Gijón

Xixón

A lively coastal city blending industrial heritage with sandy beaches and a vibrant old town. Enjoy the seafront promenade, Roman ruins, and a thriving culinary and cultural scene.

Things to do

• Stroll Playa de San Lorenzo — Walk the mile-long urban beach and its elegant seafront promenade lined with belle-époque buildings.
• Visit Cerro de Santa Catalina — Climb this headland park to see Eduardo Chillida's iconic sculpture Elogio del Horizonte overlooking the Cantabrian Sea.
• Explore the Roman Baths of Campo Valdés — See well-preserved 1st-century Roman thermal bath ruins right beneath the seafront square.
• Wander Cimadevilla — Get lost in the narrow lanes of the old fishermen's quarter, packed with cider bars and tapas spots.
• Tour the Universidad Laboral — Marvel at this vast Francoist-era complex, one of the largest buildings in Spain, with a tower offering panoramic views.
• Visit the Gijón Aquarium — Discover marine life from the Cantabrian Sea and beyond at this modern seafront aquarium.
• Relax in the Jardín Botánico Atlántico — Wander themed gardens showcasing Atlantic coast flora from Asturias and similar climates worldwide.

Food to try

• Sidra asturiana — Try traditional Asturian cider poured from height (escanciado) at a local sidrería to aerate it before drinking.
• Fabada asturiana — Sample this hearty bean stew with chorizo, morcilla, and pork, a staple of Asturian cuisine.
• Cachopo — Dig into two breaded veal or chicken fillets stuffed with ham and cheese, a filling regional specialty.
• Queso Cabrales — Taste this strong blue cheese from nearby caves, often served with cider or honey.
• Arroz con leche asturiano — Finish a meal with this creamy rice pudding, often caramelized on top with a hot iron.
• Sardines at Semana Grande — During the August festival, join locals eating grilled sardines and drinking cider at open-air stalls.

Local customs & good to know

• Learn cider etiquette — In sidrerías, cider is poured in small amounts and meant to be drunk quickly before it loses its fizz.
• Expect late meal times — Lunch is typically eaten around 2-3pm and dinner after 9pm, later than much of Europe.
• Plan around Semana Grande — Held in mid-August, this major festival fills the city with concerts, fireworks, and street parties.
• Enjoy Cimadevilla nightlife — This old quarter comes alive at night with bars and cider houses, especially popular with locals on weekends.