"I loved everything about this hotel. The food is amazing, the staff are so nice and helpful, and there are so many things to do, both at the hotel and on the island. The hotel itself is very nice. My room was large and comfortable. I had to extend my stay due to bad weather and they were very accommodating. I will definitely be back!"
"Our experience at Vila Galé Santa Cruz was absolutely outstanding from start to finish. The hotel perfectly combines comfort, elegance, and genuine Portuguese hospitality. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome — friendly, attentive, and always willing to go the extra mile to make our stay special.
The location couldn’t be better: right on the waterfront with breathtaking ocean views and just a short stroll from the charming town of Santa Cruz. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with lush gardens and a serene atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.
Our room was spotless, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, with a balcony overlooking the Atlantic — waking up to the sound of the waves was pure bliss. The facilities are excellent: a fantastic outdoor pool, a relaxing spa, and plenty of space to unwind.
The food deserves a special mention. Every meal — from the bountiful breakfast buffet to the evening dinners — was delicious and beautifully presented, with a wonderful selection of local and international dishes. The service team was always professional and genuinely kind.
Vila Galé Santa Cruz manages to be both luxurious and laid-back — ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking to truly relax. It’s the kind of place you leave already planning your return.
Highly recommended!
"
"This property is a beautiful place to come and relax near the ocean. The adults only portion is quiet and well maintained. No music played at the pool area, just the noise of the nearby sea. Breakfast was good and served at the scenic restaurant overlooking the water. The spa was beautiful and relaxing with views of the ocean from the Finish and Bio spa, with a Turkish bath also there. Yes, free hotel parking can be difficult to find as it is limited. Paid street parking was widely available for 0.40/hour 0800-1900. Our other complaint was that the pillows and sheets had a musty smell, as noted in other reviews. Not sure if it's how they dry the linens. Overall a beautiful property to relax at with good dining options within walking distance."
How many beach hotels can I expect to find in Santa Cruz?
Expedia has 8 beach hotels in Santa Cruz that are great for your beachside getaway.
When's the best time for a beach holiday in Santa Cruz?
You can plan your beach trip with this snapshot of year-round temperatures in Santa Cruz: The hottest months are usually August and September, with an average temperature of 22°C, while the coldest months are February and March, with an average of 17°C. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 506 mm.
What is there to see and do around Santa Cruz?
After getting settled at your accommodation of choice, you'll likely want to venture out and explore. If you're excited to scope out the beaches, spend a relaxing day by the water at Machico Beach or Formosa Beach. Treat your taste buds to the area's restaurants, and make time for local attractions such as Palmeiras Beach and Reis Magos Beach. Other things to see and do in the area are Ponta da Oliveira and Aquaparque Madeira.
What's the best way to get to my beach hotel in Santa Cruz?
Here's some information to help you get to and around your beach accommodation in Santa Cruz more easily: Make your way to Santa Cruz with a flight to Funchal (FNC-Cristiano Ronaldo), the closest major airport which is located 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from the city centre. If you'd like to venture out around the area, consider renting a car to explore more sights.