Gijon

Revitalized Gijon is a sprawling coastal community in northern Spain, and far from the industrial city it once was. Nowadays, it features picturesque seafront walks, parks, and pedestrianized zones, as well as a seriously good beach and nightlife scene. Its centerpiece is Cimadevilla, a historic waterside fisherman's quarter that features characterful old buildings, top-notch seafood restaurants, and lively nightspots.

Must-see attractions include Revillagigedo Palace, a stout 18th-century building used as an arts center, and the city's aquarium, which houses some 5,000 marine species. Atop Santa Catalina hill is the city's best-known landmark – a curious abstract sculpture by artist Eduardo Chillida.