What to see in Gijón in one day
Gijón, a port with history and culture on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea, combines tradition and the present within short distances. In a single day you can easily combine beach, public art, seafaring districts and museums without rushing.
Morning in Gijón
Start at the iconic San Lorenzo Beach. Walk along the Muro promenade and, at its western end, climb up to the Cerro de Santa Catalina, a park with open sea views that is home to Eduardo Chillida’s Elogio del Horizonte.
Then head into the Asturias Railway Museum, housed in the former North Station. Continue through Cimavilla, the old town, and wander its streets lined with colorful facades and lively local squares.
Afternoon in Gijón
Begin at the Plaza Mayor and walk across to the Evaristo Valle Museum, dedicated to the Gijón-born painter of the same name and surrounded by gardens.
Pass through the Isabel la Católica Park, one of the city’s major green lungs, and wrap up the historic part at the Campo Valdés Roman Baths, an archaeological site you can visit at sea level.
At sunset, head down to the Marina to watch the light over the docks and raise a glass of cider.
San Lorenzo Beach
San Lorenzo Beach is Gijón’s main urban beach: 1.5 km of golden sand and Atlantic swell, with a continuous seafront promenade and seasonal facilities.
Atlantic Botanic Garden
The Atlantic Botanic Garden brings together more than 1,700 species across ~25 ha. Its main areas are the Cantabrian Environment, the Plant Factory, the Atlantic Itinerary and the Carbayera del Tragamón oak grove.
Adults €2.90; ages 12–26 and ≥65: €1.80; under‑12s, free. Summer approx. 10:00–21:00 (last entry 20:15); the rest of the year it’s closed on Mondays. EMTUSA: 1, 2, 15, 18, 35. Check schedules/agenda before you go.
Asturias Railway Museum
The Asturias Railway Museum occupies the former North Station (1874). It brings together locomotives, carriages and historical equipment that explain the role of the railway in Asturian industrialization.
Free admission. Check seasonal opening times and the programme for the “Steam Days”.
Cerro de Sta. Catalina
The Cerro de Santa Catalina is one of Gijón’s natural viewpoints. At its summit stands Elogio del Horizonte (1990), by Eduardo Chillida.
Marina
The Marina concentrates local recreational boating, with more than 600 berths and services for crews. It’s a pleasant area for strolling and dining by the water.
Evaristo Valle Museum
The Evaristo Valle Museum is dedicated to the Gijón-born painter (1873–1951). In a villa surrounded by gardens, it displays his work and hosts temporary exhibitions.
Prices: General €7; reduced €4; free on Tuesdays. Opening times vary depending on season and programme: check the website before you go.
Campo Valdés Roman Baths
The Campo Valdés Roman Baths (1st century AD) preserve cold, warm and hot rooms with hypocaust. They were discovered in 1903 during sewer works.
Free admission. Usual opening hours: Tue–Fri 9:30–14:00 and 17:00–19:30; Sat–Sun 10:00–14:00 and 17:00–19:30; closed on Mondays. Check local public holidays.
Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor concentrates the town hall, terraces and cultural activity. It’s a good landmark for finding your way between the harbor, Cimavilla and the main shopping streets.
Isabel la Católica Park
Covering 151,857 m², it is one of Gijón’s major urban parks: a lake, aviary and tree‑lined paths near El Molinón stadium and the fairgrounds.
San Pedro Church
San Pedro Church, in Campo Valdés, is a coastal landmark. The current building was reconstructed between 1945 and 1955 by the Somolinos brothers, in a historicist style inspired by Asturian Romanesque and pre‑Romanesque architecture.
Begoña Promenade
The Begoña Promenade is a central pedestrian boulevard (about 315 m) with garden areas and a bandstand. On one side stand the Jovellanos Theatre and the historic Café Dindurra.
Cimavilla
Cimavilla, the oldest district, climbs the slope between the harbor and San Lorenzo. Cobblestone streets, squares and viewpoints tell of its seafaring and commercial origins.
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Frequently asked questions about Gijón
Which tourist sights shouldn’t I miss in Gijón?
In Gijón there are several must-see places to visit. You shouldn’t miss San Lorenzo Beach, the Cerro de Santa Catalina with its panoramic views, and the charming neighborhood of Cimavilla. It’s also worth visiting the Evaristo Valle Museum and the Asturias Railway Museum.
What are the best green spaces in Gijón?
Gijón has several beautiful parks. One of the most outstanding is the Isabel la Católica Park, ideal for strolling and enjoying nature. You can also visit the Atlantic Botanic Garden, which offers great plant diversity and activities for the whole family.
Where can I enjoy culture in Gijón?
For culture lovers, in addition to the Plaza Mayor, the Jovellanos Theatre and the municipal museums stand out (several with free admission).
What activities can I do on the Gijón coast?
On the coast of Gijón you can enjoy a range of activities. From strolls along the Begoña Promenade to water sports at San Lorenzo Beach, or simply relaxing at the Marina.
Which typical dishes should I try in Gijón?
Gijón is known for its Asturian cuisine. Don’t leave without trying fabada, cachopo and the region’s cheeses. Pair them with natural cider in a traditional cider house.
* The information on prices, opening times and access conditions is current as of December 2025 according to official sources. This data may change at any time due to public holidays, works or regulatory changes. Always double-check on the official websites or phone numbers of each site before your visit.
