Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) is your gateway to São Miguel, the largest and most populous island of the picturesque Azores archipelago, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. This bustling hub connects you to the breathtaking beauty of the Azores, with lush volcanic landscapes, sparkling crater lakes, bubbling geothermal hot springs, and a unique culture that is quite unlike any other in the whole of Portugal. At just 5 kilometres (3 miles) from the vibrant city of Ponta Delgada, the airport offers easy access to this charming city’s historic streets, quaint local stores, cafes and delicious seafood restaurants. Keen to discover the island at your own pace, in your way? With a hire car from Ponta Delgada Airport, you'll be able to do just that. From the lush green valleys and towering peaks of the interior to the coastal beauty and quaint villages, São Miguel is a paradise waiting to be discovered. Driving from Ponta Delgada Airport in São Miguel, Azores, offers a chance to immerse yourself in the island's lush and unique biodiversity. Known as "The Green Island," São Miguel boasts vibrant wildlife, bird species, and an array of endemic plants. Keep an eye out for native birds such as the Azores wood pigeon (Columba palumbus azorica) and the Azores bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina), the latter being one of the rarest passerine birds in Europe. Wetland areas along the way, such as Lagoa das Sete Cidades, attract herons, egrets, and migratory species. São Miguel’s flora is equally captivating, with endemic species such as the Azorean heather (Erica azorica) and the laurel tree (Laurus azorica). The hydrangeas lining the roads are particularly striking, with their iconic blue blooms offering a dazzling contrast to the island’s verdant hillsides. Wild ginger lilies and azaleas also add splashes of colour, while towering Japanese cedar and cryptomeria trees contribute to the island's forested charm. As you drive, you might encounter endemic shrubs like Vaccinium cylindraceum (Azorean blueberry) and other unique plants thriving in the island's volcanic soils. The biodiversity of São Miguel makes every turn in the road a discovery, combining natural beauty with ecological significance. Whether you're into hiking through leafy trails and woodlands, whale watching migratory Kings of the Deep, or simply relaxing in the mineral-rich natural hot springs, there's something for every traveler. Hiring a car at Ponta Delgada Airport is simple and convenient from several trusted car rental agencies right at the airport’s arrivals hall. There’s a range of vehicles to suit every need, from compact cars for city exploration to spacious SUVs for an adventurous road trip through the island’s rugged terrain. Once you’ve completed the easy paperwork, you’ll be ready to hit the road and start your Azorean adventure. Just you, your car and the wide open road of São Miguel...