What to see in San Sebastián de la Gomera, the Canary Islands town that won the 2025 Grand Prix.

The greenest of the Canary Islands is a true paradise for those seeking wild landscapes, relaxation, and great food, but it's also much more. If you're thinking of spending a few days in La Gomera , we recommend not overlooking its capital, San Sebastián de la Gomera, and taking a few hours to savor this destination at leisure. You'll discover a welcoming and authentic place, with hardly any tourists. And do as the locals do: leave the rush behind when you immerse yourself in the colorful old town, the last place in Europe where Christopher Columbus stopped before crossing the Atlantic.

What to see in San Sebastián de la Gomera

Founded in the mid-15th century, this town of terraced houses facing the bay developed around the mouth of the Villa ravine, becoming an important commercial port whose echoes still resonate. A colorful historic center awaits you, small and easy to navigate, making it a convenient stop before exploring this fascinating island full of surprises and legends.

It's around Calle Real where you'll find the main points of interest in this historic area, popularly known as La Villa. Its pedestrian streets flanked by colorful houses, open wooden balconies , and traditionally decorated courtyards where life moves at a different pace are its main attractions. Must-see stops include the Casa de Colón (Columbus House), the Archaeological Museum of La Gomera, and the Torre del Conde (Conde Tower ), a 15th-century medieval fortress that served as a refuge for the noble powers during the Gomera rebellion. It's the only one still standing and is located in the middle of the bay.

Columbus' footprints

Much of this town's history revolves around the discoverer, which is why the house where he stayed (now a museum displaying pre-Columbian Peruvian artwork) is one of the most popular places to visit. Also noteworthy is the Casa de La Aguada , which has a well from which the conquistador is said to have drawn water for his journey.

The next stop in the historic center takes us to the Church of the Assumption, built on the site of an old hermitage. And a little further out, the Hermitage of San Sebastián , dedicated to the saint who gives the town its name. But above all, San Sebastián de la Gomera is a destination that must be experienced in its streets , so we recommend enjoying the walk, calmly and at the pace of the locals. As with other parts of the island, you'll discover that mass tourism has not yet arrived here and that time seems to have completely stopped.

The flavors of La Gomera

And before leaving the island, you must stop to savor its cuisine. Although it shares the popular wrinkled potatoes with its sister islands, La Gomera's cuisine also has its own unique characteristics. Don't miss the watercress stew and almogrote , a pasta made with goat cheese and mojo picón sauce with an intense flavor.