Gijón Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, stay, and more in Gijón, Asturias, Spain.


Gijón is a stunning coastal city located in the northern region of Asturias, known as Green Spain. Its rich history, cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and gastronomy make it a popular destination for tourists seeking a unique and authentic Spanish experience. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat and stay, and more in Gijón, Asturias, Spain.

Introduction to Gijón

With a population of over 275,000 people, Gijón is the largest city in Asturias and the cultural hub of the region. The city was founded in Roman times and has been a vital port, industrial, and cultural center of northern Spain for centuries. Today, it is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city boasting a mix of traditional architecture, modern art, cultural events, great food, and beautiful beaches.

List of Places to Visit in Gijón

Gijón offers visitors a wide range of attractions and activities. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, adventure, or just relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone in Gijón. Here are some of the must-visit places in the city:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Roman Baths of Campo Valdés: These Roman baths date back to the 1st century AD and are an excellent example of the Roman legacy in the city.
  • Revillagigedo Palace: A Baroque-style palace built in the 18th century that now houses the City Hall and several museums.
  • Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura: This former art-deco industrial building has been converted into a contemporary arts center with a museum, exhibition hall, and performance venues.
  • Evaristo Valle Museum of Art: A museum dedicated to the works of Asturian artist Evaristo Valle, showcasing his paintings, sculptures, and drawings.

Natural Attractions of Gijón: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cervigón Hill Viewpoint: One of the best views over the city, where you can enjoy a panoramic view from the top.
  • Isabel la Católica Park: A beautiful park, surrounded by trees, which is a perfect place to relax and go for a walk or run.
  • Laboral University Botanical Garden: A botanical garden that houses more than 2000 species of plants from all over the world.
  • Santa Catalina Headland: An impressive headland with a charming lighthouse and fantastic sea views which is perfect for hiking or exploring.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gijón

Gijón is an excellent destination for adventure enthusiasts who love hiking and biking. The city offers several hiking and biking routes that take you through beautiful natural landscapes along the coast or up into the mountains. Some of the most popular routes include the Llantones Coastal Path, the Peña de los Cuatro Jueces Hiking Trail, and the Ruta de los Yacimientos de la Ruta Vía de la Plata cycling path.

Best Things to Do in Gijón: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and biking, Gijón offers a variety of exciting activities to suit all tastes and ages. Visitors can enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water sports, go on a gastronomic tour, explore the city’s rich history on a walking tour, or even attend local festivals such as the Semana Grande de Gijón or the Festival Internacional de Cine de Gijón.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gijón

If you’re planning to spend a week in Gijón, you won’t be disappointed. Here’s a perfect itinerary to help you make the most of your time in the city:

Day Activities
Day 1 Discover the Old Town - Explore the picturesque streets, squares, and churches of the Cimavilla neighborhood, dine in one of the local seafood restaurants, and enjoy a drink in one of its bars.
Day 2 Head to the Beach - Spend the day at one of Gijón’s beaches such as San Lorenzo or Playa de Poniente.
Day 3 Nature Walk - Take a hike in one of the nearby natural parks such as Monte Deva or the Somiedo Natural Park.
Day 4 Visit the Museums - Check out Gijón’s cultural attractions such as the Jovellanos Birthplace Museum, the Nicanor Piñole Museum of Fine Arts, and the Aquarium.
Day 5 Excursion to Oviedo - Head to the nearby city of Oviedo and explore its beautiful old town and art museums.
Day 6 Food Tour - Indulge in a gastronomic tour to sample the best of Asturian cuisine, including cider, cheese, and fish.
Day 7 Enjoy the Nightlife - End your stay in Gijón with a night out in the city’s bars and clubs.

Food and Drink Scene of Gijón

Asturias is known for its delicious food and drink, and Gijón is no exception. The city is home to many fantastic restaurants, cafes, cider bars, and markets, where you can taste many of the delicious products and dishes of the Asturian cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fabada Asturiana: A hearty bean stew with Asturian sausages and pork shoulder.
  • Cachopo: A large breaded and fried veal steak, usually filled with ham, cheese, or other ingredients.
  • Pixin a la Sidra: Monkfish cooked with cider.
  • Queso de Cabrales: A blue-veined cheese made from cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk.

Local Beverages

  • Sidra Asturiana: Asturian Cider, a refreshing, slightly sour, and sparkling drink made from local apples.
  • Rioja Alavesa Wines: Locally produced wines from the nearby Rioja Alavesa region.

Where to Stay in Gijón: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gijón offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Visitors can choose from luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, cozy guesthouses, and even rural lodging options. Some of the most popular hotels include the NH Gijón, the Abba Playa Gijón, and the Hotel Hernán Cortés.

What to Buy in Gijón: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Gijón is an excellent place to shop for souvenirs and local products. Visitors can buy something unique to the region or bring home locally made products such as Asturian leather goods, cider, cheese, jewelry, or ceramics. Some of the best places to shop include the Mercado de la Plaza del Sur, the Calle Corrida, and the Craft Market of Paseo de Begoña.

Local Culture and Customs of Gijón

Asturias and Gijón are rich in culture and traditions that are deeply rooted in the city’s history and geography. Visitors should be aware of the customs and traditions of the region, including the importance of local festivals, the love of cider, and the respect for the region’s natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit Gijón

The best time to visit Gijón depends on what you want to do and see. Summer is the peak tourist season in Gijón when the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches are lively. However, the city offers year-round activities and events, so any time of the year is a great time to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gijón

Visitors to Gijón should be aware of some of the local customs and etiquette to help them navigate the city and show respect to its people. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Try the cider and traditional Asturian dishes
  • Visit the local markets and craft fairs
  • Respect the environment and nature
  • Attend local festivals and events

Don’t:

  • Drink too much cider as it has an alcohol content of around 6%
  • Litter or damage the local environment
  • Dress inappropriately for the local customs and traditions

Safety and Health

Gijón is a safe city to visit, but visitors should exercise common sense and take precautions to prevent theft, especially in touristy areas. Health-wise, visitors should be aware of any health risks and take basic precautions like staying hydrated and using sunscreen while visiting Gijón.

Safety in Gijón

  • Use caution when carrying valuable items, especially in crowded areas like markets, beaches, and public transport.
  • Avoid areas known for pickpocketing and other petty crimes.
  • Be aware of the risks associated with water sports and hiking trails.

Health in Gijón

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the sun and heat.
  • Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
  • Watch out for local fauna like jellyfish and sea urchins in the sea.

Getting to Gijón: Transportation Options and Logistics

Gijón is easily accessible by several modes of transportation from within Spain and Europe. Visitors can arrive by air, train, bus, or car.

Airports Near Gijón

  • Asturias Airport (OVD) is the nearest airport to Gijón, located around 30 km away.

Bus Stations Near Gijón

  • Gijón Bus Station is located in the city center and has connections to other parts of Asturias and Spain.

Other Options

  • Train services from across Spain connect to Gijón’s train station.
  • The city is also well-connected by road and can be accessed by car from all parts of Spain and Europe.

How to Get Around in Gijón

Gijón is a compact city and easily navigable on foot. However, visitors can also use public transportation, such as buses and taxis, to explore the city and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Gijón: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Gijón is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Asturias countryside and coast. Visitors can take excursions to nearby towns such as Oviedo, Avilés, Cudillero, or Luarca or explore the surrounding natural parks, such as the Somiedo Natural Park, Picos de Europa National Park, or the Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias Biosphere Reserve.

Conclusion

Gijón, Asturias, Spain, is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for culture, history, nature, and great cuisine. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning to stay for longer, there’s something for everyone to see and do. Hopefully, this travel guide has given you a useful overview of the best places to visit, things to do, and where to eat and stay in Gijón.