Getting Around, Vila do Porto Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Vila do Porto, Azores, Portugal)



The Azores Islands played an important re-supply and refuelling role during WWII and the transport infrastructure here is surprisingly good as a result.

Many tourists arrive through the international airport at Sao Miguel, but there are direct flights to the mainland from Vila Do Porto. Travel between islands is by air or sea, and most visitors prefer to see Santa Maria island by hire car rather than by using public transportation.


Santa Maria Airport (SMA) / Arriving by Air

Address: Vila Do Porto, Azores, Portugal, PT
Tel: +296 820 020
Santa Maria Airport is located immediately north of Vila Do Porto town centre. Although this is a small facility, it does boast three runways, including the largest one in the entire archipelago. In the old days, supersonic Concorde jets would refuel here, and the facilities are better than expected for an airport of this size. The local carrier is SATA Air Acores, operating flights to Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel. The airline's international extension, SATA International, flies to Lisbon.

Santa Maria Airport (SMA) Guide

Car Rental

Car rental is essential for any visit to Vila Do Porto. The most convenient place to pick up a car is at the airport, but you may be able to arrange one at the marina or through a local hotel. With a car, connecting to Santa Barbara and Santo Espirito is refreshingly easy. Otherwise, tourists have to rely on taxis and sporadic public transportation to explore the coastline and beaches.

WG Car Rental Logo Book your Santa Maria Car Rental here.

Buses and Coaches

Buses operate on all of the main roads on Santa Maria, and this is how many locals get from one community to the next. It should be noted, however, that local bus transport only operates during daylight hours, and so you will need a hire car or taxi to return to your hotel after dark. Buses are by far the cheapest way to get around the island, and it makes sense for budget travellers.

Taxis

While most tourists opt to hire a car while staying in Vila Do Porto, a taxi may be more practical in certain cases. This is especially true if you don't plan on spending most of your time within walking distance of the marina. Taxis may also be necessary during the summer months, when car hire agencies are often overbooked.

Boats and Ferries

Ferries from Vila Do Porto marina connect to Sao Miguel and a few of the other Azores Islands. Boats can also be used to travel to popular coastal villages, such as St. Lawrence Bay. The latter is actually difficult to reach by car, as there aren't any major roads braving the steep cliffs that lead into town, and the scenic journey by water is always preferable.