Santa Maria Airport, Azores

Car Rental in Santa Maria Airport, Azores

If you’re traveling to the beautiful Azores Islands off Portugal and would like to truly explore everything this paradise has to offer, grab a deal on car hire at Santa Maria Airport and start your trip with a discount.

With local car rental companies like Europcar and Avis available, you can easily explore the island at your own pace.

Book online ahead of time and save big on small, mid-size and large vehicles, search our site now.

The other island that composes the eastern group of Azores, Santa Maria is also known as The Sunny Island, or the Island of the Sun.

As with the rest of the islands in the Azores, there are so many sights to take in on the beautiful Santa Maria.

The marina in Villa do Porto is also another way to reach the islands all-year round.

When tourism picks up during the summer, an inter-island ferry also comes to the island every week.

What to Expect in Santa Maria, Azores

When you’re in Santa Maria, Azores, if you have a car you can go just about anywhere under the sun!

Unlike other islands of Azores, Santa Maria has a relatively drier and warmer climate.

This is attributed to its location, which is situated further to the south.

A dip in the golden sand beaches, a view of the fields of greenery, the majestic artistry of the age-old churches, the picturesque houses with its unique chimneys, the celebration of religious festivities, a taste of the finest local cuisine, you can do all these in Santa Maria!

In the paradise that is Santa Maria, one of its foremost attractions is the yellow sand beaches.

A visit requires the customary dip in its world class beaches, Praia Formosa, which is the most famous.

With its stretch of golden sand, every imaginable activity is possible.

You can bask in the glorious rays of the sun, but there are also other water activities that you can try like water skiing, surfing, sailing, wind surfing, and even paragliding.

The magnificent Maia and S. Lourenco Bays are also a must see in Santa Maria.

Featuring cliff side vineyards, these bays are just two of the majestic bays in the island.

Natural and man-made caves are also abundant on this part of the Azores archipelago.

The best caves to visit include Furna Velha and Furna de Santana.

Santa Maria is a fishing heaven! There are several organized fishing and spear fishing activities for anyone who wants to land a big catch on their holiday.

The shoreline is teeming with a myriad of fish species including tuna, grouper, mackerel, swordfish and more.

For the more adventurous, big game fishing excursions are also available.

History buffs will also enjoy staying in Santa Maria with its rich history and culture depicted best by old-world towns, majestic churches and colourful religious traditions.

The foremost place to visit on a history buff’s list is Anjos, where Christopher Columbus made his first stop upon his return from the Americas.

Then there’s Santo Espirito, a picturesque village that screams old-world charm with its charming parish church and its wide expanse of verdant pastures.

Religious is a vital part in the local tradition of Santa Maria.

The highlight of this town’s religious feasts is the celebration in honor of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres.

Another celebration in Santa Maria, albeit not religious in nature, but also draws in a crowd is the August Tide Festival, a celebration of world music.

Other Activities in Santa Maria, Azores

When you visit a new place, it is a must to taste the native cuisine.

In Santa Maria, you will indeed receive one of the richest gastronomic history lessons.

From specialties like Bolo de Panela, Sopa de Nabos, Molho de Figado, Sopa de Peixe, to sweet treats like Biscoitos de Orelha, Tigeladas, Suspiros, and Cavacas, experience an explosion of flavours!

Since Azores is an archipelago composed of several islands, transportation is readily available if you want to go island hopping.

Another popular island is São Miguel, where flights in and out of Ponta Delgada are easy to come by and the summer months are filled with tourists all enjoying the rich sunshine.

Car rental in Santa Maria makes getting around very easy.

Inter-island ferries and flights operate regularly, so when in Santa Maria, get the best vacation experience ever!