Santa Cruz Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Madeira, Portugal
Is Airbnb profitable in Santa Cruz in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Santa Cruz, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 472 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Santa Cruz, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Santa Cruz Airbnb data is crucial. Navigating the high regulation landscape is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Santa Cruz Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Santa Cruz (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Santa Cruz is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Santa Cruz is typically August, while March often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Santa Cruz across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $7,833+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,651 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,314 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,423, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Santa Cruz STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while March experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Santa Cruz:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 92%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 84% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 66%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 40% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Santa Cruz
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Santa Cruz (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Santa Cruz involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Santa Cruz typically peaks in August and dips lowest during February. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $348+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $185 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $119 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $84 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Santa Cruz
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Santa Cruz (2025)
Peak Season (August, July, May)
- Revenue averages $4,817 per month
- Occupancy rates average 73.3%
- Daily rates average $185
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,524 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 60.3%
- Daily rates hold near $174
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $2,384 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 48.6%
- Daily rates adjust to average $163
Seasonality Insights for Santa Cruz
- The Airbnb seasonality in Santa Cruz shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Santa Cruz's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $5,045, occupancy reaching a high of 76.0%, and ADRs peaking at $191.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $2,352, occupancy could drop to 46.6%, and ADRs may adjust down to $160.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Santa Cruz.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Santa Cruz seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Santa Cruz (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Santa Cruz? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Funchal | The capital city of Madeira, known for its beautiful coastal views, botanical gardens, and historic sites. It's a top destination for tourists looking for a mix of relaxation and culture. | Madeira Botanical Garden, CR7 Museum, Funchal Mercado dos Lavradores, Cable Car to Monte, Levadas walking trails |
| Câmara de Lobos | A picturesque fishing village located close to Funchal, known for its local wine and stunning natural landscapes. It attracts visitors who enjoy authentic Madeira experiences. | Cabo Girão Skywalk, Church of Our Lady of Remedies, Whale watching tours, Madeira Wine Lodge, Scenic coastal walks |
| Ponta do Sol | The sunniest place on the island, offering stunning sunsets and beautiful beaches. Popular for its relaxing atmosphere and romantic getaways. | Praia da Ponta do Sol, Ponta do Sol promenade, Levada walks, Local restaurants, Sunset viewing points |
| Santana | Famous for its traditional A-framed houses and lush nature. It's ideal for tourists looking for cultural experiences and outdoor activities. | Santana folk houses, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Madeira Theme Park, Natural swimming pools, Cultural festivals |
| Paul do Mar | A charming seaside village known for its strong wave conditions, attracting surfers and nature lovers. A quieter option for an authentic Madeira experience. | Surfing spots, Beachfront restaurants, Levada walks, Natural landscapes, Tranquil atmosphere |
| Machico | One of the historical towns in Madeira, known for its beautiful beach and the iconic Pico do Facho. It offers rich history and outdoor activities. | Machico beach, Pico do Facho viewpoint, Historical sites, Levada do Caniçal, Diving and snorkeling |
| Calheta | Home to the only sandy beach in Madeira, known for its marina and water sports. Great for families and beach lovers. | Calheta beach, Calheta Marina, Sugar cane factory, Local art galleries, Boat trips |
| Monte | A lovely hilltop village offering stunning views over Funchal, home to the famous Monte Palace and tropical gardens. Popular for cable car rides and botanical beauty. | Monte Palace, Tropical Garden, Cable Car rides to Funchal, Church of Our Lady of Monte, Toboggan rides |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Santa Cruz (2025)
Yes, Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal enforces high STR regulations. Obtaining a license and ensuring compliance is almost certainly required according to current 2025 STR laws. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Santa Cruz to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 87% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Santa Cruz (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Santa Cruzbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Beach House - By Wehost
Entire Place • N/A
Reis Magos III by An Island Apart
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The Balcony - By Wehost
Entire Place • N/A
Casa da Cebola by An Island Apart
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Reis Magos II by An Island Apart
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Garajau I by An Island Apart
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Santa Cruz (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Santa Cruz based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| An Island | 23 | $3,871,063 | 986 | 4.62/5.0 |
| LovelyStay | 19 | $981,738 | 525 | 4.72/5.0 |
| GuestReady | 8 | $613,734 | 377 | 4.62/5.0 |
| OurMadeira | 6 | $578,749 | 205 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Madeira | 14 | $520,766 | 303 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Carlota & Babi | 1 | $463,306 | 65 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Leonardo | 10 | $352,167 | 1199 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Atlantic Holiday | 10 | $328,469 | 351 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Holidu | 8 | $322,109 | 150 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Carlota E Babi | 1 | $268,740 | 20 | 4.70/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Santa Cruz.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Santa Cruz STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Santa Cruz. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSanta Cruz Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Santa Cruz
- The Santa Cruz Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 92.2% of the 472 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Santa Cruz, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (57.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 38.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, outdoor/unique, others (combined 3.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Santa Cruz
- The dominant room capacity in Santa Cruz is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 38.1% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 67.3% of the active Airbnb listings in Santa Cruz, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 24.8% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Santa Cruz
- The most common guest capacity trend in Santa Cruz vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (31.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the Santa Cruz STR market, accounting for 50.5% of listings.
- 29.0% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Santa Cruz.
- On average, properties in Santa Cruz are equipped to host 4.2 guests.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Santa Cruz
- The most common availability pattern in Santa Cruz falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 32.6% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 42.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Santa Cruz (31.8%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 59.1% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
87 listings
19.2% of total
2 Nights
25 listings
5.5% of total
3 Nights
69 listings
15.2% of total
4-6 Nights
167 listings
36.8% of total
7-29 Nights
19 listings
4.2% of total
30+ Nights
87 listings
19.2% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Santa Cruz is 4-6 Nights, adopted by 36.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (19.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Santa Cruz, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 4-6 Nights minimum stay, as 36.8% of Santa Cruz hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 19.2% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 19.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
39 listings
8.9% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
10 listings
2.3% of total
Flexible
78 listings
17.8% of total
Moderate
111 listings
25.4% of total
Firm
87 listings
19.9% of total
Strict
112 listings
25.6% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Santa Cruz
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Santa Cruz is Strict, used by 25.6% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (43.2%) and stricter (45.5%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 25.6% market standard in Santa Cruz.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Santa Cruz
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Santa Cruz is 75 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 116 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in March (average 59 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (102 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (73 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (75 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Santa Cruz.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 116 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 102 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Santa Cruz averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Santa Cruz (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Santa Cruz
- Essential amenities in Santa Cruz that guests expect include: Wifi, Kitchen. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like TV, Hair dryer, Washer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Santa Cruz: Wifi, Kitchen.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Kitchen.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like TV or Hair dryer to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Santa Cruz to stay competitive.
Santa Cruz Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Santa Cruz
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Santa Cruz consists of predominantly international visitors (95%), with top international origins including Germany, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
- Domestic travelers account for 5.1% of guests.
- Key international markets include France (18.8%) and Germany (16.7%).
- Top languages spoken are English (41.5%) followed by French (13.5%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from Germany.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Santa Cruz Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ribeira Brava | 181 | $3,764 | $195.86 | 65% |
| Funchal | 2,048 | $3,748 | $219.02 | 60% |
| Câmara de Lobos | 120 | $3,297 | $194.04 | 57% |
| Ponta do Sol | 287 | $3,171 | $170.72 | 65% |
| Calheta | 917 | $2,970 | $189.98 | 60% |
| São Vicente | 253 | $2,425 | $127.91 | 64% |
| Santana | 146 | $2,300 | $155.86 | 57% |
| Porto Moniz | 137 | $2,037 | $122.74 | 60% |
| Machico | 215 | $1,796 | $113.96 | 60% |
| Porto Santo | 143 | $1,744 | $177.79 | 47% |