Are you looking for a surprising city trip in Europe? A unique holiday destination in Spain? Look no further and book a trip to Gijón, a hidden gem in Northern Spain! I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this coastal city twice—once with my family and once with a friend. In October, I uncovered the family-friendly charm of Gijón, while in July, I soaked up its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional gastronomy with a good friend. In this blog, I’ll share Gijón’s must-see sights, what makes the city special, and some practical tips!
Where is Gijón in Spain?
Gijón is situated in the region of Asturias, in northern Spain, along the coast of the Bay of Biscay. Asturias is celebrated for its lush landscapes, rugged coastlines, and rich cultural heritage. Nearby, you can visit popular attractions such as the Picos de Europa, the capital city Oviedo with its beautiful pre-Romanesque architecture, and the charming villages of Cudillero, Lastres, and Tazones.
One of the reasons Gijón is such an attractive destination is its accessibility from many other European cities. Gijón is only a half hour driving from Asturias Airport (Aeropuerto de Asturias, OVD).
What is Gijón Known for?
Gijón is famous as a port city, a beloved beach destination among Spaniards thanks to its mild climate, and a hub for gastronomy and cider culture. This Northern Spanish city offers a unique blend of beaches, urban life, and natural beauty.
Though Gijón might not be widely known among travelers, it’s a favorite holiday spot for Spaniards. They flock to this coastal city for its incredible food, beautiful beaches, urban amenities, and pleasant weather. Unlike the sweltering southern beaches, Gijón enjoys moderate temperatures even in the peak summer season.
The city’s distinctive gastronomy and cider culture are highlights. Gijón is home to many traditional cider houses where you can enjoy local cider poured in the unique, high-from-the-sky manner. Don’t miss local specialties like fabada asturiana, a hearty bean stew with chorizo. This dish is so popular that souvenir shops like La Gijonesa sell kits to make it at home. Another Gijón specialty is the cachopo, a traditional Asturian dish of two large pieces of veal filled with ham, cheese, and other delicious fillings. It’s breaded and fried, often shared among diners. Combine this with the special cheeses from Asturias, and it’s clear why Gijón is a culinary hotspot.
Beyond its beaches and food, Gijón is perfect for nature lovers. You can easily venture from the city to natural wonders like the Picos de Europa for breathtaking hikes. Additionally, there are several walking trails directly from Gijón. The city seamlessly blends delicious cuisine, beautiful sandy beaches, and stunning natural landscapes.
The Best Time to Visit Gijón
Gijón is a delightful destination year-round, thanks to its mild climate. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting in both October and July, and I highly recommend visiting in the spring or autumn.
The ideal time to visit Gijón is from June to September when temperatures range between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius. This weather is perfect for outdoor activities and beach visits, with July and August being the warmest months, averaging 23 degrees with a refreshing sea breeze.
Since the summer months are the busiest with Spanish vacationers, we suggest visiting in spring or autumn. The temperatures are still pleasant and even better for hiking in the beautiful Asturian nature. Additionally, it’s quieter and more affordable than during the high season. Even in winter, the weather remains mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10 degrees Celsius, although it can be wetter.
Gijón Tourist Map
10 Best Things to Do in Gijón
#1 Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura
One of Gijón’s most iconic landmarks is Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, located east of the city center. This monumental cultural center has a history tied to the Spanish dictatorship and is the largest civil building in Spain, making it an impressive sight to behold.
Read more: How to Visit Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura
Designed by architect Luis Moya Blanco, the original building was constructed between 1946 and 1956, during Franco’s dictatorship. It was intended to train the children of workers to become highly skilled professionals, provided they adhered to the regime’s rules. The Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura was conceived as a gigantic, utopian project, envisioned as a self-sufficient city complete with a hundred-hectare farm. After the dictatorship fell in the 1980s, the building fell into disrepair until the regional government of Asturias decided to renovate and repurpose the complex in 2001.
One of the most striking buildings in the complex is the church. With an area of 38 by 24 meters, it is the largest oval church in the world. The church boasts an impressive 2,300-ton dome and stands 32 meters high, entirely covered in marble. Today, the church is no longer used for religious purposes.
Visitors can explore the complex for free, taking in the buildings from the outside, including the courtyard with the oval church. Be sure to visit the café, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal while admiring a stunning large-scale mural. For a deeper experience, guided tours are available, offering a glimpse inside the building, including the reception hall with its gigantic frescoes. You can also visit the tower, which offers spectacular views of Gijón and the surrounding mountains.
#2 The Cider Culture of Asturias
One of the most fascinating and enjoyable aspects of Gijón is the local cider culture. A visit to the city is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with Asturian cider and its unique pouring methods. Cider, locally known as sidra, is a traditional apple drink produced in the region since the 16th century. The characteristic green bottles are filled with a slightly cloudy, unfiltered cider that has a somewhat bitter and sour flavor profile.
One of the unique aspects of the cider culture in Asturias is the traditional pouring technique known as escanciar. The cider is poured from a great height into a glass. During our first visit to Asturias, we had seen this on terraces but only learned the how and why in Gijón. Pouring the cider this way against the side of the glass ensures aeration and enhances the aromas. The splashing that results is part of the tradition and is taken in stride. This ritual is a true art and requires much practice to perfect. There are even championships for this pouring technique.
Cider is poured per sip, and it’s customary to drink it immediately after pouring. A classic ‘sidrería’ employs a pourer who regularly comes to your table to refill your glass. To prevent guests from getting splashed, pouring often takes place behind a screen.
In Gijón, you can book tours and tastings at cider houses on the outskirts of the city. These tours offer insights into the production process and the history of cider. In the city itself, many places offer cider tasting, though not all pour it traditionally. Sometimes, a pouring machine is used, or you receive a bottle to pour at your table.
For an authentic experience, visit Sidrería Tierra Astur Poniente, La Montera Picona de Ramón and Sidrería Restaurante El Requexu. These places serve cider in the traditional manner. Our lunch at Sidrería Tierra Astur Poniente was a memorable experience, not just for the traditionally poured cider but also for the fantastic cider-themed interior.
Tip: Between the modern marina and the old town, you’ll find the Árbol de la Sidra. This artwork, made from 3,200 recycled cider bottles, symbolizes the region’s cider tradition.
#3 Cerro de Santa Catalina & Elogio del Horizonte
Cerro de Santa Catalina in Gijón is a picturesque hill nestled between the historic Cimavilla neighborhood and the ocean. From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the bay, the port of Gijón, and the Cantabrian Sea.
This hill was originally a defensive stronghold against invasions, and as you explore, you can still see the remnants of the “Batería de Santa Catalina” fortifications. The park surrounding Cerro de Santa Catalina is a popular spot for both tourists and locals to stroll and soak in the panoramic views. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s also a nice playground at the edge of the hill.
At the hill’s peak stands the iconic sculpture “Elogio del Horizonte” by Eduardo Chillida. This monumental concrete artwork, created in 1990, might not be everyone’s cup of tea—some find it ugly and grotesque—but we found it impressive. Designed to capture the wind and the sound of the sea, it offers a unique experience to those standing inside. Much like holding a seashell to your ear, you can hear the roaring sound of the waves.
#4 Iglesia de San Pedro
The Iglesia de San Pedro is a coastal landmark in Gijón. This striking church is situated between Cerro de Santa Catalina hill and Playa de San Lorenzo. After being destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, it was rebuilt in the 1940s in a Neo-Romanesque style. The church offers beautiful views over the bay and is worth visiting for its unique architecture, including its distinctive windows. The characteristic shapes of this architectural style are also reflected in the logo of Asturias.
Directly in front of—and actually beneath—the church are the Termas Romanas de Campo Valdés. These Roman baths, discovered in 1903, date back to the first to fourth centuries. A small museum has been built around the baths, which is free to visit. You can explore various rooms like the frigidarium (cold baths), tepidarium (warm baths), and caldarium (hot baths).
#5 The Old Quarter Cimavilla
Cimavilla is the oldest neighborhood in Gijón. Located on a peninsula by the Cantabrian Sea, it’s also where you’ll find Cerro de Santa Catalina. Once a fishing village with cobbled streets and colorful houses, Cimavilla still retains its old charm, now combined with lively streets full of restaurants and terraces.
Tip: On sunny days, the sloping street La Cuesta del Cholo is one of the liveliest spots in Gijón. Grab a drink from one of the three restaurants and find a spot on the street to enjoy a drink with the locals.
Cimavilla is home to many of the city’s historic buildings. From old fishermen’s houses to grand city palaces and remnants of the Roman city walls, there’s much to see. For instance, stroll by the Palacio de Revillagigedo, an 18th-century baroque palace now serving as an art gallery. Visit Plaza de Jovellanos, where the (free) Jovellanos Museum is located in one of the city’s oldest mansions. The benches under the trees and the terrace make this one of the coziest squares in Cimavilla. Here, you’ll also find remains of the Roman city wall and dragon sculptures.
Don’t forget to visit Plaza Mayor on the edge of Cimavilla. Here stands the neoclassical town hall from the 19th century, surrounded by arcades on two sides. Nearby, you’ll find La Gijonesa, where you can buy local delicacies as souvenirs. Another lovely square, Plaza del Marqués, features a striking monument of Don Pelayo, the local leader who drove the Moors out of this part of Spain.
#6 Museo Casa Natal de Jovellanos
We mentioned the Jovellanos Museum at the charming Plaza de Jovellanos in Cimavilla, which is one of the must-visit spots in Gijón. The museum’s full name is Museo Casa Natal de Jovellanos. It’s housed in a beautiful city palace from the 15th and 16th centuries. Don Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, a prominent figure in Gijón’s history, was born here in 1744. He was not only a writer and philosopher of the Spanish Enlightenment but also a significant politician who initiated the economic and urban development of Gijón.
The museum is dedicated to the life and work of Jovellanos. Visitors can see objects and documents from his life, as well as an extensive collection of artworks. These include Asturian paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries and works by European masters from the Flemish and Dutch schools.
The most remarkable piece is the large artwork on the top floor. Here you’ll find the Retablo del Mar by Sebastián Miranda, a massive mural depicting the everyday people at Gijón’s fish market. It features 156 local fishermen, women, and children, all said to be based on real individuals. With its impressive detail and enormous size, we spent quite some time admiring it. Can you spot the prostitute he fell in love with? In the hall before this room, you’ll find a replica of another sculpture of her, which helps you identify her in the Retablo. Can you find the boy peeing? And the dolphin?
The museum is free to visit. In the same building, you’ll also find the beautiful Capilla de los Remedios.
#7 The Art Nouveau Architecture
Gijón is celebrated for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, known as modernismo in Spanish. This style, also called Jugendstil in other parts of Europe, is characterized by organic shapes, flowing lines, female figures, and decorative elements like floral and plant motifs. You can find many of Gijón’s modernist buildings in the city center, just next to the old fishing neighborhood of Cimavilla.
Some of the most striking modernist buildings in Gijón include the building at Cabrales 43, designed by Mariano Marín Magallón in 1902, and the building at Plaza San Miguel 3, designed by Manuel del Busto in 1903. Another significant example is Villa Ladislao Menéndez at Plaza de Europa 27, built in 1907, also by Manuel del Busto. The Librería Central is another beautiful building worth admiring. Wander along the streets of Corrida, Jovellanos, Munuza, and Instituto to see more examples of modernist architecture.
Tip: Want to enjoy modernismo with a cocktail? Head to Varsovia, a stunning Art Nouveau building with a cozy interior and fantastic drinks.
#8 Playa de San Lorenzo & Playa de Poniente
Gijón is a favorite beach destination among Spaniards. Thanks to the mountains and the sea, this part of Spain enjoys moderate temperatures. While beaches in southern Spain can be scorching in summer, Gijón’s beaches remain comfortably cool. Gijón is popular for its mix of a vast city beach and urban amenities. The most famous beaches here are Playa de San Lorenzo and Playa de Poniente.
Playa de San Lorenzo is Gijón’s largest and most prominent beach. Stretching one and a half kilometers in a crescent shape along Gijón’s bay, it offers plenty of summer facilities like beach showers and sunbed rentals. It’s also a hotspot for surfers, with several surf schools offering lessons and gear rentals.
Playa de Poniente, located on the west side of the city, is an artificial beach created in the 1990s. It’s smaller than San Lorenzo but provides a peaceful setting with calm waters. There’s also a playground on the beach, making it perfect for families.
If you love walking, we recommend a coastal stroll from Playa de San Lorenzo to the east. This path takes you past small, secluded coves with quiet beaches and offers spectacular views of the coastline. Along the way, you’ll also pass the impressive Monumento a la Madre del Emigrante.
#9 Museo del Pueblo de Asturias
Among Gijón’s many museums, the Museo del Pueblo de Asturias stands out. This charming open-air museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Asturias. It features several historic buildings that have been relocated from around Asturias, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history, traditions, and way of life.
One of the highlights is the collection of hórreos and paneras from different periods. A hórreo is a traditional Asturian grain store, usually square and made of wood or stone, elevated off the ground by four stone pillars called pegollos to protect it from pests and moisture. Paneras are similar but larger and rectangular, often supported by six or more pillars. These structures also had cultural and social functions, with the open space beneath a hórreo often used as a workshop or gathering place.
The museum is free to visit. Within the museum grounds, you’ll also find two separate (and also free) museums. One historic building houses an old photo collection, while the Casa de los González de la Vega, a 17th-century palace, showcases an exhibition of bagpipes from Asturias and around the world. The bagpipe, or Gaita in Spanish, is the region’s traditional instrument and is still used today at events such as weddings.
#10 The Modern Harbor & Las Letronas
Gijón boasts one of the most important ports in Northern Spain, and right next to the historic center, you’ll find a marina filled with sailboats and other recreational boats. Located between the old town and Playa de Poniente, the harbor is a wonderful place for a stroll along the promenade to admire the beautiful vessels.
Next to the harbor, you’ll see Las Letronas, an iconic sculpture featuring large, red letters that spell out “Gijón”. This popular photo spot provides a fantastic backdrop of the old fishing neighborhood, Cimavilla, and is a must-see landmark in the city.
#11 Jardín Botánico Atlántico
The Jardín Botánico Atlántico is an impressive botanical park that covers nearly 25 hectares. This Atlantic Botanic Garden is like a living museum of biodiversity in the Atlantic forests, frequently hosting educational workshops and guided tours.
Dedicated to the flora of the Atlantic region, the garden showcases over 30,000 plants from 2,500 different species. It’s divided into various themed areas, including a large forest and a romantic garden featuring plants from around the world, some over 150 years old. Families will especially enjoy the playground with tunnels and slides.
Located on Avenida del Jardín Botánico, the garden is about 5 kilometers southeast of the city center and is easily accessible by public transport. It’s conveniently situated next to Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, making it easy to visit both in one visit.
#12 Hiking from Gijón
Gijón is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, offering beautiful hikes both nearby and within the city itself.
The Camino del Norte, a pilgrimage route along the Atlantic coast to Santiago de Compostela, passes right by Gijón. Another popular trail is the Senda de Peña Francia, an eight-kilometer route perfect for both mountain biking and hiking. For more challenging hikes, try the route to Pico del Sol, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Additionally, Gijón is close to natural areas like the Picos de Europa, where you can embark on spectacular hikes.
Things to Do in Gijón with Kids
Visiting Gijón with kids? Here are some of the best activities for families! One of the city’s great advantages for family vacations is the abundance of playgrounds scattered throughout the center. There’s even a playground on Playa de Poniente, where kids can play while parents enjoy the sea view.
One of the top attractions for kids in Gijón is the Jardín Botánico Atlántico. This impressive botanical garden spans nearly 25 hectares, offering children the chance to run through the forest, join educational tours, or play in the nature-themed playground.
Next to the botanical garden is Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura. This impressive building has an intriguing history tied to Spain’s former dictatorship. For kids, the highlight is climbing the tower for a panoramic view of the area. The elevator ride to the top makes it accessible even for the smallest adventurers.
Another must-visit for families is Parque de Isabel La Católica. This beautiful, expansive park features a large, well-designed playground, a small lake with rowboats, and an area with birds like peacocks. Cerro de Santa Catalina park is also great for kids. They can explore the remnants of the old fort and listen to the sea from inside the Elogio del Horizonte sculpture.
If you enjoy museums, the Museo del Pueblo de Asturias is perfect for families. This open-air museum showcases many historical buildings from Asturias, including an old cider factory, granaries, and historic homes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past. Admission is free.
The Gijón Aquarium is also popular with families. While we have mixed feelings about attractions with animals in captivity, this aquarium is quite impressive. The large hall at the beginning of the visit features waterfalls, tunnels, and numerous tanks creating a natural landscape. One highlight is the massive tank with sharks, which you pass underneath via an escalator.
We visited Gijón once on our own and a second time as guests of Visit Gijón.
