Gijon was a wonderful introduction to Northern Spain this region. In May I visited Asturias for the first time.

With a population of of 272,000 (2017) this Coastal City on the Bay of Biscay is the largest city in Asturias.

After spending 4 days in Xixon as it´s called in Asturiano,  here are my tips to make the most of a city break here.

Things to do in Gijon

1. Elogio del Horizonte

This huge sculpture by Spanish Basque artist Eduardo Chillida is an iconic place in the city. From this vantage point, you can see across the coastline and the city. The Cerro de Santa Catalina was a military ground until the nineties. Once decomissioned, this area of the city was transformed into a public park. This modern sculpture was added in 1990.

As you stand beneath the concrete sculpture you can hear the waves below amplified. Echoing the sea like a gigantic seashell. From this point both beaches, Playa de San Lorenzo and Playa de Poniente are visible.

2. Cimavilla

The Old Town of Gijon is called Cimavilla. Located on the hill overlooking the coast, this area was once home to the fishing community. Small houses are packed into its sloped streets. The narrow alleys and colourful façades have a nostalgic feel to them.

You may notice that some of the houses have the staircase on the outside, this was done to save space on the inside.

Gijon Ciderhouses

This part of town has plenty of Cider bars known as sidrerías . One of the most popular places to hang out in Gijon is the wall opposite the harbour on the edge of Cimavilla. Known as Cuesta del Cholo or the Tránsito de las Ballenas. 

As this street looks out across the water it makes the perfect spot to watch the sun go down and have a drink.

3. Roman Baths

The Romans Baths are from the 1st – 2nd century B.C. The entrance of the baths is next to St Peter Apostle Church on Campo Valdés. The museum was designed so the church building was not affected in the reovery of this site.

Once underground you can see the Cold Room, the Hot Room and even the heating system of the baths. (photo above)  This chamber was built underneath the main floor.

It is quite spectacular to see original parts of this Roman settlement all these years later. They certainly built it to last.

Open 9.30am to 2pm and 5pm to 7.30pm. (Closed on Mondays)

4. Playa de San Lorenzo

When you first arrive in Gijon, the huge expanse of golden sand is one of the first things you will notice. The beach is huge and the views across the bay are wonderful. The sands quickly disappear as the tides come in each evening.

At one end of the beach you can see the River Piles where it meets the sea.

Be sure to check the times of the tides when you are staying in Gijon, especially if you plan to go to the beach. Depending on the time of year, locals choose Playa de Poniente or one of the other ten beaches around Gijon.

Booking.com

Beaches in Gijon

In Summer season the tourist information office is open on the seafront, next to the main beach.

Also in Summer months you can see the coloured stripey tents set up on the beach. These casetas are typical and characteristic of Gijon. Even some of the kiosks and bins along the promenade mimic these fabric beach huts.

5. Laboral University

Over the years the activity changed and it became a school. Nowdays the building is known as City of Culture and has a variey of uses.

Part of the University is here, there is also a large theatre and several private companies too. There are cultural activities here such as exhibitions and tourist activities.

World´s Biggest Oval Church

On this site perhaps the most impressive part of the architecture is the church.

As you approach it, it appears to be circular, but it is actually an Oval shape.

The biggest church in the world with an elliptical shaped floor. So quite an architectural gem.

Views of Gijon

The Tower is 117 metres high and the tallest building in Asturias. It is also the tallest stone building in Spain.

You can visit the tower which has a super fast lift up to the top and enjoy these views like I did. Part of the tower resembles the Giralda Belltower in Seville if you look closely.

More information: Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura

Buses 1, 2  and 18 stop here from the City of Gijon.

6. Atlantic Botanical Garden

One of my own personal highlights of this trip was the Botanical Garden.

Jardín Botánico Atlántico

Inside the Botanical Garden there is a Cantabria area, a Vegetable Garden, an Island Garden and the Atlantic Garden.

The whole site is impeccably maintained. Some highlights are the Walkway of Florencio Valdes (seen above) with huge plane trees forming a natural green corridor.
A little further on in the Island garden there is a stripey bathing hut overlooking a natural pool. This part of the garden is over 100 years old. It was used by a prestigious businessman of the time Florencio Valdes.

Some of the flowering plants were spectacular when I visited in May. Rhodedendron bushes were all in bloom and there were some cabbage roses which caught my eye too. I even got to see the typical Cider Apple Tree in flower on this site.

I didnt get chance to try to find my way around the Labyrinth on this visit but would love to when I go back.

Don´t miss this, especially if you enjoy gardening and horticulture or love natural spaces.

Price 2.90 euros (adults)

7. Shopping in Gijon

8. Museum of the People of Asturias

I was looking forward to visiting the Muséu del Pueblu d’Asturies. I wanted to find out about horreos & paneras having seen them in the countryside on the edges of the city. In Asturias they estimate that around 10,000 are still standing. 

Used as granarys or barns. They were built to store corn and grain up high, out of the way of rodents.

Seen in Galicia and Asturias, some are wooden and some are made from stone. This yellow granary below is quite an elaborately decorated panera.

9. International Bagpipe Museum

10. Jovellanos Theatre

You won´t get very far in the city without coming across the name of Jovellanos.

11. Gijon Aquarium

12. Gijon with Children

As well as the Aquarium and Botanical Garden, Gijon has other activities for families.

13. Ciudadela

At the Ciudadela Celestino Solar you can take a peek into the Industrial history of the city. It is tucked away on Calle Capua in a narrow alley.

These small houses were set within inner courtyards. Invisible from the main streets and were a solution to the lack of housing when Gijon was growing.

As the city grew quickly these slums were built in 200 different places around the city.

This centre gives us an idea of Gijon in 1877 through its exhibition.

Around the corner there is an excellent restuarant with the same name Ciuddadela. Enjoy local Seafood and a great wine list.

14. Eat Local Food

Asturian food is excellent. So much to explain on this it deserves it own chapter.

Read more about this on a dedicated Food post. Where to Eat in Gijon; Tasting Local Asturian Food & Natural Cider

• Cider production in this area is very important and Fishing is too.
• The region has endless varieties of cheese too.
• Gijon Tourist Board have vouchers avaible for visitors for food experiences. One is Gijon Gourmet and the other one is Gijon Goloso (for sweet toothed visitors)

15. Gijon Accomodation

On this trip I stayed at Hotel San Miguel. A comfortable hotel in an excellent location, just off the Seafront.

The room was spacious and modern. At the reception desk they have some bikes and skateboards for guests.

As Gijon is quite flat, it´s an ideal city for these pastimes. With the long bay and seafront to skate or ride along its ideal.

Cerro de Santa Catalina

There is also a Skate park on the Cerro de Santa Catalina too.

The Buffet Breakfast at the hotel was 5 euros extra. (not included in the room price) However there was a Kettle in my room which I really appreciated. Recently it seems that many hotels have stopped having them in their rooms.

The Internet connection was fast and reliable. It was also free for guests.  I worked from my room for a few hours with my laptop and found the wifi to be quite quick.

Despite the hotel having a 2 star rating, it was a fabulous stay. Don´t let this put you off.

I would happily return to this practical friendly hotel.

Book Hotel San Miguel – Gijon

Getting to Gijon

• I flew from Malaga with Vueling into Asturias Airport Asturcar
• Flights from London Airports with Easyjet Vueling and Iberia
• Other European Connections to Asturias Airport are from Paris (FR) Venice (IT) & Munich (DE)
• There are also Ferry Links to British and French Seaports too.

What to See in Gijon, Asturias

Where is Gijon?

What to Do in Gijon

 

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