As in its home country of Portugal, it is also driven on the right.
Travelling around Flores by car is a breeze, thanks to the very sparse traffic and quality roads that lead to literally every corner of the island.
How and when to book a car
There are several local car rental companies on Flores, such as Ilha Verde and Autatlantis. Renting a car here is just like in any other civilised country.
Nevertheless, it has the specificity of a shortage of cars. Book a car at least 2-3 months in advance, especially in the May-September period. Otherwise, you run the risk that realistically none of the car rental companies will have spare capacity and you will end up completely without a car, which will result in a complete overhaul of the program.
Book a car at Flores FLW airport
We've had a particular good experience with Ilha Verde rentals.
Flores, Azores car rental prices
Car rental prices are relatively reasonable if you book at least 3 months in advance.
Prices also vary according to the season.
- Weekly rental peak season (June to August). 600 eur for the smallest car
- Weekly rental in low season (July to November): from 240 eur for the smallest car
- Compare rental prices at Flores FLW airport
Prices for larger SUVs are up to 3 times that of the smallest cars.
As elsewhere in the world, the longer the car rental at Flores, the lower the price per day.
In addition, it is advantageous to book a car at least 2-4 months in advance. Conversely, if you book for more than 7 months, you will see fewer offers and it pays to wait.
International driving licence and other documents
Flores is part of the European Union, so there is no need to arrange an international driving licence. The rental company will also accept a national driving licence from any EU country.
If you hold a driving licence from a non-EU country, Norway, Switzerland or Iceland, get an international driving licence with your licence.
Car rental companies usually require a credit card to rent, and will often rent to a debit card, but either on less favourable terms or with a very high deposit often exceeding even 1 200 eur (e.g. Ilha Verde).
Petrol prices and petrol stations
Petrol is quite expensive in Flores. European units of measurement are used here, so all prices are per litre.
Petrol prices range from 1,65 eur to 1,85 eur per litre.
How do the petrol stations in Flores work?
You can find petrol stations in Santa Cruz. Directly outside the airport is the largest petrol station on the island, where you can conveniently fill up before returning your car.
Another petrol station can be found in Lajes.
The large Galp gas station in Santa Cruz is manned during the day. This means that you drive up to the petrol stand, fill up as much as you need yourself and go inside the shop to pay the resulting amount.
Outside of business hours or at smaller stations, the operation is completely self-service. You first select on the screen the maximum amount you want to pay for petrol or the 'full tank' option. You insert your credit card and go to fill up.
Once you've filled up, your card is automatically charged the appropriate amount.
Road quality and road markings
The quality of the roads in Flores is excellent. The main roads are well signposted, including longitudinal markings and good verges.
Tarmac roads lead to absolutely all parts of the island, including the completely uninhabited centre of Flores. The roads are not only for tourists but also as access roads for farmers to the remote pastures.
Until 2012, the quality of the secondary roads was terrible, but after that a grant was applied for and virtually all the roads on the island were repaired.
All the signs are European format and the additional signs are written in Portuguese only. What do the most common phrases on the signs mean?
- Piso em mau estado - Roads in poor condition
- Atenção - Caution
- Miradouro - Viewpoint
- Moinho do água - Water mill (tourist attraction)
Traffic regulations
On Flores, drive on the right.
Drivers are quite considerate and it is quite common to let cars coming off the side roads onto the main road.
You don't have to worry about dangerous fast driving or nervous overtaking if you drive more carefully than the locals.
Speeds
Speeds are measured in kilometres per hour and the maximum speed limits are as follows:
- In built-up areas - 50 km/h (approx. 32 mph)
- Outside a built-up area - 80 km/h (approx. 50 mph)
Priorities and roundabouts
At junctions not controlled by traffic lights or signs, right of way applies.
Roundabouts are common, where the car travelling on the roundabout always has the right of way. You signal before entering a roundabout as if you were approaching a normal junction, i.e:
- I am leaving the roundabout at the first exit - blinking right
- Leaving the roundabout by the second exit (or the first exit if it is directly opposite) - do not flash
- Leaving the roundabout by the last exit - flashing left
When you are already on the roundabout, you always flash right just before leaving the roundabout.
Alcohol, seat belts and talking on the phone
Wearing seat belts is compulsory and talking on the phone while driving is strictly forbidden. Earphones are not allowed either.
In Portugal, the blood alcohol tolerance when driving is up to 0.05%.
Book a car on the island of Flores
Density and specifics of traffic
Traffic density is minimal on Flores. You won't encounter a single car on the roads outside the towns for long minutes - and sometimes tens of minutes.
So few people live on the island and so few cars drive that local drivers always wave at oncoming traffic. Don't be alarmed, they don't point out anything wrong with your car. They just say hello.
Parking
Parking is absolutely hassle-free on Flores. You'll always find free public parking in towns, which is also common at roadside overlooks.