Car Rentals at GMZ Airport

US tourists can rent a car with a valid US license alone, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended. Spanish rental agencies often request the IDP as a backup, especially for non-EU licenses. You can get an IDP through AAA for around $20. The minimum driving age is 21, with a young driver surcharge of roughly €25/day for drivers under 25.

La Gomera's mountain roads are not for the faint of heart—the island has virtually no straight roads. The famous GM-2 through the Garajonay National Park features hairpin turns, sheer drop-offs, and single-lane sections with passing places. Average speeds rarely exceed 30-40 km/h. Drive slowly, use low gear on descents, and honk at blind corners. Most car rental agencies offer compact cars specifically suited for these roads—accept whatever class you're assigned.

Gas stations are limited on this small island—expect roughly 8-10 stations total, concentrated in Valle Gran Rey, San Sebastián, and along main routes. Rural roads between these hubs may have 30+ km gaps with no station. Nearly all vehicles in Spain run on gasoline (petrol) or diesel—confirm your rental's fuel type before departing. The fill-to-fill policy is standard: receive the car with a full tank and return it full to avoid service charges.

Spain uses metric speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on secondary roads, 50 km/h in urban areas, and 30 km/h in residential zones. The island has very few speed cameras, but police do patrol, especially near hiking trailheads. Fines average €100-300 depending on the offense. Mountain curves are posted—take them seriously as off-road accidents are the leading cause of rental car incidents here.

La Gomera has no snow—ever. However, November through March brings frequent fog and heavy rain, especially in the highlands above 800m. Roads become slippery, and visibility drops dramatically on mountain passes. Avoid driving at night in the interior during these months. Summer (June-September) is straightforward: dry roads, clear visibility, but rental AC is essential as temperatures hit 30°C+.

Official parking is scarce in tourist hotspots like Valle Gran Rey and La Calera. Blue-line paid zones exist in town centers (€1-2/hour), but many travelers simply park on roadside shoulders for scenic viewpoints. Do NOT block agricultural access roads marked with a white line—farmers routinely photograph violations and report them. Your rental CDW likely has a high deductible (€1,000-2,000) for body damage, so even minor scrapes against walls cost you.