Gijón Backpacking Itinerary: 3 Days of Coastal Charm and Culture

#backpacking Day 1: Explore Gijón’s Old Town (Cimavilla) • Morning: • Start with a walk around Cimavilla, Gijón’s historic old town, known for its cobblestone streets and traditional Asturian architecture. • Visit the Elogio del Horizonte, a striking concrete sculpture by Eduardo Chillida located on top of Santa Catalina Hill, offering stunning views of the sea and city. • Afternoon: • Head to Playa de San Lorenzo, Gijón’s main beach. Walk along the Paseo Marítimo, or take a break on the sandy shore. • Visit Revillagigedo Palace, a baroque palace that now serves as an art gallery, located next to Plaza Mayor. • Evening: • Enjoy Gijón’s famous cider culture by visiting a traditional sidrería (cider house). Try Sidra Trabanco with some local tapas such as chorizo a la sidra (chorizo cooked in cider). • Accommodation: • Stay in the old town area of Cimavilla for easy access to historic sites and the beach. Consider Hotel Asturias for a centrally located budget stay. Day 2: Nature and Museums • Morning: • Visit the Jardín Botánico Atlántico, a large botanical garden showcasing the native plants of the Atlantic and Cantabrian coast. Enjoy a peaceful walk through its scenic landscapes. • Head to Universidad Laboral, Spain’s largest building, and explore its impressive architecture and cultural center. You can also go up the tower for panoramic views of Gijón. • Afternoon: • Head to Museo del Ferrocarril (Railway Museum), where you can learn about Gijón’s industrial history and the significance of the railway system in the region. • Stroll through the Parque de Isabel la Católica, a beautiful park filled with lakes, swans, and pleasant walking paths. • Evening: • Experience more of Gijón’s culinary scene by trying fabada asturiana, a hearty bean stew, at Casa Trabanco or Restaurante La Galana. • Accommodation: • Stay near the city center, in El Centro, for more budget-friendly accommodations and proximity to both nature and culture. Day 3: Coastal Day Trip to Cabo Peñas • Morning: • Take a day trip to Cabo Peñas, the northernmost point of Asturias, located about 30 minutes from Gijón. The cliffs and lighthouse offer incredible views of the Cantabrian Sea. • Visit the Cabo Peñas Lighthouse and the adjacent Interpretation Center to learn about the region’s maritime heritage. • Afternoon: • Head back to Gijón and enjoy lunch at Playa de Poniente, a more relaxed and quieter beach than San Lorenzo. • Visit the Acuario de Gijón (Gijón Aquarium) for an immersive experience of marine life from the Cantabrian Sea and beyond. • Evening: • For your final night, savor Asturian cheese, like Cabrales, paired with a cold cider at Sidrería Tierra Astur Poniente, which is near the marina.