Discover Gijón in 4 Days: Beaches, Art & History

Discover the beauty of northern Spain in the vibrant coastal city of Gijón.

22 April 2023

Gijón is a coastal city in northern Spain with a rich culture, amazing food, and stunning scenery. As a tourist, you can explore its medieval streets, take a stroll along its famous beaches or visit the aquarium. Enjoy a variety of seafood, cider and cider houses, and visit cultural sites like the Revillagigedo Palace.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Getting to Know Gijón

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Café Dindurra.
  • Walk through the historic Cimavilla neighborhood, admiring its old buildings and sea views.
  • Visit the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, a cultural center housed in a spectacular modernist building.
  • Head to the bustling Plaza Mayor and grab a bite to eat at El Raitán, a local institution known for its cider and seafood.
  • Catch a stunning sunset at the Santa Catalina headland, surrounded by amazing views of the sea and city.
  • Hotel recommendation: Hotel Hernán Cortés, a stylish hotel located in the city center.
Day 2

Beaches and Botanical Gardens

  • Spend the morning at San Lorenzo beach, one of the city's most popular and expansive beaches.
  • Walk through the lush Jardín Botánico Atlántico, an impressive botanical garden that features plants native to the Atlantic regions of Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
  • Take a break for lunch at La Talamera, a charming restaurant that serves delicious Asturian cuisine.
  • In the afternoon, explore the Roman archaeological site of Campa de Torres, located on a hill above the city.
  • Finish the day with dinner at Casa Gerardo, a Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in seafood and traditional Asturian dishes.
Day 3

Art and History

  • Start the day at the Museum of the Asturian People, where you can learn about the region's history, culture, and traditions.
  • Next, visit the Evaristo Valle Museum of Art, showcasing the works of the Asturian painter and sculptor Evaristo Valle.
  • Take a break for lunch at La Pondala, a popular restaurant that offers amazing views of the city and the bay.
  • In the afternoon, admire the impressive contemporary art collection at the LABoral Centro de Arte y Creación Industrial.
  • Enjoy dinner at El Corral del Indianu, a modern restaurant that puts a creative spin on traditional Asturian dishes.
Day 4

Day Trip to Covadonga

  • Take a scenic drive to Covadonga, a charming town nestled in the Picos de Europa National Park.
  • Visit the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Covadonga, a stunning Neo-Romanesque sanctuary that houses the reliquary of the Asturian kings.
  • Walk through the stunning natural surroundings, including the stunning Covadonga Lakes.
  • Return to Gijón and enjoy dinner at La Taberna del Zurdo, a cozy restaurant known for its exquisite tapas and local wines.
  • Note: Don't forget to try the local cider, poured from above the head into the glass for maximum fizz and flavor! Salud!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Gijón by plane is to fly directly to Asturias Airport, which is located about 40 km away. There are regular flights from major cities in Spain and other European countries.

Car

Driving is a good option to reach Gijón, as the city is well connected by road with the rest of Spain. The A-8 is the main highway that connects Gijón with cities like Madrid, Bilbao, and Santander.

Train

Although there is no direct train to Gijón, travelers can take a train to Oviedo from Madrid or other major cities in Spain and then take a local train or a bus to reach Gijón, which is about 30 km away from Oviedo. The train stations are Madrid-Puerta de Atocha and Oviedo Station.

Boat

Although there are no regular passenger ferry services to Gijón, travelers can reach Gijón by boat through the port of El Musel, which is located about 6 km away from the city center. The port is mainly used for cargo and industrial purposes, but there are occasional cruise ships that stop at El Musel port.

Bus

Travelers can take a bus from major cities in Spain to reach Gijón. ALSA, the main bus company in Spain, has regular services to Gijón from Madrid, Bilbao, Santander and other cities. The bus station in Gijón is located in the city center.

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