Santa Cruz covers an extended stretch of sand that is divided up into various beaches named after the respective cafes with the Beaches of Navio, Mirante, Pisão, Física, Centro, Santa Helena, Formosa and Azul. The purity of both the waters and sands  here comes in addition to the surrounding picturesque landscapes and ensure that Santa Cruz is a highly popular tourist resort.

To the far south, the Ponta da Vigia cliffs form a series of rocky outcrops among which the Penedo do Guincho boulder, standing 30 metres high and around 100 metres in circumference, is particularly impressive as it leads down to a vaulted area through which the sea pours. Marking these rocky surfaces are an odd set of terraces from which, on clear days, it is possible to take in sweeping panoramic views that extend as far as the Cabo Carvoeiro lighthouse and the Berlengas islands.

With a range of support infrastructures including a swimming pool and an Olympic standard shooting range, the seasonal range of entertainment on offer here is rounded off by tourist flights operating out of the local aerodrome and events and concerts.