San Sebastián de La Gomera★★
San Sebastián (approx. 9,000 inhabitants) is the island's capital, ferry port, and gateway to La Gomera. This is where the ferry from Tenerife arrives (Fred Olsen Express, 50 min., from €39 one way; Naviera Armas, 60 min., from €29), and where every visit to the island begins.
The city has a special historical claim: Christopher Columbus made San Sebastián his last stop before his first Atlantic crossing in 1492. He loaded water and provisions, attended mass at the Iglesia de la Asunción, and sailed west on September 6. The city maintains this heritage with dedication — sometimes exaggerated, but charming.
Sights
Torre del Conde — the only preserved medieval defense tower in the Canary Islands (built in 1447). Today a small museum on colonial history. Admission: €3, Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Casa de la Aguada (Columbus House) — where Columbus is said to have refilled his drinking water. Small museum with maps, ship models, and documents on the voyage of discovery. Admission: €2.
Iglesia de la Asunción — the church where Columbus prayed. Simple Gothic-Canarian architecture from the 15th century, with wall paintings. Free, daily 9 a.m.–1 p.m. & 4 p.m.–7 p.m.
Playa de San Sebastián — black volcanic sand beach right in the city, about 300 m long. Calm water, ideal for swimming. Little visited outside the high season.
💡 Tipp
The ferry from Tenerife (Los Cristianos) to San Sebastián is the only sensible way to arrive. Book with Fred Olsen at least 2–3 days in advance — the spaces for rental cars are limited and quickly booked out. Early morning ferries (7:00 a.m.) are cheaper and less crowded. Alternatively, there is a small airport (GMZ), but it is only served from Tenerife North (Binter, from €65 one way).
Dining in San Sebastián€
€ La Salamandra · Calle del Medio 24
Tapas bar in the old town, popular with locals. Excellent grilled goat meat (a la brasa), papas arrugadas with homemade mojo, plus local wine from the barrel. Simple ambiance, full of flavor.
Tapas €3–5, main courses €8–14 · Mon–Sat 12 p.m.–11 p.m.
€€ Restaurante El Silbo · Avenida de Colón
More upscale Canarian cuisine with a terrace overlooking the harbor. Daily fish (depending on the catch) and excellent Almogrote starter. Good wine selection from the island.
Main courses €13–22 · Tue–Sun 12 p.m.–4 p.m. & 7 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
