San Sebastián de la Gomera was founded in 1402 by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Peraza and served as a major port for the exploration of the Canary Islands.

It hosted the first Spanish parliament outside of the Iberian Peninsula, the Parliament of San Sebastián, established in 1485 and dissolved in 1493.

The town is located on the northwestern coast of the island of La Gomera, part of the Canary Islands archipelago.

San Sebastián de la Gomera has a population of around 9,000 inhabitants, according to the 2022 census.

The town's economy is mainly based on tourism, agriculture (especially the cultivation of bananas), and fishing.

The town's historical center is home to numerous well-preserved colonial-era buildings, including the Torre del Conde (15th century), the Casa de Colón (16th century), and the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (15th century).

San Sebastián de la Gomera is a popular starting point for hikers exploring the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient laurel forests.

The town is home to the Festival de Habaneras, an annual event showcasing Cuban music and culture.

The local tradition of silbo gomero, a whistled language still practiced by some inhabitants, is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

San Sebastián de la Gomera played a role in the Spanish colonization of the Americas, serving as a port of departure for expeditions to the New World.

The town boasts a significant indigenous heritage, with numerous archaeological sites and cultural traditions dating back to the pre-Hispanic period.

San Sebastián de la Gomera is a popular destination for whale and dolphin watching, with several companies offering boat tours to spot these marine mammals.

The town has a small airport with connections to other Canary Islands and mainland Spain.

The population of San Sebastián de la Gomera has experienced a steady decline in recent years, primarily due to emigration to larger cities in search of better economic opportunities.