Santa Cruz
When arriving by plane in Madeira, it is difficult to imagine a more emblematic scenery of the island's impressive landscape. Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, located in Santa Cruz, welcomes travelers with a breathtaking view: on one side, the vibrant blue of the ocean and, on the other, the imposing mountains.
Santa Cruz, located on the east coast of Madeira, is 18 kilometers from Funchal, the capital of the archipelago. The history of this municipality dates back to the fifteenth century, when João Gonçalves Zarco, while exploring the island, found in this dense area of trees ancient cedars, of which he had a cross made, thus giving the place its name.
Being one of the oldest settlements in the archipelago, Santa Cruz is currently home to about 43 thousand inhabitants, spread over five parishes: Camacha, Caniço, Gaula, Santo António da Serra and Santa Cruz.
For those who want to explore Santa Cruz, there are several points of interest where Nature is displayed with particular beauty. From beaches, viewpoints and gardens to a nature reserve, there is a lot to discover. In addition, the various towns in the municipality offer a rich cultural and traditional experience.
