The civil parish of Água de Pena was established in 1560 and is one of the oldest of the smallest parishes in Madeira Island. Situated just between Santa Cruz and Machico the area has great views over the sea and to the Desertas Islands, also being close to the airport is great if you like watching planes. Madeira airport is very small and not a very busy place, it reminds of a toy town, and although your close to the airport you are not disturbed by the noise of the planes.
Close by you have the small Village of Santo Serra which on Sundays comes alive with its market, and a great place to buy local produce, there is also a park to walk round with a fantastic view point and a perfect place for a picnic.

The promenade of Santa Cruz is one of the longest on the island, making for a nice stroll, with coffee shops , bars and restaurants to stop at to to relax and have a drink and taste some of the local cuisine.