Madeira Islands, Portugal

Santa Cruz Beaches

Overview

Santa Cruz offers a charming coastal experience on the island of Madeira. While it's a lovely base, it's good to know that Santa Cruz isn't primarily famous for long sandy stretches. The town's main beach, Praia das Palmeiras, is mostly pebbles but offers pleasant spots for sunbathing and swimming in generally clear Atlantic waters. You'll also notice the town's close proximity to the airport, with planes adding a unique dynamic to the seaside atmosphere.

Although Praia das Palmeiras is pebbly, finding sand nearby is easy. A short trip takes you to Praia de Machico, known for its imported golden sand, offering a more traditional beach feel. For something truly dramatic, the stunning black sand beach of Praia de Seixal on the north coast is a must-see, framed by lush green cliffs.

For the ultimate golden sand escape, consider a day trip to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo. Its famous nine-kilometre Porto Santo Beach is legendary. Madeira's coastline features a mix of pebble beaches, dramatic cliffs, and unique swimming complexes. Explore our full guide for more details on these beaches and other coastal spots around Santa Cruz.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Santa Cruz a good place for a typical sandy beach holiday?

Santa Cruz is a charming coastal town, but it's not primarily known for long, sandy beaches like some other destinations. The main beach, Praia das Palmeiras, is pebbly. While pleasant for sunbathing and swimming, if your priority is vast stretches of golden sand, you might consider nearby Machico, which has an artificial sandy beach, or exploring other parts of Madeira known for sand, like Calheta.

Can you swim in the sea at Santa Cruz beaches? What's the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the sea around Santa Cruz. Praia das Palmeiras has relatively calm waters, especially within the protected areas, making it suitable for swimming. Like most of Madeira, the Atlantic water temperature is refreshing, typically ranging from 18°C in winter to 24°C in summer. Water clarity is generally good.

Are the beaches in Santa Cruz sandy or pebbly?

The main beach in Santa Cruz, Praia das Palmeiras, is primarily a pebble beach. There are concrete platforms and piers for easier access to the water. If you're looking for sand, the nearby town of Machico has an imported golden sand beach.

What is Praia das Palmeiras like?

Praia das Palmeiras is the main beach complex in Santa Cruz. It features pebble areas, concrete sunbathing platforms, sea access ladders, two saltwater swimming pools (one for adults, one for children), and is adjacent to a water park (Aquaparque Madeira). It offers good facilities like showers, toilets, changing rooms, and nearby cafes/restaurants.

Are there any sandy beaches near Santa Cruz?

Yes, the closest sandy beach is Praia da Banda d'Além in Machico, about a 10-15 minute drive from Santa Cruz. This beach was created with imported golden sand from Morocco. Further away, Calheta and Seixal (black sand) also offer sandy options.

How do the beaches in Santa Cruz compare to Machico?

Santa Cruz's main beach (Praia das Palmeiras) is pebbly with swimming pools and a water park, offering a mix of natural sea access and complex facilities. Machico offers a large, artificial golden sand beach (Praia da Banda d'Além) which is better for traditional sandcastle-building and lounging on sand, plus a local pebble beach. Machico's bay is generally very calm.

Are Santa Cruz beaches good for families and children?

Yes, Praia das Palmeiras in Santa Cruz can be family-friendly. It has children's swimming pools, the adjacent Aquaparque Madeira water park (seasonal), relatively calm sea access points, and essential facilities. The pebble surface might be less ideal for toddlers wanting to play in the sand compared to Machico's sandy beach.

What facilities are available at Santa Cruz beaches?

Praia das Palmeiras is well-equipped with facilities including public toilets, showers, changing rooms, lifeguard surveillance during bathing season, sunbed rentals (check availability), access ramps, swimming pools, and nearby snack bars, cafes, and restaurants along the promenade.

Is it easy to get to the beaches from Santa Cruz town?

Yes, Praia das Palmeiras is located right in front of Santa Cruz town, easily accessible on foot from most central accommodation. The promenade connects the beach area directly with the town centre.

Does the nearby airport noise affect the beaches in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is very close to Madeira's Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, and you will see and hear planes taking off and landing while at the beach. While some find it intrusive, many visitors find it interesting or get used to it quickly. It's part of the town's character.

What's the general vibe or atmosphere at Santa Cruz beaches?

The atmosphere at Praia das Palmeiras is generally relaxed and popular with both locals and tourists, especially families. It's less crowded than Funchal's main complexes but can get busy in peak summer. The adjacent promenade is pleasant for walks. It feels more like a local town beach complex than a sprawling tourist resort beach.

Are there natural swimming pools near Santa Cruz?

While Santa Cruz itself has man-made saltwater pools at Praia das Palmeiras, the famous Madeiran natural volcanic swimming pools are found elsewhere on the island, notably Porto Moniz and Seixal on the north coast. These require a drive or tour to visit from Santa Cruz.

Is Praia do Garajau or Reis Magos beach easily reachable from Santa Cruz?

Praia do Garajau and Praia dos Reis Magos are located in Caniço, further west towards Funchal. They are about a 15-20 minute drive from Santa Cruz. Reis Magos is a popular pebble beach known for clear water and diving, while Garajau (accessed by cable car or steep path) is part of a marine nature reserve.

Our selection of beaches to do the things you love

Beaches for Every Taste

Local gems for everyone

Explore More Local Beaches

The fastest way to find the best Santa Cruz Beaches

Santa Cruz Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Santa Cruz: Weather Today

📅 Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Today is shaping up to be a decent beach day in Santa Cruz. The air temperature will reach a high of 22.4 °C. The sea is a pleasant 22.2 °C and the waves should be manageable. Expect a fair amount of cloud cover throughout the day. The wind will be light, though occasional stronger gusts are possible. The UV index will be high at 7.3, so be sure to apply sunscreen regularly.
🌬️

Air

Low / High18.1°C/22.4°C
Feels Like (High)23.9°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature22.2 °C
Wave Height0.9 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0.8 mm
Rain Duration4 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:58/21:14
Sunshine Hours13.1 hrs
UV Index7.3
Cloud Cover62%
💨

Wind

Speed9.8 km/h
Gusts20.9 km/h
DirectionSE

More Beaches Nearby

Explore More

Portugal
Portugal Beaches
Madeira Islands
Madeira Islands Beaches