HOW TO SPEND TWO DAYS IN GIJÓN, ASTURIAS
Welcome to Gijón! It is a city in the North of Spain in the autonomous community of Asturias. Even though it has developed as an industrial city, it is surrounded by blue Ocean, natural beaches and an amazing mountains scenery. Gijón can be a perfect destination as well for its delicious gastronomy with tasty typical dishes and its famous cider.
I have been there last July, it was the first time for me and its beauty pleasantly struck me.
WHERE TO STAY
While visiting Gijón, I stayed at the Hotel Begoña. With a central location, this was the perfect place to explore Gijón. It was very close to the main attraction, which made it easy to do as much as possible in a certain amount of time. This hotel offers spacious rooms with a good quality – price relation.
Note: Masks are required and all the measures are being applied to protect both employees and customers.
WHAT TO DO
Visit Elogio del Horizonte
A sculpture that reaches 10 meters tall and a weight of 50 tons and is made of reinforced concrete. Elogio del Horizonte or Eulogy to the Horizon is collocated on the top of Santa Catalina Hill, which is one of the most important sights of the city. The view is truly amazing up there and you cannot visit this city without going to Santa Cantalina Hill. Curious thing: locals call Elogio del Horizonte “King Kong’s Water Closet” because of its shape.
Visit Playa de San Lorenzo
It is the most important beach of Gijón and it is located in the city itself, close to the center. Next to the beach there is the famous promenade known as El Muro, which is almost three kilometers long and is full of bars, shops and restaurants. The crescent-shaped beach it’s the perfect place for surfing lovers and it is also equipped to play beach volley and other sports. It is a free public beach so it can be really crowed during summer and autumn.
Discover the city center
Take your camera and discover Gijón’s most unusual and characteristic corners.
Visit nearby towns/villages
While staying in Gijón I went to a small nearby village called Lastres. It’s a characteristic little fishing village that can be visited in one day and it offers spectacular ocean views. From Gijón it is only 40 minutes by car but it can be reached by bus as well. If you travel by car I suggest you to park near to the Church of Santa María de Sebada, where there is a fairly large parking lot, and visit the village and all of its views by walking.
I highly recommend you to visit the Mirador de San Roque, which it is located on the hilltop to the west of Lastres. There you will enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the ocean and of the village itself. There you can also visit a tiny Chapel called the Ermita de San Roque.
WHERE TO EAT
- Have a delicious breakfast at Cafetería Agora. They make really good coffees and tasty toasts.
- Have some typical Asturian tapas with a very good cider at Sidreria Alberto. I highly recommend you to try the pastel de cabracho, a scorpionfish pudding, and cachopo, a fried dish that consists of two large veal fillets and includes ham and cheese.
- Taste some zamburiñas (scallops) at La Marquesa Sidreria Parrilla.
- Treat yourself to Marbella in Lastres. This restaurant has a spectacular terrace with ocean view and generous portions. I highly recommend you to try their delicious cachopo.
Note: Masks are required and all the measures are being applied to protect both employees and customers.
