Travel Guide Sightseeing Gijon – Asturias – Visit the port city of Gijon & surroundings – Spain
A complete travel guide sightseeing Gijon… I can almost hear you thinking. No, not really a city in Spain you hear a lot about. Yet Gijon is a very nice city and deserves more attention if you ask me. There is a lot to do and see in and near the port city of Gijon – Asturias.
When I said I was going to Asturias, everyone immediately asked if I was going to hike near Picos de Europa. I thought and hoped so myself, because that’s where you know Asturias from, right? But my press trip Asturias turned out to consist of exploring all the sights of Gijon and its beautiful green surroundings.
Travel Guide Sightseeing Gijon & surroundings – Spain
The northern Spanish city of Gijon has a truly unique atmosphere of an old port city with a slightly modern hue. That modern hue is then many art-nouveau style houses and music from my childhood everywhere. I find that all over Spain and it makes me feel wonderful. This gives Gijon a nice mix of the best of different times.
Did you know that you pronounce Gijon as Giegon? Not with the hard G as we in The Netherlands use it but with a soft G.
There is a downside to the fact that it still looks like from my childhood…. I get that. There is simply no renovation because there is no money for it. Despite the ‘poverty’, the streets, coffee shops and restaurants at the various bars/sidreiras are well stocked…. In hours we are surprised at ie in the early afternoon and early evening hours. In fact, these are the times well before their lunch or dinner. Times that we take advantage of to already have dinner 🙂
Travel guide Sightseeing Gijon Asturias
But coming back to why I am already talking about food & pavement cafes, that is almost the first thing we cut back on when things get a bit less busy. Yet almost everyone here sits happily on a terrace socialising for hours.
Gijon or Oviedo?
The more famous city of the two is, of course, Oviedo, which is perhaps precisely why it is good to choose Gijon. Less touristy, or at least less crowded with foreign tourists. Gijon is indeed a tourist city but for Spanish tourists. And what Gijon has that Oviedo lacks are two lovely beaches. The beaches have nice waves for a morning of surfing and I swam there for a while, really nice! A beach, the sea, always does really give a nice atmosphere to a city.
I cannot judge whether Oviedo is a better option to go to but I would, if you have a few days just go for both. You can have a great time in Gijon and around Gijon. Then if you go to Oviedo after a few (2 or 3) days you have the best of both!
Where is Gijon located?
Gijon is located in northern Spain on the Costa Verde, the green coast, along the Cantabrian Sea and in the Bay of Biscay. That green coast was also the first thing I noticed when we flew in. Oviedo is about 30 km from Gijon, the city of Leon about 150 km and Santander about 175 km.
Travel Guide Sightseeing Gijon – Xixon in Asturian
Tourism in Gijon – Asturias
As I mentioned, Gijon is a tourist city because it is located in a favourable climate and has two super fine beaches on the Bay of Biscay. For this reason, many Spaniards come there every year. Foreign tourists are still a bit lacking but maybe because this year (2024) there is a lot of attention for the city and the region this is going to change. In any case, I found it a super fun and surprisingly versatile city.
Getting to Gijon
Gijon, Asturias, has become easily accessible to the Netherlands since direct flights are offered from Schiphol Airport. How nice is that? You fly in just over 2 hours to Oviedo, referred to as OVD. This is about as far away from Oviedo as it is from Gijon. It’s then another 40 minutes or so by bus or car. Perfectly so.
Language in Gijon
In Asturias, they prefer to speak Asturian, but of course they also speak Spanish. They are very proud of their own culture so you will see Asturian a lot on menus and the various signs on the streets. You will often see a double indication of what is being prefaced. In museums, English is often missing but it is therefore indicated in Asturian and Spanish.
What is most striking is the frequent use of the X. In Asturian, the X predominates in the language, as you can see in Gijon which thus becomes Xixon.
Did you know that English is spoken sparsely in Asturias? First of all, people say they can’t speak it and then, especially among young people, they still manage to speak quite a bit of English. It’s not every day that people are addressed in English by the few tourists from outside Spain. So there is still quite a bit of hand and foot talk if, like me, you can speak little to no Spanish.
Cider culture in Gijon & surroundings
Right from the first evening, I am introduced to the typical cider culture of Asturias. In every sidreria and on every terrace later I see the bottle of cider closed on the table with an empty glass next to it. People drink cider right after pouring it. And that pouring the cider is done in a special way. And because this is rather specialised, the waiter does it in a place where it is allowed to spill.
To get the best flavour from the cider, it has to be mixed with oxygen and that happens when it is poured from height into the big glass. It’s a nice sight… But I can imagine it is hard work for the waiter. At each table, he has to pour some into the glass each time.
The cider is poured a sip at a time. So the cider is not left in the glass because then the flavour deteriorates again.
The Cheese culture of Gijon
In Gijon, as in the Netherlands, they really like cheese. To put it better, throughout Asturias they love cheese. Asturias’ most famous cheese is Cabrales. This mould cheese can only be made with milk from cows that have walked in the Picos mountains in Asturias. So this is a very specific part of Asturias and therefore there is also only a limited production of this Cabrales cheese which of course makes it even more special. Cabrales cheese is aged in caves for 6 months before it can be offered on the shelf.
I had a cheese board on the first evening, where I ate from very soft cheese to the most ferocious mould cheese. I really like cheese but the second-to-last cheese on the board was still quite heavy and is not my preference.
Travel Guide Sightseeing Gijon
Enjoying a terrace in Gijon?
Which streets lend themselves to enjoying this cider culture? But also enjoy the local bustle of the early afternoon and evening? Then your best bet is to head to the following streets. Each time, I was very surprised at how busy the pavement cafés were, even though it was sometimes quite chilly. The Spaniards then just sit outside, with their coats on and a glass of cider in front of them.
Calle Covadonga
A nice street lined with many terraces. If you walk from Begona square towards the sea, you pass many nice restaurants where locals also like to sit on the terrace.
Calle Begona – The end part
This street is not near Begona Square, as I first thought, but runs towards the old Cimadevilla. It is a very busy street with ona – The last partterrace to terrace on both sides of the street. In the evening, the whole street is busy and everyone seems to be sitting here.
Cimadevilla
On the left side of this old part of town is a nightlife section. I did not go through it in the evening but during the day I could see that these properties had bars and dancings behind the front door. So if you want to go out and have a good time, go up the Cimadevilla on the side of Gijon’s port.
Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is, of course, always a good idea to go to in Spanish cities. Around this big square, under the arcades or in the old buildings, there are always bars and restaurants. On our first evening we ate at La Fabana, here I saw for the first time how they let the cider flow from height into the glasses.
Shopping in Gijon?
I am not into shopping, not in NL and certainly not abroad. I buy the essentials and sometimes I am tempted by a purchase that comes my way. Still, I can imagine that when you go on a city trip to Gijon you want to do some shopping as well. Just to see what’s on offer in Spain.
Vintage shops
Cultura Vintage
I did also really come back to the 80s here, the time when I have my memories in terms of growing up… Rebellion… I saw colourful jackets hanging that I also wore at that time. So nice! But also a rack of Levi’s brand jeans. Of course I had to have those too..
Poison Heart
Very nice shop, neat and good clothes to be found. Very extensive range with also some new assortment like Happy Socks. I liked this shop better than Cultura, it had a completely different range. I saw some very nice leather jackets hanging here.
Antique shop Depoca
This little shop is really a must to make a quick stop at. It is beautiful and with the music playing, you imagine yourself in the 1920s for a moment. So much fun! I made a short story of it on instagram, the music accompanying it makes it complete. You can find this shop in the street near Poison Heart.
Arya Tara
A shop as if you could just walk into India in a moment. Then you have me, of course! Lovely colours and scents fill this entire shop. They sell everything from clothes and food to furniture. You will find this cute shop on Calle Covadonga.
Shoppingstreet Calle Corrida
If you want to shop a bit more in the bigger chains or modern shops? Then you’re in your place in this big shopping street called Calle Corrida. A nice wide clear street with modern clothing shops and other shops offering a bit of everything. It is also a busy street with lots of local shoppers.
Beaches Gijon
Playa de san Lorenzo
This is the big beach along the city overlooking the old town. Very photogenic part of the city, I love being here. So I went there several times and had a quick swim in it at the end of an afternoon. Even though it was already late October, it was just 26 degrees that day. I loved taking a ‘dip’ in it. The water is quite fresh there, even in summer, I understood.
There is quite a lot of surfing along the coast near Gijon, the waves are really super for it on this beach. I read that Gijon is not known for it among surfers but, because the beach is in a small inlet, they still managed to create a good wave.
Playa de Poniente
This is Gijon’s second beach and is located on the other side of Gijon. It is a wide beach and, like Playa de San Lorenzo, is really meant for recreation.
Harbour Gijon & Las Letronas
Playa de Poniente is just beyond the port of Gijon. A port always has activity and is always nice to be at. It is at the level of Plaza del Marques and I did sit there for a while to eat my delicious ice cream. Around this square are some nice buildings like the Palacio de Revillagigedo.
At the port of Gijon, you can also find the big red logo of GIJON ( Las Letronas). Many people take a quick photo of it. Nice proof that you have been to Gijon!
Cimadevilla – Old city Gijon
At the protruding tip of Gijon is the old town of Cimadevilla, very well strategically situated of course from the past. It sticks out a bit and is a bit higher so you have good views in all directions. In Cimadevilla you can have a lovely stroll through the small streets with nice colourful buildings and old shops.
Cerro de Santa Catalina
This is the park in Cimadevilla, the whole top of the outstanding part of this old town is filled with this park. From this park you have nice views of the sea and the horizon. A nice place to be for a while during sunrise or sunset. In the park Cerro de Santa Catalina there are several attractions. An old fort, a memorial site and the most famous I think: Elogio Del Horizonte. I found it similar to the things above which they pour cider, only a modern form of it. It is a modern sculpture which can be seen from afar.
Travel Guide Sightseeing Gijon – Asturias
save this blog for your visit!
Churches of Gijon
Iglesia de San Pedro
This church is not to be missed, it is located at the bottom of Cimadevilla and near San Lorenzo beach. I visited it briefly but didn’t find it very special. The spot where it stands is a beautiful spot though, with the beautiful trees in front of it. Under the square in front of it, with the beautiful trees on top, are the Roman baths.
Basilica-Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
This basilica is not to be missed either. It towers high above all the buildings with the huge statue on top. I passed it many times before and walked in anyway. It has a really beautiful painted ceiling. Definitely worth going inside if you pass by. It sits near Plaza del Parchis.
Museums of Gijon
Almost all museums in Gijon are free to visit, which is nice. Then you can always go and see if you like it or are in the area anyway.
Museo Pueblo d’Asturias
I visited the folk museum but understood later that I missed the best part. Behind the museum, they have recreated all kinds of beautiful horreo (grain houses) and other lovely old buildings. Too bad I was not pointed out by the man behind the counter who saw me enter and then cheerfully said hello to me when I went again.
Nice to see all that old stuff, you get a good time picture but I still would have liked to see the outdoor part too!
Roman Baths
The Roman baths sit under the square in front of the church San Pedro and is nothing more than some excavations they display. I enjoyed seeing it briefly and wouldn’t have paid for it either to be honest. It takes you 10 to 15 min to walk through and gives you a rough idea of what a bath looked like in those days. These Roman baths have their origins in the first century and were used until the 5th century (AD). It wasn’t until 1903 that they came across this Roman bath by chance and it wasn’t until 1995 that it was open for viewing.
Museum of Jovellanos
I have not visited this museum. However, it is worth visiting if only for the old birthplace of Jovellanos in which it is housed. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, it shows very well what a mansion looked like in those days. It exhibits many pieces of art but also personal belongings of Jovellanos.
Monumento a la Madre del Emigrante
Some way outside Gijon stands this telling monument. An impressive statue of a woman waving goodbye to her children who are emigrating to South America. There was a time when many Spaniards emigrated to South America, understandable since they already knew the language. But that there were so many of them I did not know.
Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura
Very interesting place, village actually, to visit. It is a huge building, village actually, containing several schools, university, conservatory but also a theatre, a church ( no longer used as such ), a former monastery and a factory. We were given a guided tour to see the interior of Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura. I was surprised to see the art inside, it is beautiful. These were made by students who studied there and the photos show people who worked there at the time.
Behind the Laboral car park is an interesting museum which we visited briefly. Laboral Art and Industrial Creation, they had an interesting presentation of what this era and society did to us humans. This highlighted from different points of view.
Jardin Botanico Atlantico
A 19-hectare botanical garden, situated opposite Laboral. We had a yoga class there in the garden, in a nice spot by a fountain. The class started at 4pm and that’s also when the fountains just turned on. We walked around there after the class and the different styles in the garden are beautiful to see.
In Jardin Botanico Atlantico several gardens have been created such as a Cantabrian garden, there is a herbarium and there is a garden called La Isla: a romantic 19th-century-style garden.
Ps. this garden is not free, you pay a few euros to get in. The price depends on your age group.
Aquarium of Gijon
In retrospect, I think it’s a great pity I didn’t have/take the time for this. For children, this park is definitely fun but since it is so big it will definitely be just as educational for us. It is a whole park with different themes like Indo-pacific, Atlantic Ocean, Micronesia etc. They have as many as 60 saltwater and/or freshwater aquariums and 10 terrariums in which they have huge exhibits. So you can have some fun there and marvel at the underwater world they have created.
The aquarium is also not free to visit.
Exploring the city of Gijon on foot, scooter or bike?
Throughout downtown Gijon, you come across different ways to explore the city. I saw Bird brand scooters but also Xixon Bici bikes. All, of course, easy to use to get from one place to another a bit faster. The city lends itself well to it with several bike paths I saw. All are easy to use and pay for via an app
Hiking near Gijon?
Senda del Cervigon
From Gijon, you can easily walk along the coast on the Senda del Cervigon. This is the 9 km coastal walk to La Ñora beach. The actual starting point is just outside Gijon at Cervigon beach and is then 9 km. If you come walking from Gijon itself, which is very easy, add 3 km. The paths are all paved.
Meanwhile, you will come across several sights and two places where you can get something to eat or drink.
Camino Del Norte
But did you know that the Camino del Norte also passes through Gijon? I suddenly came across a golden shell on the pavement near Parque de Begoña. For a moment, I thought about walking a stage or two. After all, I wanted to continue to Aviles after Gijon and then to the airport…. That’s just both on the Camino del Norte.
Book a walk at Asturian Ways
There are countless hiking options in the area. We were driven to two beautiful waterfalls along the coast where we took short walks. But we also took a challenging hike along a valley with Xuan from Asturian Ways. He tailors the walks and if you indicate what you expect and would like to see, he has quite a few options.
I found the Costa Verde coast really cool to experience. There are several waterfalls where you can see the water cascading right off the cliffs. And at Cascada la Mexona, I could even go behind the waterfall for a while. The Costa Verde coast near Gijon is a really nice adventure coast to hike.
If you hire a car for a day, this is really worth it. It will give you a good idea of Gijon’s mountainous surroundings and allow you to make beautiful descents to the coast.
For example, Gijon offers many other walks such as Penafrancia walk, La Camocha Greenway, Via de la Plata Route ( part of the GR100 ). A booklet at the Tourist Information Centre is available in Gijon with descriptions of these and more walks. All so between 5 to 20 km.
The Best sights of Gijon
Food in Gijon
Green Zone Bio Bar
I thought the food here was really delicious! We took 3 different dishes and were really more than enough for the two of us. The whole atmosphere in the Green Zone Bio Bar is really nice and good. They were also playing really lovely music that took me back to my childhood…
Okaeri Te & Comida Sabrosa
I did not visit this tea room because I did not experience the last lunch as I was in Aviles. I did understand that everything on the menu was simply vegetarian. It is nice, like at Green Zone Bio Bar, to just be able to choose without most of it being ruled out by the fact that it always includes meat.
Restaurante La Galana
La Galana sits on the Plaza Mayor and, of course, it is always a good idea to eat in the city centre. The place is lively and local people were also sitting here enjoying the food and, of course, the cider. We also ate the cheese board here that I showed earlier.
Cafe Dindurra
Next to the theatre Jovellanos sits this eatery. Still completely in its original style with big pillars in the restaurant. We ate there but it wasn’t a topper but we did see all the locals sitting around with churros. When we wanted to order this for dessert, unfortunately this was no longer possible. So I guess you can get really good churros here at the end of the afternoon!
El Borne by Alejandro Galan
Here I ate a delicious Asian rice. If you are going to eat here, I can really recommend this one. Only drawback I found, it did have meat in it. On the menu, they have pretty much no veg options unfortunately.
Restaurant Patioh
If you are at Laboral or visiting the botanical garden, you can have a good lunch at restaurant Patioh. We had lunch here before our tour at Laboral. They have a lovely spacious outdoor terrace where you can enjoy sitting in the sun.
And looking for a tasty ice cream?
Heladeria Artesana Puerta Real
I tasted the cheesecake ice cream and the hazelnut here. Both were really very tasty. I am not an ice cream lover at all and the fact that I just came back several times says something then. Whole trips go by that I don’t eat any ice cream…
Heladeria Islandia
Heladeria Islandia was closed every time but should you want to try Quesa Cabrales ice cream? You can get that here. Cabrales cheese is the cheese speciality from Asturias and a pretty ferocious blue mould cheese. I’m already not a fan of it in cheese form and think I won’t like it in ice cream either, what about you?
Fisher Villages near Gijon
There are sights Gijon enough but you can also go a little further into the province of Asturias. Along the coast you can all visit small unique fishing villages like Tazones or Candas. For example, we learned from our guide that the people from Gijon went to Tazones and the people from Oviedo went to the fishing village of Luanco. It’s just the difference in background, a kind of rivalry between the two cities.
So we were briefly in the lovely village of Tazones where we had a short walk and had our lunch near the port. There are many different restaurants in the village. There are also information boards everywhere about the history of this place, fun to stroll through.
Travel Guide Sightseeing Gijon – Asturias
Visit the port city of Gijon & surroundings – Spain
Where stay in Gijon
During my stay, I was at the beautiful Hotel Hernan Cortez. It is a beautiful hotel which is still exactly in style as it was once built. It is clean and super stylish.
Book your stay at Hernan Cortez Hotel
Looking for cheaper accommodation? Check out Hostel Goodhouse, nice place on the edge of the city centre. The hostel offers dormitories but also private rooms.
Book your stay at Hostel Goodhouse
Want to read more about Gijon / Xixon?
Save this Travel guide sightseeing Gijon for your trip to Xixon!
Looking for more city trip inspiration?
Walk along the sights of Copenhagen – Denmark
Things to do in Napoli – Italy
All you need for you trip to Trondheim – Norway
Or are you going to Jordan?
Jacomijn is een politieagent uit Nederland die jou graag laat zien hoe je veilig, actief en gezond de wereld kan over reizen. Safe and Healthy travel is a MUST
