San Sebastián

San Sebastián is the capital of La Gomera, sitting on the island’s eastern coast where it faces Tenerife across the strait. As the main port, it is the point of arrival for most visitors, whether by ferry or through the airport, and it remains the administrative and commercial centre of the island, with a working harbour that ties the town to the sea in a way still evident in its daily rhythm.

The town’s layout reflects its long history as a gateway settlement, with narrow streets and older buildings in the centre giving way to a more modern seafront and marina area. It is closely associated with the voyages of Christopher Columbus, who is said to have paused here before crossing the Atlantic, a connection still woven into the town’s identity and its historic quarter.

Beyond its historical associations, San Sebastián serves as a practical base for exploring La Gomera, with transport links, shops and services concentrated here rather than in the island’s smaller, more rural settlements. Its character is that of a modest working capital rather than a resort, shaped by its role as the island’s principal link to the wider Canary Islands.