Car Hire in Pico - Azores

About Pico

The Azores archipelago consists of nine islands, most of which are divided into two groups: Western and Eastern. The island of Pico is one of the seven islands in the first group, known as the Western Islands.

Pico is not only one of the oldest historical regions but has also been called "Ilha Bela" (Beautiful Island). Its Alto-Mar volcanic cone plays an important role not only from a geographical point of view but also from a climatic and ecological one. It represents the highest point in Portugal - at about 2400 metres - and is home to rare alpine flowers that grow in glaciated areas due to the special climatic conditions. However, one wonder that cannot be overlooked is its rich history, which spans more than 400 years since the first inhabitants settled here. 

Basic info and car hire in Pico

• Location: Central Group of the Portuguese Azores
• Population: 13.645 (2019)
• Official language: Portuguese 
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Weather: The best time to visit the Azores Islands is between April and October, but you should also plan a trip in summer when temperatures average 25°C. The climate on these islands has an unpredictable pattern that changes each season - so there's always something new happening! Find out when it is best time to visit the Azores.
• Holidays in Pico: Pico is an ideal place to spend a holiday, and thanks to the good and stable weather, you can enjoy Pico all year round.
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions: Pico has no highways, but the main roads are in good condition. Other roads that pass through small towns and villages are not all paved and some of them can be narrow and even have animals on the roads. 
• Car hire in Pico: Hiring a car at Pico Airport with Orbit Car Hire gives you plenty of freedom to travel around the island of Pico. With a wide range of vehicles to choose from, you can be sure to find the one that suits your needs and gives you the most benefit on your trip. Find your cheap car hire in Pico today! 

 Driving in Pico

Driving on Pico Island is relatively simple. The roads can be narrow, but they are known to be in good condition. Driving is on the right side of the road. There are no tolls, and parking can be found all over. Gas in Pico costs around 1.70€/ltr. Car Hire: It's very easy to hire a car in Pico and there are many different companies with offices both at the airport and downtown. If you'd like to book your rental car while you're still in your home country, we recommend looking at our offers where we work with the best local car hire companies as well as well-known brands. 

And it's always good to book a car in advance so it does not sell out (which can happen, especially in high season).

• Age limits: The age limit is between 21 and 25, depending on the car hire agency. Many agencies will either charge a young driver fee if you are under this age or not allow you to rent the car at all. 
• International Driving Permit: Yes, if your driver's license is not identifiable as Driving License, for example, if it is written in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g. Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese). 
• Additional papers: Identification (passport), a valid driver's license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to take out insurance with the car rental company in case your policy does not cover you when driving in the Azores Islands). 
• Additional requirements: Warning triangles, spare wheels and a hands-free kit with hearing aids are required if you are talking on the phone while driving.
• Children in the car: All vehicle occupants must wear a seat belt. Children under twelve years of age or over 5 feet tall may ride in the front passenger seat.  
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights: Headlights must be on at all times (day and night). 
• General speed limits: 80 mph / 130 km/h on motorways, 49 mph / 80 km/h on main roads outside built-up areas and 31 mph/50 km/h inside built-up areas.
• Parking suggestions: You will need to pay for parking on Pico Island. The parking spots always have an automatic parking meter where you can pay for parking. 

What to see in Pico

Mt.Pico 

For those who do not know the island of Pico: ultramarine waters and mountains rising above the horizon. The highest volcano in the Atlantic (2351 m) is also an excellent vantage point of land and sea. It is advisable to go up in the morning hours - the sunrises are unforgettable - and return before nightfall; fog sometimes covers the summit unexpectedly. A boat trip around the island of Pico takes you along a huge bay with cliffs were many sea birds live and some small beaches. A hike on this island is still very rewarding, even though it can be difficult to discover all its secrets.

The Sao Joao Forest Park

This forest park is part of an extensive landscape that allows the visitor to explore the coexistence of the different typologies on this island, namely agricultural fields and forests. In this way, the visitor will notice a significant change in the landscape as they move from one area to another, creating beautiful landscapes at every turn. These features make the island an interesting place for those who wish to contemplate the power of nature over this volcanic island. The most common plants that grow here are trees such as blueberries and eucalyptus, as well as lilies and orchids. It is important to highlight the rich landscape and visual diversity that this park and its surroundings offer.

This forest park is also considered one of the last large natural parks in the Azores, where several endangered species are still protected from human interference, such as red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa). The latter two animals were introduced to the island of Pico in the 18th century.

Miradouro da Terr' Alta

Let us start with the Miradouro da Terr' Alta, located in Furnas. It's not just any Miradouro, but the highest point on the island of Pico, a thousand metres above sea level. From here you can experience everything that makes Pico unique:

1) You can admire the peaks and the clouds that move slowly over time;

2) You can feel the power of the waves of the Atlantic;

3) Hear the birds singing;

4) Smell the flowers growing;

5) Taste fresh cheese and bread baked with natural yeast (some still use wood ovens);

6) And finally, enjoy a view like no other place in the world, including the island of São Jorge rising out of the sea.

You can find more great things about Pico and the Azores in our ultimate guide to the Azores.