$91 Car Rental Santa Maria

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Maria

Renting a car in and around Santa Maria offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this beautiful village and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Santa Maria Beach, perfect for enjoying beach experiences, and the Santa Maria Town Square, which is great for immersing yourself in local culture. The Santa Maria Pier is another nearby spot worth checking out. Additionally, the convenience of managing your luggage makes it easier to move between these sites without hassle. Beyond Santa Maria, you can drive to nearby destinations like Murdeira and Beirona, both located just 6 miles away, where you can find more beautiful beaches and cultural experiences. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for travelers seeking outdoor adventures or those exploring the vibrant city life in Sal, where Santa Maria is situated. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or on your own, having a car allows you to create a personalized itinerary and enjoy all that this stunning region has to offer.

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: With a rental location conveniently situated in Santa Maria, Hertz is a popular choice among travelers seeking flexibility during their stay. The most booked vehicle from Hertz is the Compact SUV, which provides ample space for luggage and comfort for exploring the area's attractions. Renting from Hertz ensures you have the freedom to manage your itinerary and experience the beauty of Santa Maria at your own pace.

Where to stay around Santa Maria

• Santa Maria: Santa Maria offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for beach and outdoor enthusiasts. Stay near the Santa Maria Town Square, a cultural hub ideal for experiencing local life. The stunning Ponta Preta beach is nearby, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. With options for food and drinks, including cheese and coffee, you'll find plenty to enjoy after a day of adventure. The Santa Maria Pier also provides a lovely spot to relax and take in the ocean views.
• Sal Rei: Located 29 miles from Santa Maria, Sal Rei is a charming village that invites travelers to explore its beautiful beaches and cultural experiences. Estoril Beach and Praia de Cruz are excellent choices for swimming and relaxation. The local café scene, with an emphasis on seafood, adds to the coastal charm. Sal Rei is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying outdoor activities like windsurfing.
• Boa Ventura: Also 29 miles away from Santa Maria, Boa Ventura is a quaint village known for its serene beaches and cultural landmarks. Highlights include Estoril Beach and Praia da Chave, both perfect for a relaxing beach day. The village's place of worship adds a cultural touch to your visit. Boa Ventura is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of beach relaxation and cultural exploration in a peaceful setting.

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 selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, 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—may not be accessible. This can 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, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the best choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can also be convenient. Just make sure to 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 justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies accept only credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek rentals with unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
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 makes it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers. Mid-range value months like June and July also offer reasonable prices with average demand. However, September tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand, making it a busier time for rentals. October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

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 from $91.

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