Car Rental Santa Maria

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Maria

Renting a car in Santa Maria offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore the picturesque village and its surroundings at their own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting attractions like Santa Maria Beach, ideal for beach experiences, and the charming Santa Maria Town Square, perfect for city and cultural experiences. The convenience of having your own vehicle allows you to navigate the area without the restrictions of public transportation.

In addition to exploring Santa Maria, you can venture to nearby destinations like Murdeira and Beirona, both located only 6 miles away, where you can find more beautiful beaches and local attractions. A rental car makes it easy to experience the diverse offerings of the region, whether you are seeking outdoor adventures or relaxing beach days. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or on your own, having a rental car enhances your ability to discover everything Santa Maria and its neighboring areas have to offer, making your trip enjoyable and hassle-free.

Most popular car rental in Santa Maria

• Compact SUV: This is the most booked car option in Santa Maria, perfect for accommodating up to 5 travelers and carrying up to 3 medium suitcases. With its combination of size and versatility, the Compact SUV is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families. It provides the freedom to explore Santa Maria’s attractions at your own pace, along with easy luggage management. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cape Verde comfortably.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Maria

• Hertz: Hertz is the most popular car rental supplier in Santa Maria, offering one convenient location for travelers. Known for its reliable service, Hertz provides a range of vehicles, with the Compact SUV being the most booked option. This choice allows you to navigate the city and surrounding areas comfortably while enjoying the flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace.

Where to stay around Santa Maria

• Santa Maria: The heart of Sal, Santa Maria is a vibrant town where travelers can immerse themselves in local culture. Enjoy the beautiful beaches like Ponta Preta, perfect for a beach vacation, or visit the Santa Maria Town Square, a charming piazza ideal for cultural experiences. The area is known for its outdoor and adventure activities, with easy access to swimming and local markets.
• Sal Rei: Located 29 miles away from Santa Maria, Sal Rei is a quaint village offering a blend of beach and cultural experiences. Ideal for those who enjoy windsurfing and sightseeing, this destination features stunning beaches such as Estoril Beach and Praia de Cruz, both suitable for beach vacations. Local cafes serving coffee and seafood add to the village's charm.
• Boa Ventura: Also situated 29 miles from Santa Maria, Boa Ventura is a village known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore Estoril Beach and Praia da Chave, both of which are perfect for a relaxing beach getaway. The area is also home to places of worship, providing a glimpse into the local culture and community.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Santa Maria

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, 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 can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to book your car well ahead of your trip. By reserving early, you’re likely to secure more competitive rates and better vehicle availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are less expensive to rent and easier to navigate in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced combination of affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements 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 extra fees. This option is typically the most favorable. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well, but ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Maria

The best value period to rent a car in and around Santa Maria is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. March also offers good value with slightly low prices, although demand tends to be high. The months of April and May see average prices but high demand, making them busier times for rentals. September stands out as the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, followed closely by October, which maintains similar pricing trends.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	72.0°F (22.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
February	70.0°F (21.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
March	69.8°F (21.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly Low
April	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
May	72.0°F (22.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
June	72.9°F (22.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	77.7°F (25.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	79.7°F (26.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	79.2°F (26.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	77.0°F (25.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
December	74.1°F (23.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Santa Maria

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Santa Maria into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Santa Maria and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Santa Maria

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Santa Maria. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Santa Maria

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book .

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals