There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in La Gomera into a quick city adventure. From GMZ, the local transport can get you into town in around 110 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Three things to verify before you walk out of GMZ:
- Can you legally enter Spain? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 110-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into La Gomera
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| local transport | ~110 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~130 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the local transport is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
How to Spend Your Time in La Gomera
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In La Gomera, two standouts are:
- Playa Santiago Beach — You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
- Marina del Sur (Playa Santiago) — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside GMZ, you can spend time at Panoramic Views from Terminal or try Airport Waiting Area Relaxation. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
For food in La Gomera, local travelers recommend Restaurante La Gaviota. If you have time for a second stop, Pizzeria La Grotta is another popular pick.
Back at GMZ, Aeropuerto La Gomera Cafeteria is the go-to. rounds out your in-terminal options.
What to Budget for Your La Gomera Side Trip
Quick budget math for your La Gomera layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in La Gomera.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at GMZ can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in La Gomera for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at GMZ, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in La Gomera itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Spain that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at GMZ, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in La Gomera is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy La Gomera.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.