Torre del Conde
San Sebastián de la Gomera
Set in a grassy subtropical park, the distinctive, 1477 stone-and-whitewash Torre del Conde is considered the Canary Islands’ most important example of…
Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery
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.
Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asunción
San Sebastián de la Gomera
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…
Casa de Colón
San Sebastián de la Gomera
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…
Museo Arqueológico de La Gomera
San Sebastián 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…
Ermita de San Sebastián
San Sebastián de la Gomera
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…
Playa San Sebastián
San Sebastián de la Gomera
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…
Casa de la Aduana
San Sebastián de la Gomera
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…
Playa de la Cueva
San Sebastián de la Gomera
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…
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of San Sebastián de la Gomera with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.
