{"id":1303,"date":"2026-07-03T16:35:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T16:35:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/?p=1303"},"modified":"2026-07-03T16:35:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T16:35:57","slug":"driving-in-the-azores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/driving-in-the-azores\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving in the Azores: An Easy Driving Guide for Relaxed Drivers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are wondering whether driving in the Azores is easy, the short answer is yes, and this guide is here to put any nerves to rest. S\u00e3o Miguel, the largest and most visited island, has good main roads, almost no traffic, no toll roads at all and famously courteous local drivers, which makes driving in the Azores far more relaxed than most of mainland Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a few things worth knowing, narrow town streets, the odd cow on the road, and the importance of booking an automatic early, but none of them should put off a careful, unhurried driver. Take it at your own pace and a hire car is comfortably the best and most relaxing way to explore the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#quick-answer\">Is Driving in the Azores Easy? The Quick Answer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#need-car\">Do You Need a Car in the Azores?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#automatic\">Automatic or Manual, and Should You Book Ahead?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#roads\">What Are the Roads Like on Sao Miguel?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#nervous\">Don\u2019t Worry If You\u2019re a Nervous Driver<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#watch\">Things to Watch Out For<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#pickup\">Where to Pick Up Your Hire Car<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#drives\">Relaxed Scenic Drives to Start With<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#is-it-hard-to-drive-in-sao-miguel\">Is it hard to drive in Sao Miguel?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#do-you-need-an-automatic-car-in-the-azores\">Do you need an automatic car in the Azores?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#do-you-drive-on-the-left-or-right-in-the-azores\">Do you drive on the left or right in the Azores?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#are-there-toll-roads-in-the-azores\">Are there toll roads in the Azores?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#do-i-need-an-international-driving-permit-for-the-azores\">Do I need an International Driving Permit for the Azores?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#when-is-the-best-time-to-drive-in-the-azores\">When is the best time to drive in the Azores?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#ready-for-a-relaxed-drive-in-the-azores\">Ready for a Relaxed Drive in the Azores?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a practical, reassuring guide to driving in the Azores for the relaxed tourer, whether you are a nervous driver, out of practice, or simply want an easy holiday behind the wheel. We cover how easy the roads really are, whether to choose automatic or manual, what to watch out for, where to pick up your car, and a handful of gentle scenic drives to start with. Prices for car hire in S\u00e3o Miguel start from around \u00a312 per day in the low season, so it is an affordable way to see the island at your own speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quick-answer\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:28px;color:#1a1a1a;\">Is Driving in the Azores Easy? The Quick Answer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Driving in the Azores, and on S\u00e3o Miguel in particular, is straightforward and relaxed for most visitors. Here is the reassurance at a glance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Good roads:<\/strong> the main roads between towns are well paved, well signposted and quiet, with genuine highways linking the bigger centres.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No tolls:<\/strong> there are no toll roads anywhere on the island, unlike mainland Portugal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>They drive on the right:<\/strong> easy for most, a small adjustment for UK, Irish and Maltese visitors, but quickly familiar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Little traffic:<\/strong> outside Ponta Delgada the roads are calm, and driving is courteous and unhurried.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Choose an automatic:<\/strong> if you would rather not use a manual, book an automatic well ahead, as they are limited.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Take a small car:<\/strong> easier on the narrow town streets and far simpler to park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-cheat-sheet.png\" alt=\"Infographic titled Driving in the Azores - The Relaxed Driver's Cheat Sheet for S\u00e3o Miguel, presenting eight essential tips for driving on the island in a clean grid layout with illustrated icons. The guide explains that drivers keep to the right, there are no toll roads, automatic cars should be booked early, small cars are best for narrow streets, mountain webcams should be checked before travelling, livestock can occasionally be found on rural roads, parking is generally easy and inexpensive outside Ponta Delgada, and car hire is available from around \u00a312 per day. The design uses the GetCarHire navy, gold and cream branding with practical advice for visitors planning a self-drive holiday in S\u00e3o Miguel.\" class=\"wp-image-1308\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-cheat-sheet.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-cheat-sheet-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-cheat-sheet-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-cheat-sheet-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Planning on driving in the Azores? This practical S\u00e3o Miguel driving guide brings together the most useful tips every visitor should know before collecting their hire car. Learn why booking an automatic early is recommended, why a small car is the best choice for S\u00e3o Miguel\u2019s roads, how quickly mountain weather can change, where parking is easiest and why there are no toll roads anywhere in the Azores. Use this handy cheat sheet to prepare for a relaxed self-drive holiday and compare cheap car hire in S\u00e3o Miguel from \u00a312 per day before exploring the island\u2019s spectacular scenic drives.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\" style=\"margin-bottom:28px;\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"need-car\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:28px;color:#1a1a1a;\">Do You Need a Car in the Azores?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most visitors, yes. A car is central to driving in the Azores because public transport on S\u00e3o Miguel is limited, with buses to the smaller towns and viewpoints running only once or twice a day, so without a car you would miss much of what makes the island special. A hire car gives you the freedom to reach the crater lakes, the coastal viewpoints and the tea plantations at your own pace, and to change plans with the weather, which matters here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taxis and guided tours are an option for a single day, but for a stay of several days a hire car is both cheaper and far more flexible, and it is central to enjoying driving in the Azores at a relaxed pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A guided tour also ties you to a fixed route and timing, which is a real drawback here, since the island\u2019s changeable weather means the freedom to drive to wherever the sky is clearest is one of the best things about having your own car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"automatic\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:28px;color:#1a1a1a;\">Automatic or Manual, and Should You Book Ahead?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the single most important decision for a relaxed trip, and the answer is simple: if you are not completely comfortable with a manual, book an automatic, and book it early. Most hire cars in the Azores are manual by default, automatics are limited in number and cost more, sometimes close to double, and they sell out well in advance, especially in summer. Reserve at least a couple of months ahead if you can. An automatic takes all the gear-changing effort out of the island\u2019s hills and narrow lanes, and for a nervous or out-of-practice driver it makes driving in the Azores dramatically more relaxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is money well spent for peace of mind. If you have only ever driven an automatic at home, do not feel you must brave a manual on holiday, the hills and frequent junctions of S\u00e3o Miguel are not the place to relearn a clutch, and the modest extra cost of an automatic is far outweighed by a calmer, more enjoyable trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you compare cars, filter for automatic transmission from the start so you only see suitable options, and choose the smallest car that suits your luggage. A compact car is easier on the narrow streets, simpler to park at busy viewpoints, and cheaper to fuel. There is no need for a big SUV on an island this size, and a large car is a genuine hindrance in the older town centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\" style=\"margin-bottom:28px;\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"roads\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:28px;color:#1a1a1a;\">What Are the Roads Like on Sao Miguel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The roads are better than many visitors expect, and driving in the Azores is easier for it. The main roads and the highways that connect Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande and the larger towns are modern, well paved and well signposted, and there are no toll roads anywhere on the island. Away from the main routes, the smaller roads to viewpoints and villages are narrower and windier, with some steep climbs, but they are perfectly manageable at an unhurried pace, and because everyone drives slowly on them, they rarely feel dangerous. There are no motorway-style high speeds to contend with, and traffic is light once you leave the capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-open-road-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A quiet, well-paved open road on Sao Miguel, easy driving in the Azores\" class=\"wp-image-1305\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-open-road-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-open-road-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-open-road-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-open-road-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-open-road-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-open-road-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The main roads on Sao Miguel are well paved, quiet and toll-free, which makes driving in the Azores far more relaxed than mainland Europe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The one place to take extra care is in the older town centres, especially Ponta Delgada, where streets can be very narrow, sometimes with parking on one side that leaves just enough room to pass. This is exactly why a small car and a calm approach matter. If you are unsure, it is worth parking on the edge of a town and walking in rather than threading a hire car through the tightest lanes, which is often quicker and always less stressful. On the open road, driving in the Azores is genuinely one of the more relaxing driving experiences in Europe, with good surfaces, gentle traffic and spectacular scenery to reward you at every turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nervous\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:28px;color:#1a1a1a;\">Don\u2019t Worry If You\u2019re a Nervous Driver<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are an anxious or rusty driver, take heart: as one local puts it, there are no real mountain roads on S\u00e3o Miguel, it is safe, and there are even highways. Plenty of nervous visitors drive the island every year and come away having loved it. The keys are simple. Choose an automatic so you have one less thing to think about. Take a small car. Set off early when the roads are quietest. And never feel rushed, if a faster local comes up behind you, simply pull into the next safe spot and let them past, which is normal and expected courtesy here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-narrow-town-street-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A narrow town street on Sao Miguel showing why a small hire car is easier\" class=\"wp-image-1304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-narrow-town-street-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-narrow-town-street-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-narrow-town-street-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-narrow-town-street-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-narrow-town-street-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-narrow-town-street-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In the older town centres the streets are narrow, so a small car is far easier to drive and park, one of the simple secrets of relaxed driving in the Azores.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Driving in the Azores also rewards building your confidence gently. Start with an easy, gentle drive on your first day rather than the most demanding route, get used to the car and the roads, and work up from there. Keep to sensible speeds, use the large convex mirrors placed at blind town junctions, and remember you are on holiday, there is no prize for rushing. Approached this way, driving in the Azores is well within the comfort zone of most careful drivers, whatever their age or experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"watch\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:28px;color:#1a1a1a;\">Things to Watch Out For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being straight about the few real hazards is what makes the rest of the reassurance credible. None of these are dealbreakers, they are simply things to know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fog at altitude:<\/strong> the weather changes fast and the higher viewpoints can cloud over in minutes. Check the island webcams at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spotazores.com\/\" rel=\"external noopener\" target=\"_blank\">spotazores.com<\/a> before setting off, and if you drive into thick fog, slow right down or wait it out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cows and livestock:<\/strong> it is common to meet cattle being moved along country roads. Just slow down, be patient, and they will pass.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Blind town corners:<\/strong> in the villages, buildings sit close to narrow streets, so use the convex mirrors and edge out carefully at junctions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Minor scrapes and excess:<\/strong> narrow lanes and tight parking mean dinged mirrors are common, and rental excess charges can be steep. Consider standalone car hire excess insurance, which is far cheaper than the desk waiver.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fuel and cash:<\/strong> fill up in the larger towns, as rural stations are sparse and not always open late, and carry a little cash as a backup.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pickup\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:28px;color:#1a1a1a;\">Where to Pick Up Your Hire Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The easiest place to begin driving in the Azores is at Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL), where most rental desks sit right inside or just outside the terminal, so you can pick up the keys and set off within minutes of landing. It is a small, calm airport, a gentle place to get used to the car before you reach the open road. Parking across the island is easy and cheap, free in most places outside Ponta Delgada, where paid on-street parking is inexpensive and free in the evenings, at weekends and on public holidays, so it is rarely something to worry about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compare <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/sao-miguel.htm\">cheap car hire in S\u00e3o Miguel<\/a> in a single search from around \u00a312 per day, filtering for an automatic if you would like one, and for the wider archipelago see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/azores.htm\">car hire in the Azores<\/a> guide. Remember you hire a separate car on each island, as rentals cannot cross between the islands on the ferries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\" style=\"margin-bottom:28px;\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"drives\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:28px;color:#1a1a1a;\">Relaxed Scenic Drives to Start With<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The joy of driving in the Azores is the scenery, and S\u00e3o Miguel has five wonderful scenic drives that suit a relaxed pace. Each has its own full guide with a map, stops and gentle timings, so you can pick the one that matches your confidence and mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-viewpoint-payoff-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A scenic Sao Miguel viewpoint, the reward of an easy drive in the Azores\" class=\"wp-image-1306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-viewpoint-payoff-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-viewpoint-payoff-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-viewpoint-payoff-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-viewpoint-payoff-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-viewpoint-payoff-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-azores-viewpoint-payoff-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The reward for a gentle drive: Sao Miguel\u2019s viewpoints are what make driving in the Azores worth it, most reachable on quiet, easy roads.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gentlest to start:<\/strong> the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/north-coast-sao-miguel-scenic-drive\/\">North Coast S\u00e3o Miguel scenic drive<\/a> along the tea coast, and the central <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/lagoa-do-fogo-scenic-drive\/\">Lagoa do Fogo scenic drive<\/a> to the crater lake, are lovely, straightforward introductions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Postcard views:<\/strong> the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/sete-cidades-scenic-drive\/\">Sete Cidades scenic drive<\/a> around the famous twin crater lakes in the West.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geothermal wonders:<\/strong> the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/furnas-scenic-drive\/\">Furnas scenic drive<\/a> to the steaming valley and thermal pools in the East.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quiet and wild:<\/strong> the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/nordeste-scenic-drive\/\">Nordeste scenic drive<\/a> through the peaceful, flower-filled far East, with the island\u2019s calmest roads of all.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are building your confidence, start with the North Coast or Lagoa do Fogo, then work up to Sete Cidades and the Nordeste as you settle into driving in the Azores. Every one of them is designed to be enjoyed slowly, with plenty of places to stop, rest and take in the view. Each guide also flags where the roads narrow or climb, so you can judge in advance which drives suit your confidence, and you can always turn back at any point, the beauty of your own car is that the day is entirely yours to shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:28px;color:#1a1a1a;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:21px;color:#1a1a3e;\">Is it hard to drive in Sao Miguel?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, it is not hard for most visitors. The main roads are good, quiet and toll-free, and driving is courteous and unhurried. The only real care points are narrow town streets and occasional fog at altitude. Choose an automatic and a small car and driving in the Azores is well within the comfort zone of a careful driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:21px;color:#1a1a3e;\">Do you need an automatic car in the Azores?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need one, but if you are not fully comfortable with a manual, an automatic makes driving in the Azores far more relaxing, especially on the hills. Automatics are limited and pricier, so book one at least a couple of months ahead, particularly for summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:21px;color:#1a1a3e;\">Do you drive on the left or right in the Azores?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the right, as in mainland Portugal and most of Europe. For visitors from the UK, Ireland or Malta this is a change, but on the Azores\u2019 quiet, courteous roads it is one of the easier places to adjust to driving on the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:21px;color:#1a1a3e;\">Are there toll roads in the Azores?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. There are no toll roads anywhere on S\u00e3o Miguel or the other islands, which is one of the small pleasures of driving in the Azores compared with mainland Portugal. You can simply fuel up and go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:21px;color:#1a1a3e;\">Do I need an International Driving Permit for the Azores?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It depends on your licence and the rental company. Many EU, UK and US drivers are fine with their home licence, but some companies ask for an International Driving Permit, so check your rental terms in advance; the official <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitazores.com\/\" rel=\"external noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Azores tourism board<\/a> is a good place to confirm current requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:21px;color:#1a1a3e;\">When is the best time to drive in the Azores?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Late spring to early autumn brings the mildest weather and the greenest scenery, while May and September are quieter than the summer peak. Whenever you go, mornings tend to be clearest for the viewpoints, and an early start means calmer roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:28px;color:#1a1a1a;\">Ready for a Relaxed Drive in the Azores?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Driving in the Azores is one of the great gentle pleasures of a S\u00e3o Miguel holiday: quiet roads, no tolls, courteous drivers and unforgettable scenery, all at your own unhurried pace. Choose an automatic, take a small car, and start with an easy scenic drive. Compare <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/sao-miguel.htm\">cheap car hire in S\u00e3o Miguel<\/a> from around \u00a312 per day across trusted suppliers, filter for an automatic, and set off with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\" style=\"margin-bottom:28px;\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#f9f9f9;border-left:4px solid #ffdb70;border-radius:4px;padding:18px 22px;margin-top:28px;\"><h4 style=\"margin:0 0 8px 0;font-size:18px;color:#1a1a3e;\">About the Author<\/h4><p style=\"margin:0;font-size:15px;color:#545454;\">Written by the Digitalhound.co.uk editorial team. Every guide is thoroughly researched with genuine local knowledge, road numbers, food stops and practical driving tips gathered from on-the-ground experience.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@graph\": [{\"@type\": \"Article\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/driving-in-the-azores\/#article\", \"headline\": \"Driving in the Azores: An Easy, Relaxed Guide for Sao Miguel\", \"description\": \"Is driving in the Azores easy? A relaxed guide for nervous and unhurried drivers on Sao Miguel: automatic vs manual, the roads, what to watch for, and car hire from \u00a312\/day.\", \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\", \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Digitalhound editorial team\"}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"getcarhire.com\"}}, {\"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/driving-in-the-azores\/#faq\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is it hard to drive in Sao Miguel?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No, it is not hard for most visitors. The main roads are good, quiet and toll-free, and driving is courteous and unhurried. The only real care points are narrow town streets and occasional fog at altitude. Choose an automatic and a small car and driving in the Azores is well within the comfort zone of a careful driver.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do you need an automatic car in the Azores?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"You do not need one, but if you are not fully comfortable with a manual, an automatic makes driving in the Azores far more relaxing, especially on the hills. Automatics are limited and pricier, so book one at least a couple of months ahead, particularly for summer.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do you drive on the left or right in the Azores?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"On the right, as in mainland Portugal and most of Europe. For visitors from the UK, Ireland or Malta this is a change, but on the Azores\u2019 quiet, courteous roads it is one of the easier places to adjust to driving on the right.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Are there toll roads in the Azores?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. There are no toll roads anywhere on S\u00e3o Miguel or the other islands, which is one of the small pleasures of driving in the Azores compared with mainland Portugal. You can simply fuel up and go.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do I need an International Driving Permit for the Azores?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It depends on your licence and the rental company. Many EU, UK and US drivers are fine with their home licence, but some companies ask for an International Driving Permit, so check your rental terms in advance; the official Azores tourism board is a good place to confirm current requirements.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"When is the best time to drive in the Azores?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Late spring to early autumn brings the mildest weather and the greenest scenery, while May and September are quieter than the summer peak. Whenever you go, mornings tend to be clearest for the viewpoints, and an early start means calmer roads.\"}}]}]}<\/script>\n\n\n\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/booking-widget.js?v=9\"><\/script><script src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/booking-widget-banner.js?v=9\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are wondering whether driving in the Azores is easy, the short answer is yes, and this guide is here to put any nerves to rest. S\u00e3o Miguel, the largest and most visited island, has good main roads, almost no traffic, no toll roads at all and famously courteous local drivers, which makes driving [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1303","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-scenic-drives"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1303","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1303"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1303\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1315,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1303\/revisions\/1315"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1303"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1303"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1303"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}