Visit San Sebastian de la Gomera
San Sebastian de la Gormera is on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands.
San Sebastian is the main town on the island of La Gomera. (Not to be confused with San Sebastian in northern Spain!)
Explore San Sebastian de la Gomera
San Sebastian de la Gomera is the main town and port on the fascinating island of La Gomera. San Sebastian itself was a stopping point for Christopher Columbus as he set sail for the Americas.
There is a well in the town which is said to have been used to stock up his water supplies and a church, the Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asuncion, where he and his crew are said to have prayed before their voyage. If you head for the Casa Condal which houses the tourist office you can pick up a leaflet covering the full Christopher Columbus trail.
Near to the town is the Torre del Conde which is San Sebastian's most important historic building. It is a military tower built in 1447.
Beatriz de Bodadilla barricaded herself into the tower to escape from her cruel husband. Beatriz de Bodadilla was linked to Christopher Columbus and one of the reasons for his various trips to the island. Upon hearing of her marriage Columbus never came back to la Gomera.
San Sebastian de la Gomera is situated around a horse-shoe shaped bay and its pastel-coloured houses spread behind the bay and up the hillside surrounding the town.
Look out also for the Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asuncion and the Hermitage of the Virgen of Guadalupe. Christopher Columbus and his crew are said to have prayed at the church before setting sail. It is a mix of Gothic, Mudejar and baroque architecture and has a lovely carved wooden entrance lobby.
For excellent views over San Sebastian and the surrounding mountains and over the sea to Tenerife, head up hill to the Parador de la Gomera. This is also an excellent hotel if you are looking for accommodation, with its stunning cliff-top views and Castilian and Elizabethan-style interiors.
The main beach is the Playa San Sebastian which is a volcanic beach with black sand and a nice sheltered position making it great for families.
Museums in San Sebastian de la Gomera
Casa del Colon is a museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus and is situated in the house where Christopher Columbus stayed when on the island. The house has lovely wooden galleries and has an excellent exhibition of pottery by the Chimu tribes of South America.
The Archaeological museum of la Gomera has exhibits relating to the Guanches who were the original inhabitants of the island before the arrival of the Spanish.
Where to visit nearby?
Ferries to Tenerife, La Palma and El-Hierro can be taken from the port of San-Sebastian-de-la-Gomera. The ferry to Tenerife takes just over half an hour.
On Tenerife, the nearest island to here the dramatic cliffs of Los Gigantes are one of Spain's top natural attractions and the hill village of Masca occupies a stunning location.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Western Canary Islands guide.
Map of San Sebastian de la Gomera and places to visit
San Sebastian de la Gomera places to visit
Los Gigantes
Los Gigantes resort sits at the bottom of the huge Los Gigantes cliffs - one of Tenerife's top natural sights.
Los Gigantes guide
Masca
Masca is the most beautiful village on Tenerife. It is set in a stunning mountain location.
Masca guide
Playa de las Americas
Playa de las Americas is Tenerife's biggest resort and well-known for its night-life.
Playa de las Americas guide
Tenerife Aqua Parks
Tenerife's Aqua Parks; Tenerife has two great aqua parks which are great for a family day out.
Tenerife Aqua Parks guide
Siam Park
Siam Park is one of the most popular water parks in the world. With an Oriental theme Siam Park is one of the top attractions of Tenerife.
Siam Park guide
Garachico
Garachico is a lovely jewel of a town, tiny but very elegant with colourful stucco buildings, elegant plazas, convents and mansions.
Garachico guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Western Canary Islands