Car Hire at Flores Airport

Book with Zest Car Rental at Flores Airport

We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to sweat over. We want you to relax and look forward to exploring the dramatic waterfalls and prehistoric fells of the most westerly point in Europe.

Unlock the real Flores

Flores Airport is the premier starting point for discovering a lush, untouched paradise. With a rental car, you can reach Santa Cruz das Flores in just 2 minutes to explore the historic fells of the main town. For a journey into one of the most beautiful spots in the Azores, the towering cliffside fells and waterfalls of Fajã Grande are roughly 30 minutes west. If you seek the island's legendary crater lakes, the panoramic fells of the Sete Lagoas plateau are a comfortable 20-minute drive, all easily accessible from the terminal.

Flores is an island of immense geographic variety, from the misty fells of the central highlands to the sun-drenched fells of the coastal villages. A rental car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore beyond the airport and discover hidden swimming holes at Poço do Bacalhau, traditional Azorean stone houses, and the scenic roads that wind past hydrangea-lined fells. Find your own rhythm in the green heart of the Atlantic.

Our Fleet at Flores Airport

At Zest Car Rental, we offer a range of vehicles at Flores Airport to suit every journey. Whether you need a compact car for navigating the narrow fells of the coastal villages, or a sturdy SUV for a trip into the high-altitude fells of the central plateau, we have the perfect fit for you. Given the island's steep terrain, a vehicle with a bit of extra power is often a popular choice. All provider-specific details can be found in your car rental terms and conditions.

One Way Rentals from Flores Airport

As Flores is a small, self-contained island, rentals typically start and end at the airport. This ensures you have transport available for your entire stay, allowing you to explore every corner of the island's dramatic fells before your departure.

Driver Age Requirements in the Azores

Can I rent a car in Flores if I am under 25?
Yes. While many providers require drivers to be at least 21 and may apply a Young Driver Surcharge, there are options available for younger drivers with a full, valid licence. Minimum age requirements and surcharges vary by car group.

Can I rent a car in Flores if I am over 70?
Yes. Senior drivers are widely welcomed in Portugal. Most standard rentals have no additional fees, though we always recommend checking the specific terms for your chosen vehicle.

What is the best time of year to explore Flores by car?

The summer months (June to September) offer the most stable weather for exploring the coastal fells and hiking trails. Spring is particularly beautiful, as the island's famous hydrangeas bloom across the fells in May and June. The winter months are quiet and atmospheric, perfect for experiencing the island's raw natural fells without the summer visitors.

Essential Tips for Driving in the Azores

Driving on Flores is generally relaxed, but the fells can be narrow and winding. Using dipped headlights is mandatory in poor visibility and tunnels. Your rental vehicle must be equipped with a warning triangle and a reflective safety vest. Be mindful of narrow streets in Santa Cruz; it is common practice to fold in mirrors when parking. Additionally, be prepared for cattle on the road in rural fells; simply stop and wait for them to pass. All specific details regarding your rental and the provider's rules will be found in your car rental terms and conditions.