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Car Hire Santa Maria Airport
Santa Maria Airport (SAM)
Address
Aeroporto Santa Maria, Azores Island, Vila Porto (Azores), 9580 527, PT
Phone
(351) 296-886528
Hours of operation
Mon-Sun
08:00 - 20:00
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Find your perfect hire car at Santa Maria Airport
If you are planning a trip to the beautiful Azores and want to head to Santa Maria, the most southerly and sunniest of this lovely Portuguese archipelago, one option is to fly into the island’s Santa Maria Airport. This is one of three international airports across the chain of nine Portuguese islands and it welcomes daily flights from the Portuguese capital Lisbon as well as connecting international flights from John Paul II Airport on São Miguel, the main island of the Azores.
Santa Maria is known as the sunshine island for its arid, dry climate and pristine white sandy beaches. You’ll land on the western side of the island where the landscape is flat and open but as you head east, the countryside is green and mountainous and the varied scenery makes driving around the island a pleasure.
Our friendly Avis team members at Santa Maria Airport are experts on the local area and ready to welcome you with the perfect rental car for your trip.
Where to find Avis at Santa Maria Airport
You’ll find our Avis counter inside the arrival hall of the small terminal building at Sainta Maria Airport. You’ll be collecting your hire car from the Avis rental car park a short walk from the terminal entrance.
How to get from Santa Maria Airport to Vila do Porto by car
Santa Maria Airport is located 3.1 miles west northwest of the island’s main town of Vila do Porto. From the Avis car park at Santa Maria Airport, the drive into the centre of Vila do Porto takes about 5min. Turn right out of the airport and head south on Avenue de São Miguel, turning onto Avenue Santa Maria to reach the town centre.
Things to do in Santa Maria
Santa Maria’s attractive undulating landscape, pretty villages with whitewashed houses and terracotta roofs, leading down to open sandy beaches, make for the perfect island road trip.
First explore the island’s capital Vila do Porto on a stroll through the old town to the 17th century São Bras Fortress with its canons reputedly used to protect the island from pirates, take pictures in Largo de Nossa Senhora de Conceição Square, the town’s impressive main square restored in 2020 and dine in one of the restaurants popular with locals.
Head east from Vila do Porto to the famous waterfalls at Aveiro. A 20km drive of around 30min via the EN1-2A gets you to one of the island’s most popular destinations, Cascata do Aveiro which at 100m high, is among the highest waterfalls in Portugal.
For heights of a different kind, take the short drive inland to the slopes of Pico Alto. At 590 metres, it’s the highest point on the island and there are hiking trails to the summit near an old military building which gives views across Santa Maria.
Is it worth hiring a car at Santa Maria Airport?
Hiring a car at Santa Maria Airport gives you the flexibility and freedom to explore this lovely Azores island at your own pace.
The Avis team at Santa Maria Airport is ready to offer advice on the best places to go and to help make your car rental run smoothly from the moment you touch down.
Tips for driving in Santa Maria
Blessed with good roads over most of the island, routes in more mountainous parts can be narrow with passing places. Be aware that as in mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road as you leave the airport.
Discover Avis car rental locations near Santa Maria Airport
RECOMMENDED CAR RENTALS IN Vila Porto (Azores)
Scenic coasts or city streets, choose from a variety of vehicle types optimised for all kinds of roads.Mini Manual
Renault Twingo or Similar
4
2 carry-ons
Mini Manual
Hyundai i10 or Similar
5
2 carry-ons
Economy Manual
Renault Clio or Similar
5
2 carry-ons
Mini Manual
Renault Twingo or Similar
4
2 carry-ons
Mini Manual
Hyundai i10 or Similar
5
2 carry-ons
Economy Manual
Renault Clio or Similar
5
2 carry-ons
Renter Requirements
- Optional Coverages
- Credit Card Policies
- Credit Cards
- Debit Card Policies
- Drivers License
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Public Liability and Property Damage
- Additional Driver Policy
- Age Requirements
- Avis First
- Cancellations/No Shows
- Delivery and Collection
- Fuel Policy
- ID Requirements
- Miscellaneous Information
- One Way Rentals
- Other Important Information
- Rental Options
- Returns
- Travel Into Other Countries
- Voucher
Damage Waiver
In most cases, Damage Waiver is provided with the vehicle as standard. If it is included, it will be stated on your Rental Agreement Form (and in your booking confirmation).
Damage Waiver reduces the amount you pay for each clearly separate incident of damage if the vehicle is damaged (or the amount you pay to replace any keys, accessories or vehicle documents that are lost, stolen or damaged).
The amount you pay for each clearly separate incident of damage will be the lower of a) the applicable cost payable under the Theft, Loss, and Damages Policy; or b) the excess stated on your Rental Agreement Form.
Normally between EUR 16.10 and EUR 29.15 per day.
(if not included as standard).
Super Damage Waiver (SCDW)
An excess reduction product which reduces your damage waiver excess to zero (or, if higher, the amount shown on your Rental Agreement Form).
Normally between EUR 27.78 and EUR 61.51 per day.
Theft Protection Waiver (TP)
In most cases, Theft Protection waiver is provided with the vehicle as standard. If it is included, it will be stated on your Rental Agreement Form (and in your booking confirmation).
Theft Protection waiver reduces the amount you pay if the vehicle is stolen during the rental period.
The amount you pay will be the lower of a) the applicable cost payable under the Theft, Loss, and Damages Policy; or b) the excess stated on your Rental Agreement Form.
Normally between EUR 7.93 and EUR 15.87 per day.
(if not included as standard).
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
Covers the driver of the vehicle and personal items in the vehicle in the event of an accident. It reduces the amount you have to pay in the event of an accident to zero or EUR 9.96 per day per claim. Personal Accident Insurance provides the following benefits:
A maximum of EUR 100,000.00 in the event of death, loss of limbs or eyes or permanent total disability
A maximum of EUR 25,000.00 towards emergency medical expenses related directly to the accident.
Medical assistance and rescue costs (conditions apply)
Roadside Assistance Plus
Provided you are using the vehicle in a country which we have agreed to, this product provides roadside assistance without any additional costs being charged if you break down as a result of vehicle failure you have caused (this excludes lost keys).
Normally between EUR 9.00 and EUR 10.98 per day, up to a maximum charge of 14 days.
Complete Vehicle Protection Package (includes Super Damage Waiver, Windscreen Protection and Roadside Assistance Plus)
See above.
Normally between EUR 48.71 and EUR 85.49 per day.
Complete Protection Package (includes Super Damage Waiver, Super Personal Accident Insurance, Windscreen protection and Roadside Assistance Plus)
See above.
Normally between EUR 62.73 and EUR 99.51 per day.
