While living in León, Spain, I often planned day trips to nearby destinations. A town located just 65 miles north, Gijón (AKA Xixón), caught my eye. There is so much to do and see in this Spanish beach escape – how can you fit it all into one day? I had this same dilemma, but don’t panic! I have laid out the perfect Gijón day trip itinerary to experience all it has to offer. Let’s start planning!
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Where is Gijón?
Gijón, a large coastal city, is situated in northwestern Spain in the Principality of Asturias. It is located north of Oveido (12 miles), northwest of Madrid (288 miles), and west of Bilbao (164 miles). Gijón overlooks the Bay of Biscay, which is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean where the Cantabrian Sea is located.
How to Get to Gijón
The route you take to Gijón depends largely on your origin point. Coming from León, I took the train; however, I understand this mode of transportation may not be convenient for everyone.
I recommend checking out Rome2Rio, which will map your route, outline all transportation options, and provide pricing information. This is not an advertisement – I just love this website for travel planning!
Gijón Day Trip Itinerary
9:00 AM – Arrive in Gijón
To maximize your time in Gijón, plan to arrive by at least 9:00 AM. Early train and bus rides are available from nearby cities like Oviedo and Avilés. I took the train from León, which took about an hour and a half. If you need help planning your route, click here.
9:30 AM – Breakfast at Café Dindurra
Start your Gijón day trip in the most authentic way possible by visiting Café Dindurra, one of the oldest and most historic cafes in the city. Traditional Spanish breakfast items, coffee, pastries, and local specialties are all on the menu. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the area and wander into a cafe of your choosing. Discovering hidden gems is one of my favorite things to do while traveling!
11:00 AM – Visit San Lorenzo Beach
A morning stroll along the beautiful San Lorenzo Beach is essential to your Gijón day trip itinerary. From the promenade, Paseo del Muro, you’ll take in some of the best views of the Cantabrian Sea.
1:00 PM – Explore the Cimavilla (Cimadevilla) District
You’ll next make your way to the historic and charming Cimavilla (Cimadevilla) district. After wandering down the narrow cobblestone streets of this old fisherman’s quarter, head to the top of the Elogio del Horizonte sculpture at the top of Santa Catalina Hill for panoramic views of the city and the sea.
3:00 PM – Lunch at a Sidrería
No day trip to Gijón is complete without a traditional Asturian lunch at a local sidrería (cider house). Fabada asturiana (bean stew), cachopo (breaded and fried meat with ham and cheese), or seafood fresh from the Cantabrian Sea are some of the most popular dishes to try.
Be sure to pair your meal with a glass of local cider (poured from a height – the Asturian way, of course)! Here is why: Asturias is famous for its cider, which is traditionally poured by holding the bottle high above your head while holding the glass near your knees. The key is to keep the bottle as far away from the glass as possible to allow air bubbles into the drink, which accentuates the flavor; however, I wouldn’t know because I tried this method and failed! Asturian cider pouring is just one of the many unique cultural experiences I had in Gijón.
5:00 PM – Gijón Aquarium (BIOPARC Acuario de Gijón)
One of the most popular places to visit in Gijón is the aquarium. Located along the seafront, it is home to a wide range of sea creatures from the Cantabrian Sea and other parts of the world. Although I think everyone should check out the Gijón Aquarium, it is a particularly enjoyable activity for those traveling with families.
7:00 PM – Dinner in the City Center
I recommend eating dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city center, whether you’re looking for more Asturian cuisine or something new. Check out Restaurante Auga if you are looking for a fine dining experience. On the flip side, Restaurante El Planeta is a popular choice for a casual meal.
9:00 PM – Departure
After an epic Gijón day trip, it is time to say goodbye. You can easily catch a late train or bus back to your base city (just remember to plan in advance). If you have some extra time to kill, consider staying overnight in Gijón to further explore the city the next day!
Wondering what other Spanish cities to visit? Check out this post!
Have you visited Gijón? Contact me or let me know in the comments below.
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