Gijón

Gijon is the largest city in Asturias and its main coastal hub. It faces the Cantabrian Sea with San Lorenzo beach —kilometres of sand and promenade— and the Cimadevilla quarter, which closes the marina and preserves the atmosphere of the old fishing village. The sculpture Elogio del Horizonte by Eduardo Chillida marks the hill of Santa Catalina and has become an icon of the city.

Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, housed in the former University Laboral building —one of the largest constructions in Spain—, hosts theatre, cinema, exhibitions and the headquarters of the Principality's broadcasting corporation. It is a cultural landmark in the north. Gijon centre combines shopping, sidrerías and tapas bars; the Cimadevilla quarter and Plaza del Marqués are good starting points. The Railway Museum and aquarium complete the offer.

The gastronomy is purely Asturian: cider, fabada, cachopo, seafood and bollo preñao. Gijon has more of a beach and summer vibe than Oviedo; in high season the city fills with tourists and Asturians enjoying the sun and cider. The oceanic climate brings frequent rain; summer is the driest and liveliest season. Gijon has no airport of its own —Asturias airport, about 40 km away, is used— but is well connected by road and train to Oviedo, Avilés and the rest of the region.

Gijon is ideal for those seeking beach, culture and gastronomy in a city with a life of its own. Two or three days allow you to combine San Lorenzo, Cimadevilla, the Laboral and trips to coastal villages like Llanes or Lastres. Spring and summer are the best seasons; rainy winter but with sidrerías and a cosy atmosphere.