Chilling out in Gijon

Gijon is the most populated city in Asturias, but walking its streets, it has a spirit of a small town. Probably lacking some architectural protection, there is a historic building right next to a big modern one, creating an incosistent hodgepodge. But the feeling of the city is calm, friendly and inviting.

It’s often windy in Gijon, but on a less windy day, a walk around the Parque del Cerro with the Elogio del horizonte monument is very nice. There is a former battery on clifs, overlooking the sea.

I also recommend a walk around Cimavilla, taking in the atmosphere, having a coffee here and a vermouth there, walking by Capilla de Soledad and eventually emerging by the Plaza del Marquez. There you can admire the Palacio de Revillagigedo and if lucky, also take a peak inside. A rarity right next to the square by the marina, Arbol de la Sidra is a work of art made from empty bottles of cider. When the wind is right, it even makes a slight whistling sound.

There are two main beaches stretching from Cimavilla. Playa de Poniente right behind the marina is good for swimming and chilling out on a warm day. Playa San Lorenzo on the other side is a surfing beach with a nice long promenade to watch the efforts of local surfers.

On one side of Playa San Lorenzo, Iglesia San Pedro takes a beautiful spot over the sea and is very photogenic, with its original floor plan. On the other side, beautiful Parque de Isabel la Católica invites for a stroll among the flower beds. There is also a café, a playground and a spot with birds.

In between the two beaches lies the city center. Just get lost in the streets and enjoy the atmosphere and nice Belle Epoque facades. It is just a pitty that they build various modern building of different heights right next to these beautiful old buildings.