2024 Gijon Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

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.

Nice little city Gijon 🇪🇸

#summerdestinations Spending a day in Gijón was a fantastic experience! 🌟 I started with a visit to the bustling Cimavilla district, where the historic charm meets vibrant local life. The entrance to the charming Plaza Mayor is free, and it's perfect for soaking in the atmosphere and grabbing a bite at a local café. I then wandered along the picturesque marina, which offers stunning views of the sea and colorful boats 🚤. A highlight was the beautiful Jardín Botánico Atlántico, with its diverse plant species and serene walking paths, costing just 5 EUR for entry. Gijón's combination of history, culture, and seaside relaxation makes it an ideal day trip destination. 🌿🌊 #trip #GijónDay #CimavillaCharm #MarinaViews #BotanicalGarden #AsturiasAdventure

Bioparc Acuario de Gijón 🇪🇸

#myhiddengems I had a fantastic time visiting the Bioparc Acuario de Gijón during my vacation in Asturias! 🐠 Located right along the beautiful Bay of Biscay in Gijón, this aquarium is an excellent place to learn about marine life and ecosystems. The entrance fee was around 16 EUR, which I found quite reasonable for the experience. The aquarium has a variety of exhibits, from the Amazon rainforest to the Atlantic Ocean, featuring over 400 species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians. The highlight for me was walking through the underwater tunnel, surrounded by sharks and stingrays swimming above—it felt like stepping into another world! After exploring the aquarium, I took a leisurely stroll along the nearby San Lorenzo Beach, which is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze. The Bioparc Acuario is a must-visit for families and anyone who loves the ocean. 🌊🐟 #trip #GijónAcuario #MarineLife #FamilyFriendly #ExploreGijón #AquariumAdventures

Gijón: Coastal Charms and Hidden Treasures

Gijón, a charming coastal city in northern Spain, offers a delightful blend of maritime heritage, modern attractions, and rich culture. Nestled along the Bay of Biscay in Asturias, Gijón is an ideal destination for those seeking to explore Spain beyond the typical tourist spots. Begin your journey in the historic Cimavilla district, where cobblestone streets lead you through a maze of colorful houses, traditional taverns, and remnants of Roman history, like the ancient city walls. The Elogio del Horizonte, a massive concrete sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, crowns the Santa Catalina hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the sea and the city. Stroll along the San Lorenzo Beach promenade, a lively area perfect for people-watching and savoring the fresh sea breeze. The beach itself is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, especially during the summer months when the golden sands are dotted with sunbathers and surfers alike. For a deeper dive into Gijón’s past, visit the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, an impressive complex that once served as a university and now houses cultural institutions, including an art gallery and a theater. The building’s architecture is a fascinating mix of classic and modern styles, reflecting the city’s ability to preserve its history while embracing the future. Don’t miss the Gijón Botanical Garden, a green oasis showcasing the diverse flora of Asturias. It’s a peaceful retreat where you can wander through themed gardens, each representing different ecosystems and plant species native to the region. As the day winds down, indulge in Asturian cuisine at one of Gijón’s many restaurants. Try the local cider, or "sidra," poured in the traditional way from a great height, along with dishes like fabada, a hearty bean stew, or freshly caught seafood. Gijón’s mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality makes it a must-visit in northern Spain. Whether you're exploring its historic streets, relaxing on the beach, or savoring local delicacies, Gijón offers a memorable experience for every traveler.

where the rhythm of the Atlantic meets the charm of Asturias, beckoning with its vibrant culture and stunning coastal vistas. 🇪🇸 #Gijón #AsturiasCharm