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4.67/5
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Excellent
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Santa Maria
Santa Maria
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Santa Maria
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Santa Maria
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Santa Maria
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Why Rent a Car in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria is a beautiful island city with stunning coastal views and unique geological formations. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially the more remote areas of the island.
Explore the Island's Diverse Landscapes. From the rugged coastline to the lush interior, a rental car allows you to discover hidden beaches and scenic viewpoints that are inaccessible by public transport.
Visit Remote Attractions. Many of Santa Maria's most popular attractions, such as Ponta do Castelo and the Barreiro da Faneca, are located outside the main city center and are best reached by car.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace, without being constrained by bus schedules or tour groups.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Santa Maria
Before booking a rental car in Santa Maria, make sure you understand the local regulations. Key considerations include age requirements, license validity, insurance coverage, and fuel policies.
Area
97 square kilometers (37 square miles)
Population
Approximately 5,500 residents
Time Zone
Azores Time (UTC-1)
Ideal for
Island exploration
Rush Hours
Minimal traffic congestion
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Santa Maria require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may also charge a young driver surcharge for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English or Portuguese. Always carry your passport or ID card.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you may want to consider additional coverage options like a collision damage waiver (CDW). A security deposit is typically required and will be refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage limits. Most rentals offer unlimited mileage, but some may have restrictions. Be aware of the fuel policy; many companies require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesExtra fees may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals (if permitted), or optional extras like GPS navigation systems or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Santa Maria – How Much Does It Cost?
Car rental prices in Santa Maria vary depending on the season, the type of vehicle, and the rental company. Booking in advance can often help secure better rates.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, prices increase by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts
Plan your trip accordingly to take advantage of the best deals and weather conditions.
How to Book a Car in Santa Maria?
Booking a car in Santa Maria is easy if you follow a few simple steps to ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the terrain and the number of passengers.
3. Check Rental Terms - Read the fine print to understand the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well ahead of your trip.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to the rental agency when you pick up the vehicle.
General Information About Santa Maria
Santa Maria is a tranquil island with unique attractions. Driving is the best way to see it all, but understanding local regulations and conditions is crucial for a smooth experience.
Santa Maria is the oldest island in the Azores archipelago, known for its stunning landscapes and relaxed atmosphere. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island's diverse attractions, from its red desert, Barreiro da Faneca, to its picturesque vineyards. However, driving in Santa Maria requires awareness. The roads are generally well-maintained but can be narrow and winding in some areas. Understanding the local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations will help you to have a stress-free visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Vila do Porto
The island's main town, offering historical sites and local culture.
Barreiro da Faneca
Also known as the 'Red Desert,' a unique geological formation.
Ponta do Castelo
A stunning coastal viewpoint with panoramic ocean views.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Areas
Available in Vila do Porto and near major attractions.
Street Parking
Generally available, but pay attention to signage.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer free parking for guests.
Gas Stations in Santa Maria
Limited Availability
Gas stations are limited, especially outside Vila do Porto. Plan accordingly.
Major Brands
Look for Galp stations in the main areas.
Operating Hours
Gas stations may have limited hours, particularly on weekends.
Useful Tips for Visiting Santa Maria
Drive Carefully on Winding Roads
Be cautious on narrow, winding roads, especially in rural areas.
Watch for Livestock
Animals may occasionally wander onto the roads.
Plan Your Route
Have a map or GPS to navigate the island effectively.
Respect Local Traffic Laws
Adhere to speed limits and other traffic regulations.
Key Transportation Hubs in Santa Maria
Airport
Santa Maria Airport (SMA)
The main airport serving the island, located near Vila do Porto.
Ferry Terminal
Vila do Porto Ferry Terminal
Connects Santa Maria to other islands in the Azores archipelago.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Santa Maria?
Renting a car in Santa Maria is relatively straightforward, but you'll need to meet a few key requirements before you can drive off.
Ensure your driver's license is valid. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with possible surcharges for young drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the driver's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or national ID card may be required for identification purposes.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Santa Maria as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Heard amazing things about Santa Maria, and they were right! Having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful beaches and charming towns.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 28.03.2025
Busy trip, but renting a car made Santa Maria easy to navigate. The beaches were underwhelming, though.
David Lee
Reviewed: 05.02.2025
Fantastic spontaneous weekend! Santa Maria was lovely, though the local bakery was a bit disappointing.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 20.11.2024
Back in Santa Maria after ages! So much has changed. The beaches were still gorgeous, though the town felt a little less charming than I remembered.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 17.08.2024
Relaxing, good roads.
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 01.05.2025
Pretty laid-back, good
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 15.04.2025
Lovely short trip to Santa Maria seeing friends. Having a car was perfect, although the hotel pool was a bit small.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 12.01.2025
Pretty chill, easy drive.
Kevin Thompson
Reviewed: 27.09.2024
Chill vibes, good drive
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 14.03.2025