Making the most of San Sebastian Gomera
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The small town centre is a pleasant walk of about 10 minutes along the pretty marina. Small cruise ships berth beside the ferry docks and the attractive ferry terminal.
Take a printable map with you.
The attractive town of San Sebastian on La Gomera, one of the archipelago's less visited islands, is where Columbus prepared his ships before sailing for America. La Asuncion's church, where he and his crew attended mass, remains standing today. Garajonay National Park is the island's most striking natural attraction, with magnificent views over ravines and forests plunging steeply to the sea.
The island capital developed around two focal points: the Peraza family house and the Church of the Assumption. They shaped the future Calle Real (Royal Street), which begins the Camino Real, the island's main avenue. The church adjoins Plaza Mayor, a spacious, restful square surrounded by public buildings.
Getting around
All the island's main destinations are served by daily buses.
Nearby places
A walk through Garajonay feels like a journey into the past because its countryside remains truly unspoilt. Where clouds meet the ground, constant humidity produces so-called horizontal rain and, in turn, a leafy, dense forest. The park's forest landscapes are a major feature, displaying plant formations from the above-mentioned laurel to white heather, visnea mocanera and the strawberry tree. Numerous bird species and two species of reptile—the Gomeran lizard (Gallotia galloti gomerae) and the Gomeran skink (Chalcides viridanus coeruleopunctatus)—as well as a species of…
Garajonay is about 13km (8mi) west of the capital, San Sebastian de la Gomera.
Food and shopping
Small village inns offer typical dishes to discover, including watercress soup served in wooden bowls—a unique culinary experience.
Most stores observe a siesta between 13.00 and 17.00.
Money
Currency: the euro.
Staying connected
The main square has plenty of sidewalk cafe's offering good free WiFi.
Opening Hours and
Most shops and businesses operate Monday through Saturday, from 9.30 h to 13.30 h and again from 16.30 to 20.00 h.
Large shopping centres and department stores stay open continuously from 10.00 h until 21.00 or 22.00 h, and these big stores sometimes open on Sunday.
During high season in coastal cities, shops are usually open past 22.00 h.
Pharmacies trade from 9.30 to 13.30 h and from 16.30 to 20.00 h. Every major city has pharmacies open 24 hours. Pharmacies also work to a rolling late-hour schedule, published in newspapers and displayed at all pharmacies.
Museums are generally closed on Mondays.
National information.