Santa Cruz vacation rentals

We found 2,411 vacation rentals — enter your dates for availability

Select from 27 houses, 51 apartments, and other vacation rentals to find the perfect place for your stay in Santa Cruz. Vacation homes provide the best amenities for you and your friends, family, or even pets, like WiFi and a washer and dryer. At the end of the day, you'll find a rental for everyone's needs, including accessible or non-smoking choices.

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Find out more about Santa Cruz

Find the perfect vacation rental for your Santa Cruz getaway

Experience the unique character of Santa Cruz with a stay in a vacation home rental. There's no shortage of things to see and do in the area.Whether you're planning a family holiday, romantic stay or friends trip, vacation rentals offer features like full kitchens and laundry facilities for a more convenient stay.

Sightseeing in and around Santa Cruz

Are you hoping to find attractions to see in the city? Venture out of your vacation home and experience everything that Santa Cruz has to offer. These are some of the major attractions to explore, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

  • Palheiro Golf Club (5.3 mi / 8.5 km)
  • Lido Bathing Complex (9 mi / 14.4 km)
  • Ponta Gorda Bathing Complex (9.4 mi / 15.1 km)
  • Madeira Theme Park (9.7 mi / 15.5 km)
  • Santo da Serra Golf Club (2.5 mi / 4 km)
  • Eglise de Jesus-Bom Senhor (15 mi / 24.2 km)

Exploring the natural landscape of Santa Cruz

Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Santa Cruz is a great place to get outside. These are a few of the area's noteworthy natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

  • Palmeiras Beach (0.1 mi / 0.1 km)
  • Machico Beach (2.7 mi / 4.4 km)
  • Reis Magos Beach (3.5 mi / 5.6 km)
  • Palheiro Gardens (4.8 mi / 7.8 km)
  • Madeira Botanical Garden (6.3 mi / 10.2 km)
  • Monte Palace Gardens (6.4 mi / 10.4 km)

Transportation options to and around Santa Cruz

Fly into Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC), the closest airport, located 1 mi (1.6 km) from the city center.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Santa Cruz, Madeira Region, Portugal when booking a vacation rental?
When looking for the best area to stay in Santa Cruz, Madeira Region, Portugal, consider the charming neighborhood that surrounds the picturesque coastline. This area offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty and cultural experiences. One of the top attractions nearby is the stunning Ponta de São Lourenço, a beautiful nature reserve ideal for hiking and enjoying breathtaking ocean views. Additionally, the local market is a wonderful spot to experience authentic Madeiran culture, where you can find fresh produce and local crafts.

In terms of vacation rentals, there are a variety of properties available that cater to different tastes and budgets, ensuring that you can find a great spot to call home during your stay.
How much does it cost to rent a vacation home in Santa Cruz?
Prices for vacation rentals in Santa Cruz vary based on factors like travel dates, length of stay, accommodation type, and location. Simply enter your trip details to explore a wide range of options—whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or in a group. Vrbo offers something for every taste and budget, from affordable rentals in Santa Cruz to more spacious homes. To get the best value, book early and take advantage of Vrbo's free rewards program.
Are there any discounts for Santa Cruz vacation house rentals?
You can find great discounts on house rentals in Santa Cruz on Vrbo, including special rates on new listings and savings for weekly or monthly stays with top amenities such as a pool or parking. There are several discounts for Last minute bookings, and Early bird bookings too. The best part is, there's no need for a discount code—just enter your travel dates and apply the discount filters to view the top rates.
Can I find long-stay vacation rentals in Santa Cruz?
A long-stay vacation rental in Santa Cruz is the best way to experience local living. Plus, you can make the most of long-stay discounts. For month-long stays, save an average of 19%, and for week-long bookings you can save an average of 10%.* Long-stay discounts are applied automatically when you enter your vacation dates into the search tool, or you can use the "Weekly stay" and "Monthly stay" filters in your search.

*Based on analysis of Vrbo booking and occupancy data for 2024 stays.
Are there any Santa Cruz vacation rentals with parking?
Vrbo offers a wide selection of vacation rentals in Santa Cruz with parking available—perfect for families or travelers who value the convenience of having a car during their stay. To easily find these properties, simply enter your travel details on Vrbo and use the "Parking available" filter under the amenities section. This makes it quick and easy to browse listings that suit your needs, whether you're planning a short city break or a longer stay.
How early should I book a Santa Cruz vacation rental?
Book your Santa Cruz vacation rental at least two months before you travel for the best selection of properties.* Plus, you'll typically find that the earlier you book your vacation rental, the better the price.

*Based on analysis of Vrbo booking and occupancy data for 2024 stays.
What are the top attractions in Santa Cruz, Madeira Region, Portugal?
In Santa Cruz, Madeira Region, Portugal, visitors can experience a variety of attractions that highlight the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The town's charming coastal promenade offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a great spot for leisurely strolls. Nearby, the beautiful sandy beach of Praia das Palmeiras provides an ideal location for sunbathing and swimming.

For those interested in local culture, the historic center of Santa Cruz features traditional Madeiran architecture, quaint shops, and local restaurants serving delicious regional cuisine. The Igreja Matriz de Santa Cruz, a beautiful church dating back to the 15th century, is a must-visit for its impressive interior and historical significance.

Additionally, the stunning Ribeiro Frio Natural Park, located a short drive away, offers breathtaking hiking trails through lush forests and along levadas (irrigation channels), where visitors can experience firsthand Madeira's unique flora and fauna.
Can I change or cancel my Santa Cruz home rental booking on Vrbo?
To find Santa Cruz vacation rentals with free cancellation, just use Vrbo's handy "Free cancellation" search filter. We get that plans can change, so it's easy to filter properties that give you flexibility. If you need to make changes to an existing booking, drop your host a message. Go to "My Trips" in your account, click "Change or Cancel" and then "Message Host". Vrbo rentals give you the privacy of having the entire place to yourself, and for extra flexibility, some travelers can choose to pay over time with Affirm. Whether you're adjusting your plans or looking for flexible payment options, Vrbo makes it easy to book with confidence.
Why should I join Vrbo as a host?
Joining Vrbo as a host opens the door to a global community of travelers seeking unique stays, giving you the opportunity to earn income from your property on your terms. With user-friendly tools, dedicated support, and exposure on major travel sites, Vrbo makes it easy to list, manage, and succeed. Whether it's a cozy cabin or a beach condo, you can turn your space into a standout destination, become a host and let Vrbo handle the heavy lifting to help you thrive.

Earn a Premier Host badge by providing quick, reliable communication and consistently delivering outstanding guest experiences.
Are all fees included in the Santa Cruz vacation rental prices shown on Vrbo?
Vrbo provides upfront pricing from the moment you start your search. There are no hidden fees added during the check-out process. This allows you to compare properties with ease and plan your trip with confidence.
What is VrboCare™ and how does it work?
Vrbo's mission is to help guests relax, reconnect, and enjoy precious time together. With VrboCare™, you can have peace of mind knowing you're protected and that if something goes wrong, we will do our best to make it right as applicable.

If a significant issue arises that your host can't resolve, we'll help you address it, find a similar property, or get your reservation refunded if applicable. That's our promise. If a home is significantly different than listed, we'll get you into a new space that meets your needs and makes it right, or if a host cancels before your stay, you have a dedicated support team to get you into a similar home as applicable.
What can I expect from Vrbo customer service and VrboCare™ support?
Your peace of mind is our priority. Whether you're planning your trip or have already finished your stay, VrboCare™ is here to support you every step of the way. For urgent situations like last-minute cancellations, booking issues, or potential fraud, Vrbo customer service is available 24/7 to help resolve problems quickly and effectively.

Vrbo also offers support via live chat through our Help Center, where you can find helpful resources on bookings, payments, property management, and safety, making it easy to get instant answers to many common questions.
Can I plan a group trip on Vrbo?
Vrbo's Trip Planner makes organizing group trips easy and stress-free. Whether you're planning with friends or coordinating a large group, you can collaborate in one place, save and share properties, vote on favorites, and build the perfect itinerary together.