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0871 423-5051
Only £25 deposit per booking
San Sebastian, the capital of La Gomera, is steeped in Christopher Columbus links (the usual including he drank from this well, he stayed here, and so on). Joking apart, there's some important historic buildings here in San Sebastian, particularly the Torre del Conde tower, a military building dating back to 1447. It's perfectly preserved.
San Sebastian Harbour is the main port of entrance onto La Gomera. As far as a harbour catering for tourists, San Sebastian is a relatively new edition emerging in the late 1950s. Prior to then the island was left largely to it's own devices. Today ferries pour in frequently from Los Cristianos (Tenerife) and from elsewhere on La Gomera, via the Garajonay Expres which jumbs between Valle Gran Rey, Playa Santiago and San Sebastian. It's an excellent base for easy access into Garajonay National Park, and there's plenty of choice of hotels in the town which has a good beach, two lively plazas and some great shops, bodega restaurants and ample bars.
San Sebastian, situated on the south east side of La Gomera, is the island's capital and major port of entry (via the Los Cristianos ferry from Tenerife, amongst other ferry trips). There's plenty of space in San Sebastian's harbour for pleasure craft too. It's a laid back, work-a-day Canarian town, with a bustling plaza near the port (Plaza Las Americas/some nice open air bars here!), a perfectly pleasant beach - Playa de San Sebastian, some rather nice specialist shops (particularly for shoes) and various superb bodega styled restaurants and chic bars. San Sebastian also via the TF711.
The main focus in San Sebastian however is good old Christopher Columbus and there's an obligatory Christopher Columbus trail around the town! Notable Columbus linked buildings include the Casa de la Agunada on Calle Real. It's also known as Casa Condal and has served as a cutom house and a residence. Inside is both the tourist office and an exhbiition - 'La Gomera and the Discovery of America'. Columbus is supposed to have taken water from the well situated in the central patio. Moving up Calle Real is Iglesia de la Virgen de las Suncion where Columbus and his entourage are supposed to have prayed before taking off to the new world! (it's not the original chapel however, which was obliterated in a far - this one dates from the 18th century). The older church - Ermita de San Sebastian nearby is older, dating from 1540.
Columbus is supposed to have resided in the Casa de Colon during his stays on La Gomera, and it's open to the public (from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 6.30pm Mon-Fri, 10am to 1pm on Sat). There's a collection of ceramics dating before Columbus' period from Peru and elsewhere in the Americas. The most renowned historical building in San Sebastian is certainly the Torre del Conde tower situated in the Parque La Torre del Conde just inland from the beach. This most important Canary Islands military building dates from 1447 and it's the retreat where Beatriz de Bobadilla, the wife of terranical Hernan Peraza (La Gomera's governor remembered for his cruel treatment of the Gomeros) barricaded herself in during the 1488 battle between the Gomeros and Spanish colonialists. The preservation of the Torre del Conde tower in pretty much it's original state makes it particularly interesting.
Columbus, by the way, was rather fond of Beatriz de Bodadilla and his various trips back to San Sebastian are connected no doubt to this attraction. After hearing of her marriage howevever he never returned to La Gomera (see the La Gomera weblinks to the right for more details). San Sebastian has some lively festivals. Visit on the 20th January and you'll collide with the town's patron saint celebrations which usually culminate on the beach - Fiesta de San Sebastian. Columbus features in various celebrations. On 6th September the Fiestas Columbinas runs over a week, consisting of various street parties, events and live music celebrating Columbus' first voyage. El Dia de San Juan held on 23 June with numerous bonfires celebrates the summer solstice and every 5 years on 5th October the Bajada de la Virgen de Guadelupe (to be held next in 2008) its a big affair involving a procession of the Virgin Mary around the capital, supported by decorated fishing boats and more. Book accommodation well ahead for this event if you're planning to attend.
The Garajonay Expres ferry whisks it's way between Valle Gran Rey, Playa Santiago, San Sebastian and Los Cristianos on Tenerife daily. Check the Garajonay Expres Ferry website right for full details. It departs from San Sebastian harbour to Playa Santiago and Valle Gran Rey daily at 9.40am, 3.15pm and 8.20pm. The Garajonay Expres is one of the best ways to get about La Gomera, and a lot quicker. It takes just 15 minutes by boat from San Sebastian to Playa Santiago in the south (the drive would take over half an hour!), and from Playa Santiago to Valle Gran Rey it's a mere 20 minutes (the drive from San Sebastian to Valle Gran Rey is a good 45 minutes at least).
Ferries run regularly from San Sebastian to Los Cristianos on the southern tip of Tenerife. (via the fast Fred Olsen Expres/a mere 30 minute boat trip). From Monday to Friday ferry departure times from San Sebastian (La Gomera) are 7.30am, 10.30am, 1pm, 4.30pm and 6.30pm. On Saturdays ferry departure times from San Sebastian (to Los Cristianos) are 7.30am, 10.30am, 1pm, 4.30pm and 7.15pm. For ferry bookings and assistance phone Iknow-holidays direct on 0871 423 5056.
Transmediterranea run daily ferries to El Hierro which may stop first at Los Cristianos before heading towards El Hierro. Contact Iknow-holidays for booking assistance.
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