There’s plenty to see in Gijon to keep you busy for a couple of days, and a great vibe that’ll make you want to stay forever. Once an industrial and commercial port, Gijon is now thriving, attracting more and more expats and remote workers who’ve chosen this friendly, lively coastal city as their new home.
While the capital of Asturias is the beautiful Oviedo, Gijon has nearly 50,000 more inhabitants and a unique personality that hooks everyone. Gijon boasts a lovely historic center, an old fishing neighborhood that’s now the trendiest part of town, and impressive surroundings. However, it’s the scent of the sea, its growing surf scene, and the buzz of its streets and bars that will truly win you over.
The recently launched high-speed train to Madrid has also boosted the number of visitors, now wondering why they didn’t come sooner.
All the places mentioned are marked on this super cool map where I put together all the must-see spots in Gijon and, of course, the best places to eat. And, if you’re looking for more places to explore in the region, check out our guide on the best destinations in Northern Spain for inspiration on where to go next.
Brief History of Asturias to Get a Feel for Gijon
Sorry for this history lesson, but trust me, it’s important to understand all the places we’re about to explore.
Celtic tribes were the first to call this place home, relying on the sea and mountains for resources. Later, the region became a strategic Roman settlement along key trade routes, leaving behind structures that still stand today. During the Middle Ages, the Kingdom of Asturias played a decisive role in the Reconquista, led by Don Pelayo, whose statue stands in Gijon’s city center.
By the 19th century, thanks to its vast natural resources, Asturias became a key player in Spain’s industrial revolution, while Gijon emerged as an important maritime hub. The mining of coal and iron fueled economic growth and sparked significant labor movements, fostering a strong working-class identity that still endures. During the Spanish Civil War, Gijon stayed loyal to the Republic and became the most bombed city in Northern Spain.
In recent decades, Gijon has reinvented itself as a prime destination for outdoor tourism in Northern Spain, offering stunning beaches and mountains while staying true to its strong identity and rich cultural heritage.
Top Things to Do in Gijon
Here are my top things to see in Gijon, laid out in a logical order so you can use it as a one-day itinerary. Well, to be honest, you’ll probably need two days, but hey, you can give it a shot.
1. Take a Stroll along Playa de San Lorenzo
This nearly 2 miles long beach is a stunning urban spot with a shell-shaped coastline and fine sand. At the western end, right by the beach, you’ll find the Church of San Pedro—one of the most iconic images of Gijon. My favorite view is from the eastern end, where the mouth of the Piles River forms a big S in the sand, creating natural pools where families love to swim in the summer. It is also a good spot to see the sunset.
This beach is safe for swimming in the supervised areas, though the waves can sometimes get pretty big. In fact, it’s packed with surfers every day. There are plenty of surf schools offering lessons in Gijon if you feel like catching some waves.
2. Walk the Coastal Trail to Playa de la Ñora
You probably won’t find this activity on other “must-do” lists for Gijon, but trust me, we live here. What makes Gijon so special is its location, tucked between mountains, cliffs, and stunning beaches, all just a stone’s throw from the city center.
The trail from the river mouth to Playa de la Ñora is a scenic 5 and a half miles (one way) coastal path. It’s an easy but long walk, so you’ll want to set aside at least half a day if you’re doing the whole thing. You’ll pass cliffs, eucalyptus forests, viewpoints, and several beaches where locals escape the crowds at San Lorenzo in the summer.
There are also several interesting sculptures, like the ones dedicated to Galileo Galilei and the Mother of the Emigrant. The latter is so spot-on, it’s especially touching. The Providencia viewpoint is designed to look like the bow of a ship, and from there you get a stunning view of the coastline and all of Gijon. It’s a great spot to catch the sunset or enjoy a picnic.
While the trail continues for miles, most people turn back after reaching Playa de la Ñora, a beautiful, wild beach with soft sand that’s my personal favorite near Gijon. There are a couple of small parking areas at the top of the road, but they fill up quickly. It is best to walk or bike there, something we usually do. There’s also a laid-back Ibizan-style restaurant, perfect for a bite or a drink in the summer.
3. Visit San Pedro Church in Gijon
The western end of San Lorenzo Beach reaches Santa Catalina Hill, which would become an island whenever the tide came in. Close to the shore, you’ll find San Pedro Church, built in the 1950s. I know, it looks much older, but that’s because it was designed to resemble the original 15th-century temple. The bombings during the Spanish Civil War completely destroyed it.
4. Learn some Roman History at the Baths of Campo Valdés
Almost every corner of Spain bears the imprint of ancient Rome, and Gijon is no exception. The Termas Museum of Campo Valdés preserves the remains of public baths from the 1st century.
You can explore the site via a walkway, where you’ll find the remains of the original rooms. Informative panels describe each space, including the cold, hot, and warm baths, as well as the water circulation channels. The museum also displays artifacts uncovered during the archaeological excavations.
Inside the museum, you can also see the remains of the 3rd-century Roman wall, which once stretched 850 meters but is now buried beneath the city.
It’s no coincidence that nearby, we find a statue honoring Octavio Augustus, the first Roman emperor.
Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Admission: Free
5. Take in the Art of Cider Pouring in Plaza Mayor
Gijon’s small but charming Plaza Mayor has been home to the city hall since 1865. It’s not as grand as the squares in other cities, but more like the heart of a small town, completely authentic. You won’t find a Burger King or an Apple Store here, just the town hall and a handful of cider houses that, despite being in the city center, keep their prices reasonable and still attract the locals.
We definitely recommend trying your first properly poured cider at the classic La Galana restaurant.
Discover Plaza del Marqués, the Most Iconic Landmark in Gijon
Located between the Port and the main square in Gijon, Plaza del Marqués is arguably the most iconic spot in the Gijon. Here you’ll find several symbols of the city:
Don Pelayo Statue
At the heart of the square stands the Monument to Don Pelayo, a key figure in the history of Asturias and a symbol of the region. You’ll recognize it because he looks exactly like what you imagine a medieval king would look like.
The statue honors the first king of Asturias, who halted the Muslim expansion north in 720 AD and set the stage for the eventual Christian control of the Iberian Peninsula. This process is often referred to as the Reconquista, but keep in mind that term wasn’t used in those times because Spain didn’t even exist yet. Still, the statue is pretty awesome, and Asturians are incredibly fond of this guy.
Palacio de Revillagigedo
Right in front of the statue, you’ll find the Palacio de Revillagigedo, an impressive baroque palace with two towers built in the 18th century.
The original owner was a powerful marquis, and today it houses a cultural foundation that frequently hosts exhibitions and events. It’s open to visitors and entrance is free!
Opening hours
TUE – SAT from 11:00 to 13:30 and 16:00 to 21:00.
Sundays and holidays from 12:00 to 14:30. Closed on Mondays.
Admission: Free
Cider Tree Monument
“This tree is a metaphor for the tree of life. It symbolizes how we can conserve nature’s resources by reusing everyday objects”, reads the sign next to the monument.
The tree represents something deeper in Asturian values than we might initially think when we see bottles of alcohol. It’s about the full cycle of life. Apple orchards produce apples, which are then turned into cider, and the cider is bottled in green bottles. Once cleaned and sterilized, these bottles can be reused for more cider.
The cider tree is made from empty cider bottles repurposed to form the leaves of this large glass sculpture. It was created in 2013 for the annual Gijon Natural Cider Festival, and it took 3,200 bottles to build!
Pozo de la Barquera
Right in front of the Palacio de Revillagigedo is a large well that doesn’t get much attention these days, but it’s believed to have been in use since the city’s earliest settlements. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, it was here that public council appointments were announced. Locals are not happy with heritage authorities because there’s trash piled up inside it, and no one’s really addressing the issue.
Gijon Letronas
If you walk about 200 meters east along the port, you’ll come across the famous “letronas” (big letters) spelling out Gijon. It’s not a must-see, but it’s definitely a popular spot for a quick photo, just in case you want that shot.
7. Get Lost in Cimavilla, the Old Fishermen’s District
You’ll absolutely love Cimavilla, the oldest neighborhood in Gijon. Perched on the peninsula that separates the beach from the port, its streets have witnessed the lives of fishermen, cigarette sellers, soldiers, and net makers—and they still retain their charm today.
The Plaza del Periodista Arturo Arias is the heart of the neighborhood, but no one actually uses that name. Everyone calls it Plaza del Lavaderu, meaning “laundry square,” because for centuries, it was where women gathered to wash clothes. These days, it’s a lively spot where people gather to wash down cider, sitting at outdoor terraces, or even lounging on the square’s steps. You’ll learn that is something we do a lot in Spain.
The building being renovated next to the stairs was once an old convent, later turned into a tobacco factory. The factory employed many locals, especially women, which is why the women of Cimavilla are affectionately called cigarreras (cigarette sellers).
Bar-hop & Enjoy Life in Cimavilla
This area is packed with restaurants, and bars, so you’ll have plenty of options. If you ask me, I’d recommend Tar d’Abeu. But if you’re up for a true local experience, head to the simple Bar Begoña, where inexpensive home-cooked food is served to a loyal crowd. Don’t expect menus or service in English here.
On the other end of the spectrum, Auga offers a much fancier experience, or you could check out the tasting menu at Farragua for a high-end culinary journey.
At sunset, it feels like the whole town gathers at the famous Cuesta del Cholo. You might think it’s just the westward orientation and the lack of buildings blocking the last rays of sunlight that draw people in, but there’s more to it.
This tradition goes back to when fishermen returned to port after a long day at sea. Boats docked right in front, and the slope connected the harbor to the town, so this exact spot was buzzing with activity at the end of the day. In fact, its official name, Tránsito de Ballenas (Whale Passage), needs little explanation. I know it doesn’t sound great today, but those were tough times, for both people and whales.
Even today, locals still gather in the same spot after work, just as they have for centuries.
Aren’t you in love with Gijon yet?
8. Explore Santa Catalina Hill, the Birthplace of Gijon
Located at the edge of the Cantabrian Sea, this 70,000 m² peninsula holds the city’s history within its slopes. The hill was once home to the Santa Catalina Chapel, which served as the headquarters for local maritime guilds in the 13th and 14th centuries. These guilds brought together fierce fishermen, including whalers, who worked the waters off the Cantabrian coast. Later, the hill was transformed into a military battery in the 17th century, protecting Gijon from pirates and corsairs.
Today, the hill is a park and open-air museum, crowned by the iconic Elogio del Horizonte sculpture by Eduardo Chillida. This massive concrete piece symbolizes the connection between the earth and the sky and offers stunning views of the coast. Visitors can walk, relax, and even experience the sound of the waves—an illusion created by the sculpture itself.
9. Don’t miss La Laboral, the Most Impressive Building in Gijon
This building, simply known as La Laboral, is a bit outside the city center, but it’s definitely worth the visit. La Laboral is one of the most fascinating places to explore in Gijon.
Spanning 270,000 square meters, La Laboral is the largest civil building in Spain. The original idea from the early 20th century was to create an ideal city to house orphaned children of miners who had died in accidents. This tragedy deeply impacted Asturias during the Industrial Revolution.
In the 1950s, the Franco regime transformed it into a “Labor University” for workers. The educational model was based on five pillars: religion, sports, cultural education, customs, and patriotic spirit. Of course, the goal was to educate, but more importantly, to indoctrinate. Remember I mentioned that the working-class movement was strong in Asturias? As a result, controlling the next generation was a top priority for the regime.
After being neglected and abandoned for several decades, it was eventually restored and transformed into the ‘City of Culture’, now home to several university departments, arts centers, and research institutes, once again winning the hearts of the people of Gijon.
While it has been the subject of political and ideological debates, there’s no denying its stunning and magnificent architecture.
How to get there
Take the L1 bus from Plaza Europa.
It costs €1.5 and takes 15 minutes. A taxi should cost around €10
Visit the Official website for more info
10. End your Day with a Drink at an Art Deco Café
Gijon is home to some stunning cafés that date back to the early 20th century, when they were the heart of social life, gathering spots for locals to chat and share ideas.
These spots, with their timeless black-and-white vibe and modernist flair, have been transformed into new businesses but still boast their beautiful architecture and unique decor. Here are some ideas to enjoy Gijon’s old-school charm:
- Dindurra Cafe: A literary café in Art Deco style with over 100 years of history.
- Central Cafe: A classic café-restaurant right in the commercial center of Gijon with an exquisite decor that’ll transport you back in time. The food is great, and they offer a €15 daily menu that is fantastic value for money.
- Varsobia Cocktail Bar: One of the most iconic buildings in Gijon, featuring stunning Art Nouveau frescoes. Inside, you’ll find everything from Thonet chairs to Bauhaus armchairs and Chester sofas, alongside counters salvaged from old Gijon shops. It’s a cozy place to sip cocktails in a beautifully eclectic setting.
- El Cafetón: Recently reopened in 2016, this gem preserves the charm of its original 1904 opening, with a nod to New York-style touches.
Best Places to Eat in Gijon
Gijon may be a rather small city, but it definitely holds its own when it comes to food, living up to the culinary reputation of Northern Spain. Since we live here and know the city inside out, I could probably write an entire blog just about where to eat, but let’s start with a few top picks:
El Zascandil
Top quality at a reasonable price. Try the bacalao al pil pil: top-quality cod with a garlic and extra virgin olive oil emulsion. It sounds simple, I know, but that’s where the true skill and quality come through. The smoked salmon is also worth a try— they smoke it themselves with fresh cuts and slice it right before serving.
Marcos
Run by the renowned sommelier Marcos Granda, this restaurant is all about open kitchen vibes with tables surrounding it, so you can watch all the magic happening in the kitchen. Top-notch food, but be prepared to splurge a bit.
Farragua
If you’re looking to spend a little less, Farragua is the place. Fine dining at incredibly reasonable prices. Their tasting menus start at just €50, which is a steal considering the quality of the ingredients.
Tierra Astur
A classic spot for both locals and tourists that never disappoints. Inspired by the traditional Asturian cider houses, they serve massive portions of typical Asturian dishes. Just keep in mind, it’s not fancy—there’s sawdust on the floor to soak up any spilled cider, people talking loudly, and a lively tavern atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Gijon
If you’re spending the night (or a few—we wouldn’t blame you), the NH Gijón is a solid pick. Right across from San Lorenzo Beach and just steps away from the city’s main attractions, it’s got the kind of location that makes exploring Gijón ridiculously easy.
The vibe is modern and comfy, with spacious rooms, great service, and even a rooftop pool and bar where you can toast the sunset after a day of cider and coastal walks. It’s popular with both locals (yes, locals book it for staycations) and travelers who want to be close to everything without giving up a bit of style.
Want to wake up to ocean views and be on the beach in under 60 seconds? This is your spot.
Things to do in Gijon | Map
How to Get to Gijon
Getting to Gijon is straightforward, whether you’re coming by train or plane. Here’s what you need to know:
How to Get to Gijon by Train
If you’re traveling from Madrid, you can take the high-speed AVE train. The AVE connects Madrid and Gijon efficiently, with a journey time of approximately 3,5 hours. The train arrives at Estación de Gijon, which is located in the city center, providing easy access to local transport options like buses, taxis and electric bikes.
How to Get to Gijon by Plane
Asturias Airport, also known as Oviedo Airport (OVD), is actually much closer to Gijon (about 40 minutes away). There are direct flights to many cities in Spain, including Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla, Ibiza, and Málaga (among many others). It also offers direct flights to several European capitals such as Rome, London, Amsterdam, Dublin, Paris, and Frankfurt.
How to Get from Asturias Airport to Gijon
The best option for solo travelers to get from Asturias Airport to Gijon is taking the bus, which runs regular services between the airport and the city. The ticket costs €9, and you can check the schedule on the Alsa website. If there are more than two of you, a taxi or transfer might be cheaper, or about the same price.
And that’s it! I’ve included everything you need in this guide to explore Gijon like a local. But if you have any questions or need tips for your trip, feel free to leave a comment – we’ll be happy to help!
Gijon really is one of the best cities in Northern Spain, and we’re not just saying that because we live here… okay, maybe a little bit, but once you visit, you’ll get why! Trust us, it’s definitely worth the trip.