Gijón Travel Guide

Activities

Landmarks

• Elogio del Horizonte
  • An iconic concrete sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, offering breathtaking views from the Cerro de Santa Catalina.
• Cimavilla
  • The old fisherman's quarter, a charming maze of narrow streets, colorful houses, and historic plazas.
• Universidad Laboral de Gijón
  • An immense and stunning architectural complex, the largest building in Spain, with a tower offering panoramic views.
• Termas Romanas de Campo Valdés
  • The preserved ruins of Roman public baths located just below the Cimavilla neighborhood.
• Revillagigedo Palace
  • A grand 18th-century palace that now houses an international art center, located in the Plaza del Marqués.

Beaches

• Playa de San Lorenzo
  • The city's main and most iconic beach, a vast sandy bay perfect for surfing, sunbathing, and strolling along its promenade.
• Playa de Poniente
  • A sheltered, family-friendly beach located next to the marina, ideal for calmer waters.
• Playa del Arbeyal
  • A popular beach in the western part of the city, well-equipped with amenities.

Adventure

• Senda Costera
  • Walk or cycle the coastal path east from San Lorenzo beach for spectacular cliffside scenery.
• Jardín Botánico Atlántico
  • A large botanical garden on the outskirts of the city, showcasing Atlantic flora.
• Cerro de Santa Catalina
  • Climb the hill above Cimavilla to relax in the park and see the Elogio del Horizonte up close.

Restaurants

Sidrerías / Tapas

• Cimavilla
  • The quintessential Gijón experience. Head to the old town, especially the Cuesta del Cholo, for traditional sidrerías where you can drink Asturian cider and eat fresh seafood.
• Ruta de los Vinos
  • A central area packed with wine bars and tapas restaurants, perfect for a food crawl.
• Plaza del Lavaderu
  • A lively square in Cimavilla filled with the terraces of cider houses.

Fine dining

• Auga
  • A Michelin-starred restaurant in the marina, offering modern Asturian cuisine with a focus on fish and seafood.
• V. Crespo
  • Renowned for its creative approach to traditional dishes and high-quality local ingredients.

Nightlife / Bar

• Cimavilla
  • The heart of Gijón's nightlife, where locals and visitors gather in traditional cider houses that stay lively late into the night.
• Fomento
  • The area around the marina (Puerto Deportivo) offers a more modern scene with pubs and clubs.
• Calle Begoña
  • A central street that forms part of the "Ruta de los Vinos," bustling with bars and a vibrant atmosphere.