Just off Plaza Constitución, this yellow-walled 16th-century building served as both San Sebastián's customs house and the count’s residence. According to folklore, Columbus drew water from the well that sits in the central patio here and used it to ‘baptise America’. Sadly, these days you can only admire the building's exterior.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Plaza de las Américas

0.06 MILES

With a few cafe-bars, San Sebastián's main square sits just over the road from the beach, overlooked by a 2018 statue of Christopher Columbus.

3. Torre del Conde

0.08 MILES

Set in a grassy subtropical park, the distinctive, 1477 stone-and-whitewash Torre del Conde is considered the Canary Islands’ most important example of…

4. Museo Arqueológico de La Gomera

0.1 MILES

Occupying part of the mid-18th-century Casa de los Echeverría (you'll spot the noble/military family's crest on the facade), this worthwhile museum…

5. Mirador de la Hila

0.11 MILES

For a panoramic view of San Sebastián's pastel-tastic streets, head up Calle de la Hila to this lookout showcasing the coast, town and craggy green…

6. Iglesia de la Virgen de la Asunción

0.11 MILES

Columbus and his men supposedly prayed at this ancient church before setting off for the New World. The original chapel was begun in 1450 but destroyed by…

7. Playa San Sebastián

0.12 MILES

The town’s sandy volcanic beach is perfect for relaxing and taking a swim. Unlike on many beaches in the Canaries, the waters here are almost always calm…

8. Casa de Colón

0.18 MILES

In the style of its 17th-century predecessor, this simple cream-coloured house with handsome wooden galleries and floors is built on the site where…