Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz - A Short Introduction
By Madeira Online Editorial Staff
Apr 29, 2007 - 3:53:56 PM

Situated near to the only airport on the main island of Madeira lies the village of Santa Cruz . This municipality is adorned by a small lovely town centre which is worth a visit. Its palm-lined sea front and brightly coloured fishing boats offer a flourish of visual candy set against the typical basalt pebble beach. A small children's park - popular with the locals - complements the huge "aquaparque " (Water Fun Park) which makes Santa Cruz a hugely successful leisure district of Madeira.

Near the park you will find the Praia das Palmeiras lido (swimming area), a fish market and anopen air theatre.

To the east of the lido you will find public gardens where you will find palm trees and dragon trees surrounding picnic tables which offer remarkable views of the Ilhas Desertas.

Situated in the centre of the town you will find the parish church, Igreja de Santa Maria de Santa Cruz which is one of the oldest and largest church outside of Funchal. Building on the church began in 1479 and only completed in 1533.

Santa Cruz also has its own market where you are able to buy a wide assortment of fruit, vegetables and fish. The market is found behind the beach near the lido. Further along the beachfront you will find the remains of a fort which once guarded the village.

A new attraction in Santa Cruz is the Santa Cruz Aqua Park which recently opened in 2004.The park boasts a capacity for over 1 000 people, four fast slides, five tobbogan rides, two swimming pools a lazy river, bar and locker rooms. A sure place for the whole family to have fun.

A good time to go to Santa Cruz will be in late June when the village celebrates the “ Festa de São Pedro” where you can join in the festivities.