Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery
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.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout San Sebastián de la Gomera.
Tower
Set in a grassy subtropical park, the distinctive, 1477 stone-and-whitewash Torre del Conde is considered the Canary Islands’ most important example of military architecture. It was here that Beatriz de Bobadilla, the wife of the cruel and ill-fated Hernán Peraza, had to barricade herself in 1488 until help arrived.
Church
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 a fire; original-period features include the pointed arch between the altar and the nave, while the facade is a prime example of Gothic Atlantic architecture (influenced by Portuguese Manueline). The 18th-century triple-nave church here today mixes Mudéjar, Gothic and baroque architectural styles. The floral-carved wooden entrance lobby is stunning.
Museum
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 Columbus supposedly stayed while on the island. Today it hosts a small museum; the highlight is the gallery of stunning pottery crafted by the South American Chimú tribes, who lived in the region between Ecuador and Lima during the 11th to 15th centuries.
Museum
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 explores both the island’s Guanche past and its present-day culture. Displays reveal Guanche day-to-day life and their social, political and religious structures, with information in Spanish and English.
Church
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 damaged by pirate attacks and storms over the centuries.
Beach
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 and smooth, making it great for children.
Historic Building
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 folklore, Columbus drew water from the well that sits in the central patio here and used it to ‘baptise America’. Sadly, these days you can only admire the building's exterior.
Beach
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 it’s within pebble-throwing distance.
Viewpoint
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 mountains beyond.