Cheap Car Rental Azores

The Azores are made up of nine Atlantic islands, and after a long absence on the list of popular tourist destinations it has finally made it onto the common tourist trail, in part thanks to budget flights from many European cities to Ponta Delgada, the capital.Half way between Europe and America this is a paradise lost, with unspoiled nature, green hills, blue water, clean beaches, and friendly people. And flowers everywhere you look. The island is of volcanic origin and therefore incredibly fertile, which, paired with microclimatic conditions, creates a mind-blowing diversity on small ground.São Miguel, home to the capital, is the biggest of the islands and the one with the most sights. Unfortunately public transport is not as comprehensive as one would wish, but a rental car can easily make up for that.Driving across the island there are a few landmarks you should look out for. The picturesque fishing village of Mosteiros on the western shore is where you can buy fresh fish right of the vessel, caught with traditional fishing methods instead of mass fishery. Just around the corner the Vista do Rei, King’s View, offers just that: a royal view over a volcano crater in which two lakes shimmer green and blue. Just like all over the islands you can also take a dip in a hot thermal spring, recharging your energy levels.Sir Francis Drake, the famous pirate, liked to relax in Ribeira Grande on the northern coast of São Miguel. Some locals proudly claim to be descendants of “Spain’s worst nightmare” who defeated the Armada off the English coast, and the best way to experience the town is to simply sit in a street café, drinking galao (a Portuguese version of the café latte) or a vino verde (red wine) and listen to stories of pirates, fame, and treasures. The local restaurants and cafes are excellent and serve fresh local delicacies including lapas and craquas, types of mussels only prevalent around the Azores.A 15 minute-drive from Ribeira Grande will take you to a unique place: the only tea plantation in all of Europe, growing green and black tea which can be sampled on the premises.As a general rule you should have your swimming suit on you whilst exploring the island.Nature provides secluded bays, sandy beaches and thermal springs wherever you turn, and should you find a spot so beautiful you wish to spend a few days there, you won’t have problems finding small guest houses, even in the remote areas.Though the main island, activities are not limited to São Miguel; for a proper look around go island hopping. Ferries or small airplanes take you to the wine growing regions of Pico, traditional yacht marinas on Faial, or the world culture town of Angra on Terceira.There are numerous outdoor activities on the Azores Islands: golf, horse back riding, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and surfing are just some of them. A car will take you to the best locations for all of those activities, and there is only one thing you will need other means of transportation for, but it is worth it: whales and dolphins swarm around the islands, performing one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Boats take you on guided whale watching tours, and the grey giants of the sea will blow your mind.