If you want to escape to the gorgeous Azores, one of the best starting points is the largest of the islands, São Miguel. São Miguel lies in the middle of the Azores, the magical group of nine volcanic islands around 1500km off the coast of Portugal.

Ponta Delgada, the capital city of the Azores archipelago, lies on the southern coast of São Miguel and its airport, also known as John Paul II Airport, is the main destination for visitors flying into these Portuguese islands and one of just three international airports covering the Azores. The airport welcomes 14 airlines offering flights from 34 destinations including major cities across Europe and North America making it the fourth largest airport in Portugal. It's also the local hub for flights between the Azores islands and the Portuguese capital Lisbon.

São Miguel is known as the “Green Island" (Ilha Verde) for its lush flora and fauna. It’s a popular destination for nature lovers who come for whale and dolphin-watching as well as outdoor and water sports.

A trip to Ponta Delgada is a great introduction to the Portuguese-speaking Azores with their unique culture and outdoor lifestyle. Driving across the island is a real pleasure, the road network is good and traffic generally sparse. Our friendly Avis team members at Ponta Delgada Airport are experts on the local area and ready to welcome you with the perfect rental car for your trip.

You’ll find our Avis counter inside the terminal building at Ponta Delgada Airport. You’ll be collecting your hire car from the Avis rental collection point in the parking area directly in front of the terminal entrance. When you are heading home, the returns car park is well sign posted near to the departures entrance.

Ponta Delgada Airport is located 2km west of the island’s capital Ponta Delgada. From the Avis car park at Ponta Delgada Airport, the drive into the centre of the city takes about 10min. Head right out of the airport and head south on the EN1-1Al, turning onto the seafront just before you reach the city centre.

Ponta Delgada began life as a fishing village in the 15th Century and it still retains its laid-back, peaceful vibe today.

Take time to wander the narrow, cobbled streets, step inside the white-washed churches and people-watch from one of the pretty cafés in and around the main square, Praça de Gonçalo Velho. This opens out onto the sea front and takes you past the city’s 18th century city gates (Portas da Cidade).

Tour the remains of the city’s ancient fort, Forte de Sao Bras and immerse yourself in the flora of the island at one of the three botanical gardens in the city. Nature lovers won’t want to miss booking a whale-watching tour or one of the delights of Ponta Delgada, a trip to one of the city’s two pineapple plantations.

If you are looking to step back in time and experience a slower pace of life, plan a road trip around São Miguel. This stunningly beautiful island truly offers the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Head to the centre of the island to see one of the natural wonders of Ponta Delgada, the Lagoon of Fire (Lagoa do Fogo). Just a 27km, 30min drive along the EN1-1Al, the lagoon is picture perfect with meandering hiking trails to reach the best views. For more lagoon magic, drive 26km northwest of Ponta Delgada to Sete Cidades (Seven Cities), which boasts two lagoons, one blue and one green.

Take to the waters in a different way with a trip to the hot springs at Furnas, a 45min, 43km drive to the far east of the island where the thermal waters reputedly have health-giving properties.

For swimming and snorkeling, there is no better place to spend the day than by the crystal-clear waters of Vila Franca Islet, one of the island’s jewels. Just 1km off the coast opposite the small town of Vila Franca do Campo this unforgettable setting is a 25min drive from Ponta Delgada.

Experience the produce of island life at one of São Miguel’s tea plantations. This historic Gorreana Tea Factory is a 30km drive north of the capital. The site has two spectacular tea trails plus the chance to see the manufacturing process and of course, the chance to try the finished product in the plantation café.

Hiring a car at Ponta Delgada Airport gives you the flexibility and freedom to explore the Azores island of São Miguel at your own pace. Many of the attractions on the island are in remote locations making car rental the most practical option.

The Avis team at Ponta Delgada Airport is ready to offer advice on the best places to go and to help make your car rental run smoothly from the moment you land.

The roads on São Miguel are relatively empty and the highways across the island are well-maintained offering easy driving over good, open roads. As in Portugal and the rest of mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road as you leave the Ponta Delgada airport.