10 Top Attractions in Madeira to Visit on a Rainy Day
Madeira is an island with a rich history. Many museums can be found, all with their unique approach to educating visitors. There’s also great shopping centres…
Car Hire at Porto Santo Airport
Transparent car rental for the Golden Island with Excess Protection Included
- Free Cancellation
- Excess Protection
- 24/7 Support
- Fair Fuel Policy
Transparent car rental for the Golden Island with Excess Protection Included
We know that renting a car can be stressful. We are here to change that with a fresh, honest approach.
Which? Recommended Provider
We are the one and only Which? Recommended Car Hire Broker, an accolade we have earned every year since 2017. Fresh, Honest and Transparent!
Excess Protection Included
We don't hide costs. Excess Protection is included in every quote, so you are covered from the moment you book. No surprises at the desk.
UK-Based Support
Need help? Our UK-based team is here for you 24/7. If you have an issue at the rental desk, we will speak to the provider directly to sort it out.
Which car rental company should I book with at Porto Santo Airport?
We focus on quality, not quantity. At Porto Santo Airport (PXO), we partner with hand-picked national and trusted local companies to ensure you receive the best service. Rental desks are conveniently located right in the main arrivals hall of the terminal—easy to find once you have collected your luggage. After you have completed your paperwork, your vehicle is typically waiting in the dedicated on-site parking lot just a short walk from the terminal doors. We actively monitor service levels at PXO to ensure a stress-free experience. Precise location details for your chosen vehicle will be clearly provided when you make a quote.
Book with Zest Car Rental at Porto Santo 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 golden sands and volcanic fells of Porto Santo.
Unlock the real Porto Santo
Porto Santo Airport is the premier starting point for discovering the serene beauty of the smaller Madeira island. With a rental car, you can reach the historic fells of Vila Baleira in just 5 minutes. For a journey into the island's highest panoramic views, the peak fells of Pico do Facho are roughly 10 minutes northeast. If you seek the dramatic coastal fells of the island’s tip, the beach at Ponta da Calheta is a comfortable 10-minute drive southwest, all easily accessible from the terminal.
Porto Santo is an island of immense geographic variety, from the world-famous 9km stretch of golden beach fells to the rugged, volcanic fells of the northern coast. A rental car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore beyond the airport and discover hidden viewpoints at Portela, traditional island windmills, and the scenic roads that wind past ancient basalt formations. Find your own rhythm in the peaceful and golden heart of the Atlantic.
Our Fleet at Porto Santo Airport
At Zest Car Rental, we offer a range of vehicles at Porto Santo Airport to suit every journey. Whether you need a compact car for navigating the quiet fells of the main town, or a sturdy SUV for a trip toward the island's higher volcanic fells, we have the perfect fit for you. Given the island's compact size and relaxed pace, a smaller vehicle is often a popular choice for navigating and parking with ease. All provider-specific details can be found in your car rental terms and conditions.
One Way Rentals from Porto Santo Airport
As Porto Santo is a self-contained island, rentals typically start and end at the airport. This ensures you have reliable transport available for your entire stay, allowing you to explore the island's dramatic fells from coast to peak before your departure.
Driver Age Requirements in Porto Santo
Can I rent a car in Porto Santo 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 Porto Santo 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 Porto Santo by car?
Porto Santo is a year-round destination thanks to its dry, warm climate. The summer months (June to September) offer the perfect weather for enjoying the beach fells and coastal swimming. Spring and Autumn are also beautiful for exploring the island’s volcanic fells and historic sites with even more peace and quiet. The winter months offer a tranquil look at the island's natural fells, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Essential Tips for Driving in Porto Santo
Driving on Porto Santo is exceptionally relaxed, with very little traffic. Using dipped headlights is mandatory in poor visibility and inside any tunnels. Your rental vehicle must be equipped with a warning triangle and a reflective safety vest stored in the cabin. Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists along the coastal fells near the main beach. While the island is flatter than Madeira, be prepared for narrow fells in rural areas and yield to vehicles traveling uphill. All specific details regarding your rental and the provider's rules will be found in your car rental terms and conditions.
Book nowTravel tips and blogs
Winter in Madeira: A Season of Festivity.
If you’re looking for somewhere abroad to get into the festive spirit, then consider winter in Madeira. Temperatures reach around 18-20 degrees. The climate is…
Places to hire in Madeira
- Cabo Girao
- Calheta
- Camacha
- Camara De Lobos
- Canical
- Canico
- Curral Das Freiras
- Encumeada
- Faja Da Ovelha
- Funchal
- Funchal Madeira Airport (FNC)
- Jardim Do Mar
- Machico
- Monte
- Paul Do Mar
- Pico Do Arieiro
- Pico Ruivo
- Pont Do Pargo
- Ponta Do Sol
- Porto Da Cruz
- Porto Moniz
- Porto Santo Airport (PXO)
- Prazeres
- Ribeira Brava
- Ribeiro Frio
- Santa Cruz
- Santana
- Santo Da Serra
- Sao Lorenco
- Sao Vicente
Average customer rating for car hire in Porto Santo Airport
(4 out of 5.00) based on 1 responses to our customer survey.
