Christopher Columbus was here, now it’s your turn

La Gomera may be just a small island but it is rich in history. When Christopher Columbus set sail in 1492 to discover America, the Italian explorer called at San Sebastian to stock up for the main leg of the voyage.

It is said that the holy water that Columbus blessed the New World soil with, was from San Sebastian. The great man is commemorated in La Gomera in several places, the Casa del Colon is a museum dedicated to the history of the famous sea captain.

Because of the famous association, the coat of arms of San Sebastian bears the proud boast “from here Columbus set out”. There was a romantic lure for Columbus in La Gomera as well, Beatriz de Bobadilla, a widow and ruler of La Gomera had a famous relationship with the gallant explorer.

All that may be years ago, but the beauty and splendour of La Gomera flourishes and Hotel Triana in the north is a sedate and relaxing base to explore from.