'The capital of the Canary Island of La Gomera, with a population of just 4,500, has a rural charm free of stress and hustle and bustle. Close by the harbour promenade is the Plaza de Las Américas. This square with its central location is bordered by numerous kiosks and pavement cafés and is the town's meeting place. To the east is the town hall, directly behind which is the Plaza de la Constitutión. Twice a week you can hear the calls of the Gomerian market-stall holders, as they sell home-made jams, fresh fruit and veg and other delicacies in the shade of the old Indian bay trees. This is also where one of the oldest buildings in the town, the former toll house, stands.

Tips for excursions

Tour of La Gomera

From the harbour the trip takes you to Hermingua, surrounded by banana fields, before continuing to Agulo, which lies at the foot of mighty cliffs. The little town with its Arabic flair and white church makes a medieval impression. There will be time for a walk through the town before continuing to the visitor centre of the Garajonay National Park. A break for photographs at the Roque Agando before returning to San Sebastian.

Hike through the cedar forest

A one-hour trip into the island's central massif, passing through deep gorges with a unique array of palm tree species. In the Garajona National Park a hike of approximately 12 km through the Bosque del Cedro, with its virgin forest atmosphere, in which no more cedars grow, having given way to lichen-encrusted heathers and bay trees. At the end of the trip, return to San Sebastian.