Car Rental Santa Maria

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Maria

Renting a car in Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde, is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the area with freedom and flexibility. With a rental car, beachgoers can easily access the stunning Santa Maria Beach, perfect for sunbathing and relaxation. Adventure seekers can explore the vibrant Santa Maria Town Square, where cultural experiences await, or take a stroll along the Santa Maria Pier for picturesque views. The convenience of a car allows travelers to manage their luggage effortlessly and tailor their travel plans to suit their preferences.

Moreover, a rental car provides the opportunity to visit nearby destinations like Sal Rei and Boa Ventura, both located 29 miles from Santa Maria. These cities feature beautiful spots such as Estoril Beach and the Viana Desert, enriching your outdoor experience. Whether you're interested in city life or outdoor adventures, having a car at your disposal makes it easy to explore the diverse attractions in and around Santa Maria at your own pace. Enjoy the journey and make the most of your Cape Verde experience with the flexibility that a rental car offers.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Maria

• Compact SUV: This is the most booked car option in Santa Maria, accommodating up to 5 travelers and 3 medium suitcases. It's perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or families looking to explore the beach and cultural attractions at their own pace. With the flexibility to manage luggage and travel plans, the Compact SUV is ideal for both city experiences and outdoor adventures in the area.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Maria

• Hertz: Hertz is the most popular car rental supplier in Santa Maria, offering one convenient rental location in the area. Travelers appreciate the flexibility of renting a car to explore local attractions at their own pace. The most booked vehicle is the Compact SUV, ideal for navigating both urban and rural settings. With a focus on customer satisfaction and well-maintained vehicles, Hertz provides an excellent option for those looking to enhance their travel experience in Cape Verde.

Where to go in Santa Maria

• Santa Maria: Located in the city of Sal, Santa Maria is known for its beautiful beach, outdoor activities, and vibrant local culture. Key highlights include the Santa Maria Town Square, perfect for immersing yourself in the local atmosphere, and the Santa Maria Pier, a picturesque spot for relaxation. The nearby Ponta Preta beach offers stunning views and a chance to unwind by the ocean. The best time to visit is from January to March when traveler arrivals peak.
• Sal Rei: Situated 29 miles away from Santa Maria, Sal Rei is a charming village that attracts visitors for its beautiful beaches and cultural experiences. Notable attractions include Estoril Beach, ideal for sunbathing and swimming, and the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima, which offers insight into local culture. The Viana Desert nearby provides a unique adventure experience. Like Santa Maria, the peak visiting season occurs between January and March.
• Boa Ventura: Also 29 miles from Santa Maria, Boa Ventura is another quaint village worth exploring. This area is recognized for its stunning beaches and cultural sites. The Estoril Beach here is a popular spot for relaxation, while the Chapel of Our Lady of Fatima provides a glimpse into the local culture. The Viana Desert, offering scenic beauty and outdoor adventures, is a must-see. Visitor numbers peak from December to February, making this a great time to visit.

10 tips to save on your Santa Maria car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Other policies may allow full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which is also acceptable; just ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help prevent unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra fees.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent 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. This is followed by November, which also offers slightly low prices with low demand. Mid-range months include May and August, where prices and demand are average. However, September is typically the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, making it a busy time for rentals.

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	Average
April	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
May	72.0°F (22.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	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	High	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	Slightly Low
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