Car Hire at Horta Airport

Book with Zest Car Rental at Horta 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 world-famous murals and dramatic volcanic fells of the Blue Island.

Unlock the real Faial

Horta Airport is the premier starting point for discovering the cosmopolitan heart of the Azores. With a rental car, you can reach Horta City Centre in just 10 minutes to explore the historic fells and the legendary Peter’s Café Sport. For a journey into recent geological history, the moon-like fells of the Capelinhos Volcano are roughly 25 minutes west. If you seek the island's lush interior, the panoramic fells of the Caldeira are a comfortable 20-minute drive, all easily accessible from the terminal.

Faial is an island of immense geographic variety, from the sun-drenched fells of the coastal marinas to the emerald fells of the central volcanic crater. A rental car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore beyond the airport and discover hidden swimming spots at Porto Pim, traditional Azorean stone houses, and the scenic roads that wind through billowing blue hydrangeas. Find your own rhythm in the historic and scenic heart of the Atlantic.

Our Fleet at Horta Airport

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

One Way Rentals from Horta Airport

As Faial is a self-contained island, rentals typically start and end at Horta Airport. This ensures you have reliable transport for your entire stay, allowing you to explore the island's dramatic fells from coast to crater before your departure.

Driver Age Requirements in the Azores

Can I rent a car in Horta 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 Horta 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 Faial by car?

The summer months (June to August) offer the most stable weather and the famous blooming of blue hydrangeas across the island fells. Late Spring and early Autumn are also beautiful for exploring the coastal fells with fewer visitors. The winter months offer a raw, atmospheric look at the island's natural fells, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Essential Tips for Driving in the Azores

Driving on Faial is generally easy, with quiet roads and simple navigation. Using dipped headlights is mandatory in poor visibility and inside tunnels. Your rental vehicle must be equipped with a warning triangle and a reflective safety vest. Be mindful of narrow streets in Horta; it is common practice to fold in side mirrors when parking. Additionally, be prepared for livestock 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.