Car rental at Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL)

Ponta Delgada Airport is the main gateway to the Azores, located on the island of São Miguel. It’s just 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the heart of the city, so that you can be downtown in about 5 to 10 minutes by car—quick and easy. The airport has a single terminal with 10 gates, but don’t let its size fool you. It moves nearly 3 million passengers each year and stands as the busiest airport in the Azores. Inside, you’ll find a solid mix of amenities—cafés, shops, rental cars, even free Wi-Fi to keep you connected. For the entire Azores region, this airport isn’t just convenient, it’s essential, linking island life to mainland Portugal and far beyond. You can find more information on the airport’s official website: Ponta Delgada Airport

Renting a car at Ponta Delgada Airport couldn’t be easier. Most desks are right inside the terminal, just before security, so you can sort everything out without wandering far. Some companies go a step further and offer a meet-and-greet service—someone will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall and walk you straight to your car, usually parked just outside. It’s a smooth, no-fuss setup that gets you out of the airport and onto the island roads fast. Whether you’re planning a road trip around São Miguel or just zipping into town, the whole process feels refreshingly straightforward.

Portas da Cidade. These iconic city gates mark the heart of Ponta Delgada and are a true postcard of the Azores. Built from black basalt in the 18th century, they’re a perfect spot to start exploring the old town’s charm.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades. This twin-lake wonder sits inside a volcanic crater and feels like something out of a dream. With one lake green and the other blue, the view alone is worth the short drive from Ponta Delgada’s city center.

Pineapple plantations. Forget tropical fields—Azorean pineapples grow in greenhouses and pack a punch of flavor. Touring a plantation is fun, laid-back, and ends with a juicy slice of the freshest fruit you’ll taste in Portugal.

Gruta do Carvão. Step beneath the island and explore ancient lava tunnels carved by nature. This underground adventure reveals the island’s fiery volcanic roots, with eerie rock formations that feel more like a sci-fi movie set than a cave in Portugal.

Forte de São Brás. Overlooking the harbor, this old sea fort once protected the island from pirates. Today, it’s home to a small military museum and some of the best coastal views in Ponta Delgada—history and scenery all in one.

Sete Cidades. Just 30 minutes from Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades is an Azorean showstopper. Picture two lakes, one green, one blue, cradled inside a vast volcanic crater. It’s otherworldly, peaceful, and feels like stepping straight into Portugal’s wilder side.

Lagoa do Fogo. In 35 minutes, you’ll reach this stunning crater lake, hidden high in the island’s central spine. It’s raw and untouched, with steep trails, panoramic views, and silence so pure it almost hums. A true reward for nature seekers.

Furnas. Drive 1 hour east and step into another planet. Steam rises from the earth, the air smells faintly of sulfur, and locals cook stew underground. Don’t miss the thermal pool at Terra Nostra Park—it’s pure bliss.

Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. After 1 hour and 20 minutes on winding roads, this lush haven unfolds with waterfalls, stone watermills, and botanical richness. It’s part hike, part fairytale, offering a peaceful escape into Portugal’s lesser-seen, green heart.

Nordeste. In about 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll reach one of São Miguel’s most picturesque corners. Nordeste is all soaring cliffs, winding coastal drives, and blooming hydrangeas—a remote, postcard-worthy slice of Portugal’s Atlantic beauty.