8 Best Things to Do in Gijón

Take in the historical charms of Gijón in Plaza Mayor, the town's main square. The ayuntamiento (townhall) overlooks the neatly tiled and cobblestoned plaza with a single tall lamppost at its center. Other tall buildings surround the plaza with colonnades at their bases, which are home to some shops and boutiques. 

You can sit down for a coffee and even take in the charming square over dinner at one of the sidrería (cider bars) in the north-western corner. Walking through the gateway west takes you to Plazuela del Marqués by the marina. Take the eastern passageway, and you’ll hit the beach.

Around 5 minutes’ walk north from the Old City along via Calle Camín de la Fontica, you’ll reach the hilly Catalina headland. It’s well maintained, with a pleasant walking and cycling path winding through it. This leads you to the 10-meter-tall sculpture of Elogio del Horizonte (Eulogy of the Horizon), with its 2 pillars supporting an open ellipse. 

This structure frames the horizon and the blue waters of the Bay of Biscay perfectly. You can also find a skatepark on the western end of the promontory against the magnificent ocean backdrop.

Playa de San Lorenzo is one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Spain, with a 1.5-km-long stretch of soft and golden sand. Walk along the boardwalk and you’ll be able to get plenty of good shots of panoramic seascapes. Down on the sand, there are different sections with parasols and sun loungers for rent. 

You can find most of the beach clubs at the eastern end of the coast. Other sections feature rocks and caves. Some are even nesting sites for sea turtles.

Termas Romanas de Campo Valdes are extensive underground ruins at the western end of Playa de San Lorenzo. These 1st-century Roman baths are slightly hidden from plain sight from the street level of Campo Valdés. You can find the entrance around the lush gardens in front of the Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol (Church of St. Peter the Apostle). 

Entry is free on Sundays. You’ll find yourself wandering around the dimly lit displays but with impressive stone baths and well-preserved decorated walls. Information is available in English.

The Museum of the Asturian People (Museo Etnográfico del Pueblo de Asturias) is a beautifully laid out museum in the more urban area of Gijón. It features indoor and outdoor exhibits, enabling you to enjoy a fun and visual history lesson in any weather. The museum showcases Asturian history and culture through a rich collection of galleries. 

There are 3 floors inside where you can find ethnographic items such as artifacts and traditional clothing. The outdoor exhibits include full-scale architectural sets that can be a soothing journey back in time (the museum is set in a tranquil area, well away from traffic).

Museo Ferrocarril is a locomotive museum that showcases the development history of the railways of Asturias, with life-sized steam engines alongside historical archives. The Gijón Railway Museum even has a rail car that you can ride on, which the kids will love. They’ll get to learn about the mechanical workings of the engines, as well as a general idea of how a railway system works. 

Besides having real trains, there are also model trains and videos that constantly run. Come on a Sunday, and you’ll be able to visit for free.

Mercado Artesano usually takes place on the 2nd weekend of each month, in the northern section of Plaza Mayor. Stall owners and artists set up tents and showcase their best artworks and handicrafts for visitors. Note that schedules can change, depending on the season. 

Most of the time, you can enjoy a variety of entertainment and exhibitions within the square. Some sculptors sculpt onsite, showing a masterpiece gradually taking shape. A few other stalls also sell foodstuffs like wines and olive oils at local prices.

Motos de Agua Poniente is a water sports operator on Playa de Poniente beach, just beside the marina. You can ask for packages that include jet ski rides, stand-up paddle (SUP) surfing and a ride in a Lamborghini. 

While Playa de San Lorenzo offers a panoramic beachfront suitable for sunbathing and swimming, Gijón’s main water sports playground is on the opposite west, on Playa de Poniente beach. This smaller bay also features a wide stretch of sand, but it’s in the waters where all the fun takes place.