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San Sebastián de la Gomera

La Gomera's capital in every way – economically, bureaucratically and historically – seaside San Sebastián centres on a delightful historic core with shaded plazas, sun-bleached pastel-painted buildings and pedestrian-friendly streets sprinkled with shops, cafes and restaurants. Its main claim to fame is that Christopher Columbus stayed here on his way to the New World, and the explorer's every footstep (real or imagined) in the town has been well documented for visitors. If you’ve just hopped off the boat from Tenerife's Los Cristianos, shift down a gear or two: slow-paced San Sebastián feels a world away from its neighbour across the water.

Explore San Sebastián de la Gomera

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout San Sebastián de la Gomera.

  • Tower

    Torre del Conde

    Set in a grassy subtropical park, the distinctive, 1477 stone-and-whitewash Torre del Conde is considered the Canary Islands’ most important example of…

  • Church

    Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asunción

    Columbus and his men supposedly prayed at this ancient church before setting off for the New World. The original chapel was begun in 1450 but destroyed by…

  • Museum

    Casa de Colón

    In the style of its 17th-century predecessor, this simple cream-coloured house with handsome wooden galleries and floors is built on the site where…

  • Museum

    Museo Arqueológico de La Gomera

    Occupying part of the mid-18th-century Casa de los Echeverría (you'll spot the noble/military family's crest on the facade), this worthwhile museum…

  • Church

    Ermita de San Sebastián

    With its origins in the 15th century but rebuilt in 1850, the fine whitewashed chapel of San Sebastián retains a few original elements, despite being…

  • Beach

    Playa San Sebastián

    The town’s sandy volcanic beach is perfect for relaxing and taking a swim. Unlike on many beaches in the Canaries, the waters here are almost always calm…

  • Historic Building

    Casa de la Aduana

    Just off Plaza Constitución, this yellow-walled 16th-century building served as both San Sebastián's customs house and the count’s residence. According to…

  • Beach

    Playa de la Cueva

    Just north of the ferry terminal, through a small tunnel, this rocky little black-sand beach is pretty but often windy. On clear days, Tenerife looks like…

  • Viewpoint

    Mirador de la Hila

    For a panoramic view of San Sebastián's pastel-tastic streets, head up Calle de la Hila to this lookout showcasing the coast, town and craggy green…

  • Square

    Plaza de las Américas

    With a few cafe-bars, San Sebastián's main square sits just over the road from the beach, overlooked by a 2018 statue of Christopher Columbus.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in San Sebastián de la Gomera.

  • Activities