Free cancellationBest price guaranteeNo hidden fees24/7 multilingual supportCar rental in Santa Maria - Search, Compare, and Save
Free cancellationNo hidden feesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
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 captivating city with a blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. While public transport is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore Stunning Beaches. Santa Maria is known for its beautiful coastline. A rental car lets you easily hop between different beaches and find your perfect spot.
Discover Local Culture. Driving allows you to visit local markets, restaurants, and cultural sites that might be harder to reach by public transportation.
Access Remote Areas. With a rental car, you can venture into the countryside and discover hidden gems that are off the beaten path.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Santa Maria
Before booking a rental car in Santa Maria, be aware of the standard rental conditions. These include age requirements, necessary documentation, insurance, deposits, and policies regarding mileage and fuel.
Area
Approximately 30.5 square kilometers (11.8 square miles)
Population
Roughly 6,000 residents
Time Zone
Cape Verde Time (GMT-1)
Ideal for
Island exploration
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak tourist season
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsGenerally, you need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Santa Maria. Some companies may have higher age limits or charge extra for younger drivers.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary if your license is not in a widely recognized language.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is required and typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, so check if unlimited mileage is offered. Fuel policies often 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, late returns, or optional extras like child seats or GPS navigation.
Car Rental Prices in Santa Maria – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February): Experiences higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to September): Often sees discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Santa Maria?
To book a car in Santa Maria, compare prices from different rental companies, select a car that meets your needs, and carefully read the rental terms. Booking early, especially during peak season, can help you secure the best rates.
1. Compare Prices - Use a comparison site to find the best deals from various car rental providers.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it’s a compact car or a larger SUV.
3. Check Rental Terms - Pay attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well ahead of your trip for better availability and prices.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental.
General Information About Santa Maria
Santa Maria offers a diverse mix of scenic landscapes and cultural experiences. Renting a car allows you to explore the island’s hidden gems, but be aware of local driving conditions.
Santa Maria, located on Sal Island in Cape Verde, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere. While the town is relatively small and walkable, a rental car provides the freedom to explore the rest of the island. Driving within Santa Maria is generally straightforward, but roads can be narrow and unpaved in some areas. It's important to review local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Santa Maria Beach
A long, sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Pontão Pier
A bustling pier where you can watch fishermen bring in their daily catch.
Viveiro Botanic Garden & Zoo di Terra
A small but charming botanical garden and zoo showcasing local flora and fauna.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Areas
Free parking is available in designated areas throughout the town.
Street Parking
Pay attention to signage to avoid fines.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer parking for their guests.
Gas Stations in Santa Maria
Limited Availability
Gas stations are not as common as in larger cities, so plan accordingly.
Major Brands
Look for local gas stations along the main roads.
Check Fuel Levels
Ensure you have enough fuel before venturing outside the town.
Useful Tips for Visiting Santa Maria
Drive on the Right
Remember to drive on the right side of the road.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be mindful of pedestrians, especially in crowded areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Traffic is generally light, but be prepared for occasional delays.
Respect Local Customs
Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Key Transportation Hubs in Santa Maria
Airport
Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID)
Located near Espargos, this is the main airport serving Sal Island and Santa Maria.
Bus Station
Santa Maria Bus Station
The main bus station offers connections to other towns on the island.
Taxi Stands
Taxi Stands
Taxis are readily available throughout Santa Maria.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Santa Maria?
Renting a car in Cape Verde is a simple process, but you'll need to meet some essential criteria before you can start exploring.
If you are from Cape Verde, your standard license will be fine. International visitors are allowed to use their domestic license for a maximum of 6 months, but some might require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
The majority of car rental companies mandate that drivers should be a minimum of 21 years old, though some may apply extra fees for those under 25.
A valid credit or debit card under the main driver's name is required to cover the security deposit. Certain rental agencies may only accept credit cards for such deposits.
A passport or another recognized form of ID might be needed for international renters.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
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.
Back in Santa Maria after years away, and it's even better! Exploring with our rental car was perfect.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 17.12.2024
Family vacation in Santa Maria was fantastic! Having a car gave us so much freedom to explore.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 11.10.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 11.06.2025
Heard great things about Santa Maria, and they were right! Exploring the island with our rental was effortless.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 02.05.2025
Quick Santa Maria trip; the beaches were great, but the restaurants were pricey.
Katherine Lee
Reviewed: 10.12.2024
Exploring Santa Maria was great, so much to see! The beaches were amazing, though the local ice cream was a bit disappointing.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 05.09.2024
Summer in Santa Maria was perfect! Getting around with a car was so convenient, allowing us to explore all the hidden gems.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 27.01.2025
Santa Maria exceeded expectations! Getting around with a rental was a breeze, allowing us to see so much.
Sophia Brown
Reviewed: 02.09.2024
Island life in Santa Maria was incredible! Having a car made everything so accessible.
Ava Martinez
Reviewed: 17.05.2025
Santa Maria was a delightful stop on our road trip! Having a car made exploring so easy. We loved the relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful scenery. Definitely recommend a visit!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 27.09.2024