The 12 best things to do in Gijón, Spain

While the whitewashed towns and Mediterranean beaches of the southern part of the country can get all the credit, there is much more to Spain than the sunny images many travelers have in mind. Head to the underrated north coast and discover Asturias, a lush green paradise of stunning natural landscapes and incredibly fresh seafood.

The pinnacle of excellence in Asturias is the largest and busiest city in the region, Gijón. Once a coal export terminal, Gijón has outgrown its industrial past to become a sparkling jewel of a modern city on the Cantabrian Sea. Here’s how to make the most of your time in one of the most impressive destinations in northern Spain.

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Take a look at the largest building in Spain: La Laboral

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Originally built as an orphanage for children of local mining families, the building that today houses a cultural center and part of the university is a gigantic complex of more than 300,000 square yards.

A trip to Gijón would not be complete without visiting this magnificent structure. La Laboral has an impressive main courtyard, a church, theater, beautiful gardens and much more. However, if you only have time to experience one aspect of this incredible building, turn it into the tower, inspired by Seville’s La Giralda, which offers unrivaled 360-degree views of Gijón and the surrounding countryside.

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Enjoy nature at the Botanical Garden of the Atlantic

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Located right next to La Laboral, the tranquil Jardin Botanico del Atlántico offers a charming complement to the grandiose building. A haven of natural beauty, the gardens are divided into four impeccably designed sections that represent the different Atlantic geographies of the world.

Home to more than 2,000 different species from around the world, the gardens offer an escape from the busy city center of Gijón. Just be sure to plan your time wisely – the space is huge and it’s easy to lose track of time wandering the well-maintained trails while exploring this world of beauty.

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Relax on the beach of San Lorenzo

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With a privileged location a few steps from the city center, Playa de San Lorenzo is one of the main beaches in northern Spain. It is by no means the only beach in town, but it is the most iconic, offering stunning sunset views and a lively atmosphere where there is always something to do.

In summer, visitors and locals flock to this beach to enjoy the water and the vast expanse of fine, golden sand. It is also a water sports lover’s paradise, with many opportunities for surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, beach volleyball, and more. Even if you find yourself in Gijón in the fall or winter, it is worth going to the beach to enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay.

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Go back in time at the Roman Baths …

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Spain’s Roman past is no secret: even today traces of the iconic civilization can be found throughout the Iberian Peninsula. One of the most important Roman attractions in northern Spain is the Campo Valdés de Gijón Roman bath complex, with a historical history dating back thousands of years.

Located opposite St. Peter’s Church, the beautifully restored baths provide a fascinating look at Roman society. The adjoining museum also offers an informative perspective that will help you gain a deeper appreciation of Roman contributions to the region and the role they played in the intriguing history of Gijón.

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… Then pamper yourself in a modern spa

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When spending hours or days exploring a new place, taking time to relax and unwind is of the utmost importance. Head to Santageada Sport Talaso, one of the largest spas of its kind in northern Spain, for a few hours to recharge on its world-class thalassotherapy circuit.

With a wide range of therapeutic options, including a heated outdoor pool with ocean views, this immaculate complex of top-of-the-line pools, saunas, and spa treatments is well worth it. After all, you are on vacation, you deserve it.

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Learn about the local culture

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Just as Gijón is quite different from the typical Spanish city that you may have in mind, the local culture is too, with a long and proud history dating back centuries. At the Museum of the People of Asturias, you can see first-hand what makes this region unique.

A fascinating collection of artifacts, photos, works of art, music and much more brings the traditions of Asturias to life. You will leave with a greater appreciation for this one-of-a-kind region and the proud people who call it home.

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Get out and hike the Cervigón hiking trail

With rugged landscapes that look like a postcard, it would be practically a sin to leave Asturias without experiencing the wonders of its natural beauty. Even if you’re not normally a nature lover, the Cervigón hiking trail offers an up-close look at some of Gijón’s most spectacular sights.

Winding road along the east coast of the city, the road is not without impressive views of Gijón and the sea. Walking the full 8 kilometers will take about 3 hours, but you will also find many people running and cycling.

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Drink cider like a local

If there is a famous drink for the north of Spain, it is cider. This acidic and refreshing drink has a long history here in Asturias, with cider houses often full of eager locals sharing it with friends and family.

Join in the fun by heading to your closest cider house, of which there are many in the old town of Gijón. If you’re having trouble narrowing it down, Casa Oskar and La Galana are two classics that are each a great place to start. To really get the full experience, try pouring the cider from above like the locals do.

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Get lost in Cimavilla

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A picturesque fishing village turned into a prosperous neighborhood, Cimavilla is the epicenter of daily life in Gijón. With its rows of brightly colored buildings and old-world charm, the central neighborhood has retained much of its authenticity over the decades despite its enhanced status as Gijón’s most popular neighborhood.

Many of Gijón’s main attractions are in or near Cimavilla, making it a solid choice for a base of operations. If you have time, just stroll through its colorful streets and see where they take you; there is no doubt that it will be extraordinary.

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Devour local cuisine

Gijón is a food lover’s paradise, with dozens of eclectic restaurants ranging from traditional to avant-garde. Many bars and restaurants here eschew the tapas culture that is so beloved in other parts of Spain, instead offering hearty full plates of Asturian food – Spanish home cooking to the max.

For traditional homemade dishes that provide the closest experience you are likely to have eating at someone’s Spanish grandmother’s house, it can’t be better than La Nueva Piedra. If you’re looking for something with a little more international flair, you can’t go wrong with the award-winning fusion cuisine at El Quinto.

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Get to know Jovellanos

As you go through the city, you will probably see a name repeated over and over again: Jovellanos. Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos was one of the most important figures in Spanish history, and he was born in Gijón, a fact that the locals are extremely proud of.

A true man of the Renaissance, Jovellanos was a judge, philosopher, author, and politician throughout his life. Today, his hometown of Gijón features a host of places named after him, from the world-class Jovellanos Theater (see a show here if you get the chance) to an iconic plaza and even the house where he was born.

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Experience the fascinating art scene of Gijón

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Thanks to its gritty and industrial past as a coal port, Gijón has always had a slightly more alternative atmosphere than many other cities in the region. As a result, it is a huge draw for artists and creative types who make the city even more colorful through their work.

There are many fascinating art exhibitions and events that take place throughout the year. However, the LABoral Centro de Arte is always an excellent option, no matter what time of year you visit. As the main contemporary art gallery in Gijón, this fascinating museum is full of fantasy and wonder.