Walking Around San Sebastián de La Gomera

After returning from our tour of the island of La Gomera, we have a quick lunch and then walk into the town of San Sebastián de la Gomera.

San Sebastián de La Gomera

San Sebastián de La Gomera is the capital of La Gomera, with a population around 9,500 people, and hosts the main harbor of the island, with ferries to Tenerife, La Palma, and El Hierro.

On September 6, 1492, Christopher Columbus, after restocking his provisions and making repairs, departed from San Sebastián de La Gomera on his first expedition to discover the Americas (believing he was heading to the Indies).

Sundial at the harbor

At the harbor is a memorial torch commemorating where the Olympic flame for the XIX games was lit, passing through La Gomera on its way to Mexico.

Celebration of Olympic torch lighting

From the torch, we look back at a great San Sebastián beach on the right and our ship on the left.

Looking back at the beach

Our ship at the pier

We walk into San Sebastián and find a delightful town in the shadow of tall cliffs.

Streets of San Sebastián 

In the heart of town, we reach the main church in San Sebastián, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Church of Our Lady of the Assumption).  This beautiful church is famous for its mix of Gothic, Rococo, and Mudejar styles, historic art, and claims that Christopher Columbus prayed in the church before his voyages.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Down the street from the church, we find Torre del Conde, a 15th century military tower set in a lush, inviting park with an outdoor stage.

Torre del Conde, stage

We return to the harbor and walk past the beach, with art commemorating the 1492 voyage of Columbus.

Beach

Voyage of Columbus from here to the Americas

We've had a full day with a tour of the island and a wander through the capital, San Sebastián.  It's time to return to the ship and think about an aperitivo.