Day Trips & Excursions: Gijon

Nearby Destinations

Several accessible towns offer unique attractions and are well within a day trip's reach from Gijón.

Consider visiting Oviedo (30 km / 20 miles) for its charming old town and pre-Romanesque churches, Avilés (25 km / 15 miles) for its restored streets and cultural center, or picturesque fishing villages like Cudillero (60 km / 37 miles) and Lastres (45 km / 28 miles). The Museo del Jurásico de Asturias (MUJA) (40 km / 25 miles) makes for a great family outing.

Travel Considerations

Oviedo/Avilés: Easy by train (Renfe Cercanías) or bus (ALSA), frequent services.
Cudillero/Lastres/MUJA: Best by car for flexibility.
Independent Travel: Ideal for Oviedo/Avilés due to public transport.
Organized Tour: Consider for combining smaller villages, or for ease of logistics. Book your adventures on GetYourGuide day trips.

Natural Escapes

Asturias is known for its stunning natural landscapes, offering a variety of outdoor experiences.

Parks & Landscapes

Explore UNESCO Biosphere Reserves like Parque Natural de Somiedo (90 km / 56 miles), known for glacial lakes, or Parque Natural de Redes (60 km / 37 miles) with its forests and gorges.

Scenic Wonders

Lagos de Covadonga: Iconic glacial lakes within Picos de Europa National Park (75 km / 47 miles).
Senda del Oso: A greenway for cycling and walking on an old railway line.
Coastal Towns: Discover beaches like Playa de Rodiles or the secluded Playa del Silencio.

Hiking & Seasons

Picos de Europa, Spain's first National Park, welcomes hikers and nature lovers with dramatic limestone peaks and lush valleys.

Seasonal Experiences

Picos de Europa: A paradise for hikers.
Spring: Enjoy an abundance of wildflowers across the countryside.
Planning: Full day trips are typical for Somiedo or Covadonga Lakes.

Cultural Excursions

Historical Sites

Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo (Oviedo): UNESCO World Heritage, 9th-century architecture.
Covadonga Sanctuary (near Cangas de Onís): Important religious site and historical landmark.
Rural Villages: Experience traditional Asturian life in villages around Villaviciosa.
Camino de Santiago: Walk portions of the Coastal Way passing through Gijón and Oviedo.

Pilgrimage & Local Life

Covadonga Sanctuary: A pilgrimage site for many.
Camino de Santiago: Connect with this historic pilgrimage route.
Local Agriculture: See cider-producing regions.
Cultural Immersion: Engage with local hospitality.

Multi-Day Extensions

Picos de Europa:2-3 days for hiking and villages.
Eastern Asturias Coast:1-2 days for Ribadesella, Llanes, Gulpiyuri Beach.
Galicia:2-3 days for Santiago de Compostela.
Bilbao/San Sebastián:2-3 hours east by bus/car.

Santiago de Compostela:4-5 hours west by train/bus.
Madrid:4-5 hours south by high-speed train.
"Green Spain" Coastal Route:Gijón to Santander, Bilbao, San Sebastián.
Asturian Natural Parks Route:Picos de Europa, Somiedo, Redes for nature.

Travel Tip:

For maximum flexibility in exploring rural areas and combining destinations, a rental car is a great choice for your multi-day itinerary.

Local Insights

Gijón and Asturias offer unique local experiences beyond the usual tourist path.

Gastronomy

Taste traditional Asturian dishes like Fabada and Cachopo. Explore numerous sidrerías for local cider and shared raciones.

Cider Culture

The escanciado (cider pouring ritual) is a must-see. Visit a local llagar (cider producer) for a understanding and tasting experience.

Wellness

Relax at Talasoponiente, a thalassotherapy center. Enjoy the city's parks for peaceful moments.

Arts & Crafts

Discover local artisans and their unique creations. The Mercado Artesano y Ecológico is a great place to find authentic goods.

Shopping & Souvenirs

Mercado Artesano y Ecológico: Find direct-from-producer items.
Local Crafts: Look for handcrafted items in Cimavilla.
Gastronomic Products: Purchase local cheeses and cider to take home.

Festivals & Events

Gijón hosts a calendar of events throughout the year, especially in summer.

Dates

Semana Grande: Around August 15th, a week of festivities and fireworks.
Festival de la Sidra Natural: Mid-August, celebrating local cider.
Check local listings for concerts and cultural programs during your visit.

Transportation Connections

Train (Renfe):Connects Gijón to Madrid and other major cities.

Bus (ALSA):Extensive network across northern Spain, often more direct.

Car Rental:Maximum flexibility for exploring rural areas.

Local Buses (EMTUSA):Within Gijón, generally accessible.

Taxis:Readily available throughout the city.

Walking:City center and main attractions are easily walkable.

Local Flavor:

Attend a "folk" music concert, often held outdoors in summer.
Explore the local markets for fresh produce and seafood.
Take a walk along the coastal path at sunrise or sunset.
Visit a traditional Asturian "llagar" (cider press) outside the city.
Engage with locals at a "sidrería" for an authentic experience.

Gijón Essentials

Here are some additional insights to help you navigate Gijón with ease.

Attractions

Discover the heart of Gijón's historical and cultural sites.

Must-Visit Spots

Cimavilla: Gijón's historic old town.
Elogio del Horizonte: Iconic sculpture with panoramic views.
Talasoponiente: Modern thalassotherapy center.

Cultural Venues

Immerse yourself in Gijón's arts and educational scene.

Art & Learning

Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura: Vast cultural complex and architectural marvel.
LABoral Centro de Arte: Contemporary art and industrial creation.
Museo del Ferrocarril: Explore Asturias' industrial past.

Gardens & Nature

Find tranquility and natural beauty within the city limits.

Green Spaces

Jardín Botánico Atlántico: Extensive botanical garden.
Aquarium de Gijón: Discover marine life.
Parque de Isabel la Católica: Popular park for relaxation.

Beaches & Coastal Paths

Enjoy Gijón's stunning coastline and recreational opportunities.

Seaside Fun

San Lorenzo Beach: City beach, perfect for strolling and sunbathing.
Senda del Cervigón: Coastal path for scenic walks and cycling.
Playa de Poniente & Arbeyal: Other city beaches with amenities.

Practical Information Snippets

Quick facts for your travel planning.

Local Currency

Euro (€).

Emergency Numbers

112 for all emergencies.

Tap Water

Safe to drink in Gijón.

Enjoy Your Visit:

Gijón offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Embrace the local pace and discover the charm of this Asturian gem.

Day Trips & Excursions