with other parts of the island.
We hope this tourist visitor guide to Santa Cruz has helped you plan your vacation in Madeira Island. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful town!
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