Guide of San Sebastian De La Gomera

San Sebastián de La Gomera is the capital of the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands, Spain. La Gomera is the second smallest of the main Canary Island chain and characterized by one craggy volcanic mountain. On the island, locals often whistle to each other to communicate; they use a method called 'Silbo Gomero', meaning 'Gomeran whistle' which is a whistled register of Spanish. It allows them to communicate across the deep ravines and narrow valleys on the island - messages can be exchanged from up to 5 kilometres away!

A brief history of San Sebastián de La Gomera

The Guanches, descendants of the North African Berber people, inhabited the island and area around the town of San Sebastián before the arrival of the Spanish. This community worshipped their god, whom they called Orahan; which is the summit of the volcano at the centre of the island. Archaeologists have found several ceremonial stone constructions here that appear to represent sacrificial altars along with slate hollows, or cavities. In 1489, the Spanish arrived on the island, and many of the people took refuge in this sacred place because bloody battles took place and eventually, the Spanish took the island. In 1488, there was a terrible massacre in the wake of the failed uprising against Hernán Peraza, the island's Spanish governor. When it was all over, what had been the Villa de las Palmas, on the spot known to the Guanches as Hipalán, was renamed San Sebastián and the town developed around it.

On 6 September 1492 Christopher Columbus arrived on the island, but at this point, the city of San Sebastián was still small. He set sail westward, beyond the limit of the known world, to what we would come to know as the Americas. Following Columbus' journeys, there was a boom in transatlantic trade in San Sebastián, which aided the development of the town. Due to its newly found riches, San Sebastián was subject to frequent pirate attacks from the English, French and Portuguese. In 1739 the English fleet landed an invasion force here, but the assault failed. The population has always remained low and only passed the 1000 mark only at the beginning of the 19th century. Today the town's economy is mainly based around tourism.

Things to do in San Sebastián de La Gomera

Hiking up to Roque de Agando is an enjoyable day out. Frequently used as a symbol for the island, this rock is one of La Gomera's most striking features and is. Geologically speaking, they are a group of volcanic plugs, which are called Los Roques, located at the centre of the island. There are walking guides and established hiking routes available to explore. Torre del Conde is a small 15th-century stone watchtower; surrounded by easily accessible parkland and located close to the beach and Mercado. It's in a scenic part of the coast with great ocean views. Another pretty place is the Church of the Assumption, a Catholic church, featuring lovely stone archways, a bell tower a sanctuary housing various bits of artwork.  

Beaches around San Sebastián de La Gomera

Playa San Sebastián is a black sand beach close to the centre, opposite the ferry terminal. It has showers, lifeguard service, but no sunbeds. Playa de la Guancha is a beautiful secluded bay, to get there, take a coastal path from San Sebastian towards Cabrito, as you descend from the bay down to the beach, the views of the Atlantic Ocean and Tenerifeare are panoramic. A 40-minute drive along the coast leads you to Playa del Medio, the last part of the road is single track and the parking area is small. The beach is stony with some black sand, and there are lovely little pebbles in the shallows that wash over your feet.