Rent a Car Sao Miguel
The verdant and picturesque island of São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores archipelago. São Miguel is a volcanic island renowned for its massifs, lakes, calderas, hot springs, and volcanic zones. With such an ecosystem, diverse geomorphology, and the Laurisilva forest, numerous bird, mammal, reptile, and marine species thrive in Sao Miguel’s land and sea areas. According to geology, the island was formed in six volcanic stages, the oldest of which is the northeast complex and the most recent of which is Picos. The terrain and complex geomorphology reflect these various formations, with the oldest sectors displaying significant craggy valleys and ravines that have experienced centuries of erosion. Serra do Tronqueira, in the eastern portion, is a prime example of this, as is the highest point, Pico da Vara (1103 m). You can drive to Santo Antonio de Nordestinho village, park your car there, and start the hike from the Casa de Guarda da Reserva Florestal da Atalhada. If you want to live the ultimate adventure in São Miguel Island, then a car rental is what you should opt for to make the most out of your visit. Imperial Car Rental offers many types of off-road cars, SUVs, Jeeps, and much more.
Lake-filled craters, or calderas, are prominent geomorphological landforms in Sao Miguel. Some of these calderas are rather big, such as the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, Furnas, and Fogo. The shoreline is composed of rugged cliffs that range in height from 200 meters to more. These cliffs were created by lava flows that flowed towards the sea. There are many black sand beaches along the coast, most of which are of basaltic origin. One of the biggest, like Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara, is located in Ribeira Grande on the north coast. From Ribeira Grande, you can drive to the Miradouro de Santa Iria to marvel at splendid sunrises and unspoiled nature and observe flora and fauna species. If you’re craving seafood and fresh fish, drive to Restaurante Mare Cheia for fish soup, tuna steak, mussels, and much more.
Sao Miguel Rental Car
Sete Cidades is one of the most important volcanoes and massifs on the western part of the island of São Miguel. Its caldera measures 5 km in diameter and 500 m deep, where you will find several magnificent lakes, like Lagoa Verde, Lagoa Azul, Lagoa do Santiago, and Lagoa Rasa. The Caldera de Sete Cidades was formed 22,000 years ago, and it’s one of the most significant geomorphological formations on the island. Around the crater's edges, numerous miradouros allow you to appreciate the size of this dormant volcano. Among them, the most beautiful are the Miradouro da Vista do Rei and the Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago. The island of Sao Miguel is the largest cetacean sanctuary in Europe, and it has an entire colony of whales and dolphins. The archipelago indeed offers a unique ecosystem rich in marine species, suitable for observing blue whales and dolphins. It is recommended to take a zodiac boat tour in order to respect the environment and follow a more sustainable form of tourism.
Apart from whale watching, boat tours, hikes, climbing, and outdoor activities, the island of Sao Miguel boasts pristine, secluded beaches with black or golden sand, ideal for swimming, exploration, and watersports. The natural pools of Mosteiros and Santo Antonio, Praia dos Mosteiros, Praia de Água D'Alto, and Praia Baixa d'Areia are some of the best beaches and coves on Sao Miguel to enjoy endless swimming, hiking, and the ultimate relaxation. Mosteiros is known for its breathtaking sunsets and high waves. The fierce power of the Atlantic has shaped this volcanic coastline, creating natural pools. The black sandy coast and its ancient lava flows again recall the Azores' geological history. It is advisable to rent a car on São Miguel Island so as to be flexible and get anywhere you want at any time of the day without relying on public transportation. Our quality cars, reliable car hire services, and the most affordable daily or weekly rates are available year-round on Sao Miguel Island!
Car Hire Sao Miguel Azores
In the southwestern part of the island of Sao Miguel, you will find this impressive thermal water pool: Ponta do Ferraria. It is one of the most curious places in Sao Miguel, and its main attraction lies in being in a small sea cove through which a volcanic tube passes, which causes the water to heat, and you can bathe in the thermal sea waters. Moreover, the hot springs of the Caldeira Velha Natural Park are equally special and a must-visit. They are divided into several levels with different temperatures. There is a fantastic temperate waterfall and a large pool with another waterfall on the upper level. At the lower levels, the water reaches temperatures of 30 and 35 degrees, which is a joy when the weather is a bit cold. One of the most unique activities is visiting Lagoa do Canario and hiking the Serra Devassa area and the renowned Miradouro da Boca do Inferno. From the Lagoa do Canário car park, you can follow the trail into the Serra Devassa, where there are about seven lakes at different heights. The path of about 5 kilometers is covered in about 2 hours and runs along the slopes and valleys of ancient craters, observing the Lagoas das Éguas from above and bordering the Lagoa Rasa and the Lagoas das Empadadas. Nearby is the Miradouro do Pico do Carvão, which offers impressive views of the island's north and south coasts, separated by hills of green meadows full of birds, cows, and serene nature.