San Sebastián is the main port and the capital of La Gomera. It attracts a lot of tourists due to the ferries that leave the port for Tenerife, which lies just a short distance away. But there are a number of attractions around the town itself.
San Sebastián is perhaps most famous for its history. It is here that Christopher Columbus made his last stop off before his journey to the New World. You'll see hints towards his time here dotted throughout the town. The Casa de Colón, for example was supposedly visited by Columbus and is now a little museum. The old building is simple and built around a small courtyard. It displays an exhibition of old artefacts and art and details some of the history.
One of the Canary Islands' most important examples of military architecture is located close to the harbour. The Torre del Conde is a 15th century military fortress standing at about 15 meters tall in the centre of a grassy park. It was the first building of any note to have been constructed on the island and is practically the only one that remains preserved in its original state. It was built by the Count de La Gomera Hernán Peraza and, with its two-foot thick walls was used as a refuge for the elites during the 15th century rebellion.
While you're in San Sebastián you may also want to take a look at the Iglesia de la Asuncion, an interesting little church and said to be the place Christopher Columbus and his men went to pray before setting off on their journey. Unfortunately the original 15th century chapel was destroyed in a fire but the 18th century replacement is a nice mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture.
One last site of interest is the Museo Arqueológico. Tucked away in a small street behind the information centre, the building is a typical Gomeran town house that belonged to a prominent military family in the 18th century. It provides an insight into the history and culture of the island. Recent archaeological research is presented in various rooms and a study of the texts of the Spanish Conquest too. There are valuable archaeological objects, recreations of local sites and rock carvings among the objects inside.
Maybe you're more of a beach person? The coastline is very dark, due to the volcanic nature of the rock, but the Playa de San Sebastián is a sandy beach with facilities nearby and nice clear waters. Find out how to stay in beautiful apartments on the island by following the link below, and discover San Sebastián for yourself.
