Driving in the Azores: Advice Before You Rent a Car on Sao Miguel

Renting a car and driving around the Azores is truly the best way to see everything the islands have to offer! It's a pretty easy, and enjoyable experience (unlike renting in some other cities around the world).

For a complete breakdown and much more advice, check out:
https://www.jaredsdetours.com/azores-...

⏱ Video Timeline ⏱
00:00 Intro to Driving in the Azores
00:08 Renting a Car in Ponta Delgada
00:32 City Driving
00:45 Hazards on the Road
00:55 Trailhead Parking
01:12 More Warnings on the Roads
01:22 Driving Through Farmland
01:30 Filling Up Gas
01:48 Beautiful Roadside Sites

The airport in Ponta Delgada has a lot of rental car companies to choose from. If you can, get to the counter as quickly as possible, because long lines can form when planes land.
If it matters to you, ask for an automatic transmission, since most rental cars in the Azores are manual.

Since people always ask: YES, you do drive on the right side of the road in the Azores. It’s part of Portugal, not the UK.

You'll find narrow streets through the city of Ponta Delgada, and then mostly rural, two-lane highways in the rest of São Miguel. The speed limit is usually 80km per hour, or about 50 mph.

Having a small, compact car was helpful, fitting into small parking spots along roads near crowded trailheads. You’ll want to crawl slowly through these spots, since there are cars and people all over the place.

Other hazards to watch for include cyclists, who are all over the islands, and construction crews. The roads are in great shape, but there’s always work going on somewhere. The fog rolls in frequently, cutting visibility down to near zero at times.
The roads in the Azores run through farmland, so expect to see farmers with their tractors and livestock sharing the road with you.

You’ll find plenty of gasoline stations, or petrol stations. Some are self-serve, without anyone working. You may have to use Google Translate to help you figure out how to work the pumps.
Some are “on your honor” pumps. You fill up first, and then go inside to pay afterwards. Visa and Mastercards are widely accepted. American Express is more limited.

The roads in the Azores are beautiful and fascinating. From the hydrangea and azalea blooms you’ll want to check out in spring and summer, to the steam venting from the earth right alongside of the road, there’s plenty to stop and see on your way to the next hike, beach or waterfall.

FOLLOW JARED:
Website: https://www.jaredsdetours.com
Instagram:   / dillinjay  
Facebook:   / jaredtv