Driving in the Azores: A Practical Guide to Rentals, Roads, and Realities
Why booking early is your best investment, how to handle narrow village streets, and navigating the unique challenges of island driving.
The best way to explore the Azores is by car. In fact, on most islands, it is the only way to reach the hidden viewpoints, trailheads, and dramatic coastlines that you see on Instagram.
But driving here is different.
If you are used to mainland highways or wide American avenues, the roads of the Azores can be a culture shock. We have modern highways (SCUTs) on the larger islands that are easy to navigate, but the real magic happens on the secondary roads—which are often steep, winding, and full of surprises.
Here is what you need to know to drive safely, save money, and explore confidently across the archipelago.
1. The "No-Risk" Strategy: Book Early (Seriously, Do It Now)
This is the most critical financial tip for driving here. Rental car prices in the Azores vary wildly depending on when you book, and supply is limited.
The Price Gap: A car booked 6 months in advance might cost you €35-45 per day. That exact same car, booked two weeks before a trip in July, can skyrocket to €100+ per day.
The "No-Risk" Factor: Many travelers hesitate to book because they aren't 100% sure of their dates yet. Don't wait. Most reputable rental agencies in the Azores offer excellent cancellation policies (often free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up).
My Advice: As soon as you have your flights, reserve a car immediately to lock in the low rate. If plans change, you can cancel. If you wait, you will pay double.
The Automatic Transmission Problem This applies even more if you need an automatic transmission. Fleets have very few automatic cars. They sell out months in advance.
The Terrain: Our islands are volcanic, meaning steep gradients. If you aren't comfortable doing a hill start on wet cobblestones with a manual stick shift, you must secure an automatic vehicle early.
2. Size Matters: Don't Upgrade to the Huge SUV
You might be tempted to rent a large SUV or a van for comfort. Think twice. Many of our most beautiful towns (like Nordeste in São Miguel or Lajes in Pico) have streets that date back centuries. They are incredibly narrow.
My Recommendation:
The Sweet Spot: A "Crossover" or a compact SUV (like a Renault Captur or similar).
Why: You want enough ground clearance to handle dirt roads leading to trailheads (potholes are common), but you want a vehicle compact enough to park in tight spots and navigate narrow village corners without scratching the paint.
3. The "Hydrangea Hazard" and Blind Corners
The Azores are famous for roads lined with massive walls of blue hydrangeas. They are stunning for photography, but dangerous for driving. These flower walls often hide deep drainage ditches (valetas) immediately behind them. If you put a wheel off the tarmac into the flowers, you might get stuck in a ditch.
Pro Tip: Treat every corner like a blind corner. Drive slowly, stick to your side, and assume a bus or a tractor is coming the other way.
4. Navigation: Google Maps vs. Reality
Google Maps works well on the main highways, but it loves "shortcuts." If Google Maps tells you to turn onto a road that looks like two tire tracks in the mud with a 45-degree incline... don't do it. Stick to paved roads unless you are absolutely sure of where you are going.
5. The "Azorean Rush Hour" (Secondary Roads)
While the main highways are modern and clear, once you exit onto the coastal or secondary roads, you might encounter our version of rush hour: cows. Agriculture is a massive part of our economy, and farmers frequently move herds between pastures using the public roads.
The Rules of Engagement:
Patience is mandatory: If you see a herd, stop. Turn off your engine if it looks like it will take a while. Enjoy the view.
Don't honk: It stresses the animals and annoys the farmers.
Watch your blind spots: Cows are unpredictable and huge. They can easily scrape against your mirrors or doors if you try to squeeze past too aggressively.
6. Parking and "Photographer's Etiquette"
As a photographer, I know the urge to slam on the brakes when you see incredible light hitting a crater. Please don't do this.
Stopping in the middle of the road (even for a minute) is dangerous.
Look for Miradouros: We have official viewpoints everywhere.
Find a Gateway: There are usually entrances to pastures (ensure you don't block the gate) where you can safely pull off the road.
Walk a bit: It’s safer to park 100 meters away and walk back to the shot than to leave your car on a blind curve.
Summary Checklist for Renting:
Book Months Ahead: Take advantage of the 48-hour free cancellation policies. Lock in a cheap price now; you have nothing to lose.
Full Insurance: Highly recommended. Stone chips, scratches from bushes, and narrow parking scrapes are common. Peace of mind is worth the extra cost.
Check Tires: Before leaving the rental lot, check the tire tread. Rain is frequent, and bald tires on wet basalt roads are like ice skates.
Book the Ferry: If you are renting a car in the Triangle (Pico/Faial/São Jorge) and plan to take the car on the ferry, you must ask the rental company first. Many do not allow their cars to leave the island they were rented on.
Ready to hit the road? Make sure you know where you're going.
If you are planning to drive yourself, don't waste your limited time searching for locations or relying on outdated maps.
Created with photographers in mind, my Azores Best Photo Spots Guide is the result of years spent exploring and scouting the most breathtaking nature and landscape photography locations across São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa, Flores, and Corvo—with more islands coming soon!
It’s the perfect co-pilot to ensure you come home with the shots you imagined.
This article was created with the support of AI and refined with first-hand local knowledge and field experience by Azores-based photographer and guide Bruno Ázera.
