Places of interest in Gijon

With a population of more than 250,000, Gijon is the largest city in Asturias. Official records state that it began life as a small fishing community nearly 3,000 years ago, and indeed an ancient village that grew up around this community still exists and is one of the city's major tourist attractions.

Cimadevilla, as the village is known, is located on the peninsula that divides Gijon's harbour into two, and many of the buildings here have been carefully renovated to accurately display life as it was years ago. Amazingly, a few buildings still stand in their original state - a magnificent and almost unbelievable testimony to the skills of those who constructed them.

This division of the harbour serves Gijon's dual purpose very well.  To the left as you look out to sea is the busy commercial port upon which so much of the city's prosperity and seafaring history is based. To the right is Playa del San Lorenzo, the main beach and resort area, the marina of which attracts a wide variety of privately owned craft.

Things to do

Parts of Gijon feature classic Roman architecture, cultural remains, museums and an archaeology centre, while elsewhere you'll discover a thoroughly modern city of spacious parks, shopping malls and lively entertainment outlets. Excellent restaurants and an exceptionally full programme of carnivals and other festivities will add further to the overall sense of satisfaction and enjoyment during your visit here.