Quick guide: renting a car in the Azores

So you're heading to the Azores and wondering if you should rent a car? Here’s everything you need to know, no fluff, just useful info.

Should you rent a car in the Azores?

Yes – unless you plan to stay in one town the whole time. The real beauty of the Azores is in the viewpoints (miradouros), hot springs, tiny villages, hidden beaches, crater lakes... and you need a car to get to most of them. Public transport is super limited. Taxis are expensive (it's like almost two times more expensive than in Lisbon or Porto). Tours work but lock you into their schedule. You can walk for a while but honestly the Azores has one of the poorest walkability I've ever seen. So only a car gives you full freedom.

Even on smaller islands like Faial or Pico, having a car is way better. On São Miguel (the main island), it’s a must unless you're doing a quick stop in Ponta Delgada.

Keep in mind that not all islands are created equal when it comes to car rentals. São Miguel has tons of companies competing, so you'll get the best prices and selection. Pico's decent but expect to pay more. Faial? Might be 60-80€ per day when São Miguel might be 18€ somewhere in May (it's not high season yet).

Car rental prices in the Azores

Prices depend on the season and how early you book.

• Low season (Oct–May): €25–40 per day for a small manual

• High season (Jun–Sep): €60–100+ per day

• Automatic cars: usually €20+ more per day

• Full insurance: add €10–15/day

Prices double in summer, and cars actually sell out. There aren’t many rental cars on the islands, so booking in advance really matters.

Good to know when renting a car

• Most cars are manual. If you can’t drive stick, book an automatic early – they go fast. They are also a lot more expensive.

• Roads are tiny and narrow. Like literally twice as narrow as roads in the US or Russia. Small cars are better here.

• Most of the time, drivers need to be 21 or older (sometimes 23+) and have held a license for at least one year. However, depending on the rental company’s policy, you might still be able to rent a car at 18 or 19 years old by paying an additional fee.

• No an International Driving Permit is needed.

• Fuel is around €1.5-2 per liter (one gallon = 3,78 liter).

• Gas stations are easy to find, even in small towns of Sāo Miguel.

• In the smaller islands, there are very few gas stations, especially outside towns (so keep it in mind and plan accordingly).

• Check your car's fuel type before filling up. Some cars are on diesel while others use gasoline.

• Always check the car for scratches, take photos or one long video, and don’t skip the fuel level check.

Where to rent a car

Well, you’ve got two main options:

Airport rentals: easiest, especially on São Miguel. Big names like Ilha Verde, Wayzor, Sixt.

Local companies: often cheaper. Look for names like Micauto, Auto Ramalhense, Autatlantis. Some deliver the car to your hotel.

Use sites like DiscoverCars or Kayak to compare both big and local agencies in one place. Usually, prices on platform like DiscoverCars cheaper then booking directly (don't ask why, I have no idea).

Driving tips for São Miguel

Driving in São Miguel is amazing but it’s not like cruising down a highway. Here’s what you should know to stay safe and enjoy the ride:

Don’t fully trust Google Maps
It works most of the time, but sometimes sends you down weird farm roads, cow paths, or super steep side streets. If it looks sketchy, trust your gut – turn around.

Locals drive fast — don’t panic
Some locals know these roads inside-out and drive fast, even around blind corners (and there's lots of them). If someone is tailgating you, just stay calm, slow down a little more, and let them pass when it’s safe.

Roads can be insanely narrow
In some rural areas, two-way roads barely fit one car. If you meet someone head-on, someone will have to reverse to a wider spot – take your time and be patient.

Use engine braking when going downhill
Some mountain roads, especially in the east near Nordeste and Furnas, are steep and long. Don’t ride the brakes the whole way down – shift into a lower gear and let the engine slow you down. It’s safer and won’t overheat your brakes.

Serious hairpin turns and mountain roads
For example, if you're driving from Capelas to Sete Cidades through Mosteiros, expect tight curves, switchbacks, and lots of elevation. On sharp turns, especially in the rain, keep light throttle going into the corner – most rentals are small front-wheel drive cars, and letting off completely can make the car unstable.

Watch for cows and tractors
Especially in the countryside. Slow down, give space, and don’t honk unless you really have to.

Parking rules
In Ponta Delgada and bigger towns, you often need to pay for parking during weekdays (usually 8am–6pm). Use the machines nearby or download the Telpark app. Weekends and small towns? Parking is usually free. Also look for free public lots just outside city centers to save money.

Roundabouts
In the Azores, you'll find many roundabouts (they're very common in Europe). To make your life easier, I made a diagram showing how to drive through roundabouts correctly.

Fog
Sometimes roads can be quite foggy. Please drive carefully when visibility is limited, or simply stop at the nearest safe place to wait until the fog clears (usually fog doesn't last long).

Tips and hacks to save money

• Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance (especially for summer).

• If you're doing both Pico and Faial, just rent on Pico and take the car on the ferry. Way easier and cheaper than dealing with two rental places. Book the ferry early though – car spots go fast.

• Don’t add extras like GPS or baby seats unless you really need them – they charge a lot.

• Get your insurance online when you book. It’s cheaper than what the desk will try to sell. Or use your credit card insurance if you have one.

• Traveling solo or as a couple? Split a car with someone else at your hostel.

• Always return the car with same level of fuel to avoid any fees.

That’s it. In my opinion, renting a car is 100% worth it if you want to explore the Azores like a local. It’s not the cheapest thing, but you’ll see way more – and it’s honestly part of the adventure.