San Sebastian

San Sebastián de la Gomera is the main port and capital of La Gomera, one of Spain's Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa.

Head up Calle Real to Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asunción. The original chapel was begun in 1450 but was destroyed by a fire. Columbus and his men are said to have prayed here before they set sail for America. The 18th century church here today has three naves and features mixed styles of architecture.

Garajonay National Park, about 8 miles away, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is crossed by a large network of footpaths, making hiking a main tourist attraction here.

Set in a park just off the coast, Torre del Conde is considered the Canary Islands' most important example of military architecture.

El Faro de San Cristobal (lighthouse) was completed in 1903.

There are only a few beaches on the island of La Gomera, most are pebbles and black sand. The two main beaches are located at San Sebastian and Playa Santiago, with several small beaches at Valle Gran Rey and, on the east coast, at Hermigua and La Caleta.

Watercress soup is a local dish, found in many small inns.

Cruise ships dock at San Sebastian, which is around a 15 minute walk from town.