Pico Island Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Pico Island

Renting a car in Pico Island offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the stunning landscapes and attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently manage your luggage and create a travel itinerary that suits your interests. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures or a romantic getaway, having a car allows you to visit key sites like the São João Forest Reserve, located 6 km away, and Mount Pico, just 7 km from the island. You can also enjoy the serene beauty of Caiado Lagoon, 6 km away, perfect for a day of relaxation. Exploring nearby cities is easy as well; Madalena is a mere 13 km away, with attractions like the Porto Pim Whale Factory Museum. Sao Roque do Pico, only 4 km away, provides access to both the forest reserve and stunning lagoon experiences. Additionally, Lajes do Pico, located 9 km away, offers historical sites such as Sao Roque Church. A rental car not only enhances your sightseeing experience but also caters to various traveller types looking for outdoor experiences, romance, or entertainment in this beautiful region.

Most popular car rentals around Pico Island

• Economy: The Economy car is a popular choice for those looking to accommodate up to 5 travellers with the ability to manage up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or families who seek a budget-friendly vehicle while enjoying the freedom to explore Pico Island at their own pace. With its compact size, the Economy car offers ease of navigation on the island’s roads.
• Compact SUV: The Compact SUV is another well-booked option, comfortably seating up to 5 travellers and providing space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This vehicle is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families who appreciate a bit more room and versatility. Its higher stance offers better visibility while driving around the scenic landscapes of Pico Island, making it a great choice for those wanting a blend of comfort and practicality.
• Mini: The Mini car option is suited for up to 4 travellers and can accommodate up to 2 small suitcases. This option is particularly popular among solo travellers and couples seeking a nimble and efficient vehicle. With its compact design, the Mini is easy to park and manoeuvre in tighter spaces, making it ideal for navigating the charming roads of Pico Island while keeping travel plans flexible.

Top rated car suppliers around Pico Island

• Sixt: Sixt is a top choice for travellers seeking a reliable car rental experience around Pico Island. With a rental location situated 15 km away, they offer convenient access to a variety of vehicles. The most booked options include Compact SUVs and Economy cars, perfect for navigating the scenic routes of the island. Their customer service is known for being friendly and efficient, ensuring a smooth rental process.
• addCar rental: addCar rental is another excellent supplier, also located 15 km from Pico Island. This company focuses on providing a range of economical vehicles, with popular choices including Economy and Mini cars. Their service is designed to cater to budget-conscious travellers looking for flexibility while exploring the island's beautiful landscapes and attractions.
• Avis: Avis stands out with two rental locations, the nearest being just 1 km away from Pico Island. This proximity makes it incredibly convenient for travellers. Avis primarily offers Economy cars, ideal for those looking for a compact and efficient way to explore the island. The combination of location and vehicle choice makes Avis a preferred option for many visitors.

Where to stay around Pico Island

• Sao Roque do Pico: Located 4 km away from Pico Island, Sao Roque do Pico offers an outdoor and eco-friendly adventure experience. Enjoy activities like golf and hiking trails, while nearby attractions such as the São João Forest Reserve and Mount Pico provide stunning scenery and outdoor opportunities. The Caiado Lagoon is perfect for a romantic outing, and you can find local wineries to sample the region's offerings.
• Madalena: Situated 13 km from Pico Island, Madalena is known for its outdoor and romantic experiences. Visitors can engage in golf and hiking, with Mount Pico and the São João Forest Reserve as key highlights. For a cultural touch, the Porto Pim Whale Factory Museum is a must-see. Madalena also features several wineries, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy local food and drinks.
• Lajes do Pico: Only 9 km from Pico Island, Lajes do Pico attracts eco-conscious adventurers. The area is well-suited for hiking and golf, with the São João Forest Reserve and Mount Pico nearby for exploration. The charming Sao Roque Church adds a cultural element to your visit, while dining options and local wineries ensure you’ll have delightful culinary experiences.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Pico Island

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best options for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to access lower prices and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling choices, which can be acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and offers peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rental options that include unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is mandatory to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Pico Island

The best time to rent a car on Pico Island is January and February, when prices are moderately low and demand is at its lowest. March offers a slight increase in demand and price, making it still a reasonable option. April and May see average prices but higher demand. However, July is the peak month with high demand and moderately high prices, while August remains the most expensive month for rentals as it experiences similar high demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	59.2°F (15.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
February	57.7°F (14.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately Low
March	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately Low
April	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
June	65.1°F (18.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
July	69.3°F (20.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
August	71.8°F (22.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
September	70.2°F (21.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	60.3°F (15.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average