Road Trip 10: Gijón

Gijón, the largest city in Asturias, perfectly blends its seafaring character with a vibrant cultural life and unique natural spaces. From its charming old quarter to its urban beaches, along with museums, sculptures and gardens, there’s always something to discover. 

Here are our top 10 recommendations for things to do in Gijón:

1. El Puerto Deportivo (Marina) – A lively area for dining and walking, with modern touches and sea views.
2. Cimadevilla – The old fishermen’s quarter, full of charm, cobbled streets, traditional cider bars and local history.
3. Elogio del Horizonte and Cerro de Santa Catalina – A striking sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, perched on a clifftop with breathtaking views over the Mar Cantábrico (Bay of Biscay).
4. Museo Casa Natal de Jovellanos (Jovellanos Birthplace Museum) – A museum dedicated to Enlightenment figure Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, located in his former home.
5. Plaza Mayor (Main Square) – Gijón’s main square, surrounded by historic buildings and buzzing with cultural events.
6. Calle Corrida (Corrida Street) – Gijón's main street: a lively pedestrian shopping street that links the city centre with the maritime and gastronomic atmosphere around the marina.
7. Playa de San Lorenzo (San Lorenzo Beach) – One of Spain’s most iconic urban beaches, ideal for a stroll along the promenade (Paseo del Muro) and a dip in the sea. Our favorite spot is the western end, with San Pedro's Church and the Roman Baths.
8. Muséu del Pueblu d'Asturias (Museum of the Asturian People) – An open-air museum showcasing traditional Asturian life and heritage.
9. Jardín Botánico Atlántico (Atlantic Botanical Garden) – A lush space with native and exotic species, perfect for nature lovers.
10. Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura (Laboral City of Culture) – This is Spain's largest building, a grand architectural landmark housing cultural and educational spaces.

Here's a our proposed itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:

1. Arrival and parking

Begin by parking your car at the underground car park Fomento (Parking de Fomento) in c/ Rodríguez San Pedro 2. From there, explore the wonders that Gijón has to offer.

2. Experience the Maritime Charms 

Step out of the car park and be greeted by the marina (Puerto Deportivo) and Cimadevilla, the former fishing quarter. Dive into the rich history of this area, visiting notable attractions like the Palacio de Revillagigedo, Jovellanos Birthplace Museum, the Campo Valdés Roman Baths Museum and the Palacio Valdés.

3. Marvel at Santa Catalina promontory 

Take a leisurely stroll along the marina, as it leads you to the enchanting Cerro de Santa Catalina (Saint Catherine's Promontory) nestled behind the old town. Reach its pinnacle and be captivated by breathtaking views of the city and the Bay of Biscay, framed by the magnificent sculpture, Elogio del Horizonte, crafted by Basque artist Chillida.

4. Discover San Pedro and San Lorenzo

Descend the promontory, walking parallel to the sea, until you arrive at the Iglesia de San Pedro (Saint Peter's Church) and the stunning Playa de San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence Beach). Immerse yourself in the coastal beauty and feel the gentle embrace of the ocean breeze.

5. Traverse the Heart of Gijón 

From this end of Playa de San Lorenzo, enter the vibrant Plaza Mayor, home to the town hall. If you desire, take a moment to explore the square before returning to the marina area. Alternatively, pass under the central arch on the left and venture along c/ San Bernardo, leading you to the Plaza del Instituto and the charming Plaza de los Campinos. Continue your journey along the captivating Paseo de Begoña.

6. Unveil the "Gijonés Soho" 

For a different experience, turn onto the parallel street on the right, c/ la Merced, and step into the world of the "Gijonés soho." Meander through the streets of c/ San Antonio, c/ Instituto, and c/ Cabrales, and let the independent small shops enthrall you with their unique offerings. A favorite shop is Coalla Gourmet (c/ San Antonio).

7. Cultural Treasures and Shopping Delights

As you continue along the Paseo de Begoña, encounter the grandeur of the Jovellanos Theatre and the heritage of Café Dindurra, the oldest café in Gijón. Proceed down c/ Fernández Vallín to indulge in the main shopping streets of Gijón, the pedestrian c/ Corrida and the parallel c/ Los Moros. These bustling avenues will captivate you with their vibrant atmosphere and a myriad of shopping opportunities.

8. A Journey Full Circle 

Following c/ Corrida will bring you back to the Jardines de la Reina and the marina, near the underground car park Fomento, where your adventure began.

Other museums in Gijón:

• Nicanor Piñole Museum
• Asturias Railway Museum
• Celestino Solar Citadel Museum
• Campa Torres Archaelogical-Nature Park
• Veranes Roman Villa Museum

Bars and terrazas for an aperitivo:

• Terraza Jardines de la Reina (Jardines de la Reina), probably the best views, especially at sunset time
• Restaurant Auga (Puerto Deportivo, in the main building of the Puerto Deportivo)
• La Bodeguita del Medio (c/ Rodríguez San Pedro, 43, overlooking the Playa de Poniente)
• In the Barrio del Carmen area there are many wine bars, popular at the vermouth time (13:00 to 15:00) and then in the evening (from 19:00). Our favourite is La Sastrería (c/ Numa Guilhou 3)

Restaurants:

• Sidrería La Galana - cider bar and restaurant in the Plaza Mayor
• Farragua - near the Plaza Mayor and the Puerto Deportivo (marina)
• El Recetario - near the Plaza Mayor and the Puerto Deportivo (marina)
• Restaurante Sancho (c/ La Merced 33) - excellent grilled food, both fish and meat. A favourite.
• Casa Ataulfo - cider bar and restaurant, their speciality is fish and shellfish and bonito (white tuna) from June to October
• Restaurante V. Crespo (c/ Periodista Adeflor 3, between Plaza de Europa and Paseo de Begoña)
• Cretino - en Cimadevilla, the best pizzas in Gijón and beyond
• La Pondala - in Somió, in the outskirts of Gijón, traditional restaurant. A classic.

Cafés:

• Café Dindurra - a classic from Gijón in the Paseo de Begoña, next to the Jovellanos Theatre
• El Cafetón (Plazuela de San Miguel)
• Café Gregorio and Toma 3, near the San Lorenzo beach (escalera/stairs 7)
• Cat Love (c/ La Merced) serves probably the best coffee in Gijón
• Whateve Coffee & Bocados (c/ Trinidad), just behind the Jardines de la Reina

Bars:

• Varsovia (opposite escalera/stairs 3 of San Lorenzo beach) for the best G&Ts and cocktails in Gijón
• San Telmo (c/ San Bernardo)
• El Môderne Bar & Champagne (c/ Marqués de San Esteban 27)
• Cadejo Wine Bar - just in the evenings, from 7 PM, for special wines.