Scooter Rentals on Faial island, Portugal

Faial doesn't feel like an island you visit — it feels like one you ride around. Pull out of Horta's marina, past the murals sailors have painted on the breakwater for decades, and within twenty minutes you can be standing on the rim of the Caldeira do Faial, looking down into a crater that still smoulders with quiet volcanic drama. Push further west and the road runs out at Vulcão dos Capelinhos, where a lighthouse half-swallowed by ash marks the spot the island grew a new headland in 1957. Few places pack this much scenery into so short a ride.

Faial is barely 21km across, but its roads loop through a landscape that changes character every few kilometres — pastureland, cliffs, crater rim, lava field. Outside Horta itself traffic is light, so a scooter rental in Horta lets you cover in half a day what would take a full day on foot or waiting for buses that don't run to the miradouros anyway. The roads are well paved but narrow and full of bends, which is exactly where a scooter has the edge over a car: easier parking at viewpoints, easier squeezing through village lanes, and enough range to string several stops into one loop before lunch.

Top 10 things to see in Horta by scooter

1. Caldeira do Faial — the winding climb to the rim of the island's dormant volcanic crater, with a trail around the top if you want to get off and walk part of it.
2. Vulcão dos Capelinhos — the ash-grey lava field and buried lighthouse from the 1957–58 eruption, now home to an interpretive centre built into the old tower.
3. Marina da Horta & Peter Café Sport — the transatlantic sailors' harbour, its breakwater painted with thousands of boat murals, and the century-old bar that's the natural start and finish of any ride.
4. Monte da Guia — a short climb up the volcanic headland south of town for views over Horta, the marina, and Pico's volcano across the channel.
5. Miradouro da Espalamaca — a quick stop above Horta with one of the best wide shots of the bay and Pico looming beyond it.
6. Praia do Porto Pim — a sheltered sandy beach minutes from the marina, perfect for a swim break between sights.
7. Ponta do Varadouro — natural volcanic-rock pools on the north-west coast, reached along a scenic ride away from town.
8. Miradouro das Angústias — a cliffside viewpoint just west of Horta over black lava coastline, a favourite for a short sunset run.
9. Norte Pequeno coastal road — a quieter loop through the island's north-coast parishes and pastures, away from the Capelinhos crowds.
10. Cabeço Gordo — the highest point on Faial, on the Caldeira's rim, worth the extra push for the summit views.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Horta?

For a standard 50cc scooter you'll need category AM, which a full car (B) licence also covers. If you want something up to 125cc, an A1 motorcycle entitlement is required — note that Portugal's rule allowing B-licence holders to ride 125cc locally applies only to Portuguese licences, not to visitors. Rental companies will usually ask for a minimum age above the legal 16, and almost all will place a deposit on your credit card, with the amount depending on the operator and the vehicle. Non-EU visitors should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Horta?

Average prices for a scooter rental in Horta run from EUR 5–12 per day in low season up to EUR 20–35 per day in high season, with larger-engine or automatic models reaching EUR 30–45 per day in peak weeks.

• Cheapest: November to February.
• Most expensive: July and August.
• Shoulder months sit comfortably in between and are often the best value.

When to book a rental scooter in Horta?

If you can, book ahead for July and August — Faial's high season brings the best weather but also the highest prices and the tightest availability. From November to March you'll find the cheapest rates, though the island is wetter and windier then. Spring and early autumn offer a good middle ground: mild weather, fewer crowds, and prices closer to the low-season end. Either way, if you want to rent a scooter in Horta, booking a few days ahead in peak summer is worth it.

Local traffic rules in Horta

Portugal drives on the right, and helmets are mandatory for both rider and passenger on any scooter or moped. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on the open road, though mopeds are capped at 45 km/h. Dipped headlights must stay on at all times, day and night. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, dropping to 0.2 g/l for newer licence holders, and checks do happen even on a small island like Faial — so keep it easy on the wine at Peter Café Sport if you're riding back after dinner.

Types of scooters available

On our website you can rent the following types of scooters: classic scooter, Vespa, moped, motoroller, motoscooter, with a sidecar, with automatic or manual gears, three-wheeled scooters, large, maxi-scooter, touring, scooters with a windscreen and a roof, underbones, electric scooters.

Models of scooters available

On our website you can hire scooters from the following manufacturers: Adly, Aeon, Aprilia, Piaggio, Bajaj, Benelli, Beta, BMW, Derbi, Gilera, Honda, Kawasaki, Kymco, LML, Malaguti, Peugeot, PGO, Suzuki, SYM, TVS, Vespa, Yamaha.

Which insurance is provided with my rental scooter?

Usually basic third-party insurance is included in the rental price. If you wish to have more protection you can purchase additional CDW insurance, which limits your risk to the amount of your deposit. If you wish to rent a scooter without a deposit and with zero risk, you will need to add full insurance to your reservation.

Extra services available

When you make an online scooter reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, delivery to your hotel, delivery to your address, delivery to the arrival point of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for scooter hire;
• Compare prices of scooter rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a scooter online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local moped rental companies have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept scooter, helmet, lock, top case, GPS, insurance and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a scooter, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!