Hiring a car in the Azores: licences, road rules and tips

A hire car is the easiest way to reach the viewpoints, trailheads, crater lakes and coastal villages of the Azores on your own schedule. Driving here is not hard, but the roads are often narrow and winding, the weather turns quickly, and Portuguese road rules apply. Here is what to sort out before you pick up the keys.

Your driving licence

Portugal's transport authority, IMT, allows visitors who have not taken up residence to drive on a foreign licence for up to 185 days from the day after they arrive. This applies to licences from countries that have an agreement or reciprocity with Portugal or that belong to the international road traffic conventions; the IMT page lists them. Rental companies set their own extra conditions, such as a minimum age or how long you must have held your licence, so check those when you book.

Road rules that matter

The Azores follow the Portuguese Highway Code. Traffic keeps to the right, and you overtake on the left. The EU's Your Europe road rules page for Portugal sums up the essentials:

• Speed: for cars, 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on other roads, unless signs say otherwise.
• Alcohol: the limit is 0.5 g/l, and 0.2 g/l for novice and professional drivers. The simplest rule is not to drink at all if you are driving.
• Seat belts and child seats are compulsory for everyone in the car.
• Phones may only be used hands-free.
• In the car: a reflective vest and a warning triangle are required. Check that your rental has both.

Picking up a car

At Ponta Delgada airport, national and international hire companies have desks in the terminal, before security. Hire companies also operate on the other islands, and Visit Azores lists rental firms island by island. Book early for summer, especially on the smaller islands, and if you need an automatic, ask for it specifically.

Before you sign, read what the insurance covers and what it does not: ask about the excess, and whether tyres, glass and the underside of the car are included. Walk around the car with the agent, photograph any existing damage, and check the fuel policy and the opening hours for the return.

On the road

• Expect narrow roads, tight bends and steep climbs, especially in villages and on the way up to crater lakes.
• Fog and low cloud can roll over the high ground with little warning. Slow down, use your lights and be ready to turn back.
• Watch for cattle, tractors and walkers on rural roads.
• Fill up when you have the chance on the smaller islands rather than running the tank low.
• Park only in marked spaces and never block a narrow lane or a farm gate.

If you would rather not drive, combine buses, taxis and activities that include pick-up instead.