Welcome to Graciosa Island! Picking up a rental car is a great way to explore everything this beautiful part of the Azores has to offer. This guide will walk you through the process at Graciosa Island Airport (GRW), covering everything from finding your rental to understanding local driving conditions.
Rental car desks are generally located within the arrivals area of the airport. You’ll likely find representatives from several companies offering services here. Follow the signs for ‘Car Rental’ or ‘Rental Cars’ after you collect your luggage. Pickup procedures are usually straightforward, but allow extra time for paperwork and vehicle inspection.
Several companies commonly operate at Graciosa Island Airport, including those offering a wide range of vehicles. You can typically find options from providers specializing in economy cars, as well as those with larger fleets including SUVs and premium vehicles.
Graciosa’s roads are generally well-maintained, but some areas can be narrow or hilly. Here are some popular car types for exploring the island:
| Car Class | Approximate Daily Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Economy | $35 - $55 |
| Compact | $45 - $65 |
| Intermediate | $55 - $80 |
| Standard | $65 - $95 |
| SUV | $80 - $150 |
| Luxury | $120+ |
Prices change by season and availability.
To rent a car in Portugal, you’ll generally need a valid driver’s license, a credit card in the renter’s name, and a passport or national ID card. The minimum age is typically 21, though some companies may have a higher age requirement, and younger drivers may face additional fees. A security deposit is standard; this is usually held on your credit card and released upon the vehicle’s safe return. Be sure to understand the deposit amount and the conditions for its return.
Rental companies will offer various insurance options. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage to the rental car itself. Theft Protection covers loss or damage due to theft. Often, these come with an ‘excess’ – the amount you’re still responsible for in the event of a claim. You can often reduce this excess by purchasing additional insurance. Carefully review what your existing auto insurance or credit card benefits already cover before accepting additional coverage at the rental desk. Don’t hesitate to ask the agent to clearly explain the terms of each insurance option.
Portugal has a network of toll roads, some of which are electronic. If you rent a car, the rental company will usually handle the electronic toll payment, but confirm this with them. Parking in towns and cities can be limited, so look for designated parking areas. Speed limits are generally posted in kilometers per hour (km/h). On motorways, the limit is typically 120 km/h, while on secondary roads it’s lower. Be aware of local traffic regulations and drive defensively.
You’ll typically need your driver’s license, a valid credit card, and your passport or national ID.
For many nationalities, an International Driving Permit isn’t required for short-term rentals, but it’s always best to check the specific requirements based on your country of origin.
If you have CDW (Collision Damage Waiver), it will cover damage to the car, but you may still be responsible for an excess amount.
Yes, but you’ll usually need to pay an extra daily fee and the additional driver must meet the same requirements as the primary renter.
Many roads in Portugal have tolls. Rental companies often offer a way to handle these electronically, but confirm the details with them.
Rental cars come with a spare tire and tools. Your rental agreement should include instructions, or you can contact the rental company’s roadside assistance.
Credit cards are almost always required for the deposit and rental fee. Debit cards are often not accepted.
Taking a rental car between islands usually requires prior authorization from the rental company and may incur extra fees.
Excess is the amount you’re still responsible for paying if the car is damaged or stolen, even with insurance.
Yes, but they may be less common and more expensive than manual transmissions.
Late returns usually result in extra charges, often calculated per hour or day.
You can usually rent a GPS device, or use a smartphone navigation app.