Let's go back to Gijon
You already know each other: the last time you saw each other there was already trust, you had become intimate. He had revealed his greatest secrets to you and had given himself entirely to making you happy. But, you know, in this life, you always have to reserve something for the second meeting: that's what the art of conquest is based on . And it is on this second date, on this second opportunity to discover it a little more, when Gijón, the Asturian city of Jovellanos , the one of the always stately San Lorenzo beach and the imposing Elogio al Horizonte , finish seducing you.
Here begins a most unique route full of surprises in the form of heritage, nature, culture and history, for all those who we return to Gijon . For all those who, captivated by his charms, cannot resist the temptation to fall in love with him a little more.
FACING THE SEA, ALWAYS
You know very well that Gijón is from sailor spirit : You already discovered its history full of whaling legends when walking through Cimavilla, its unique fishing district, on your last trip. You also enjoyed that view of the sea that only Gijón has: its kilometers and kilometers of coastline have shown it to you . So, on this occasion, willing to get drunk from the sea breeze once again and feel the saltpeter on your skin, you set off for the tin beach.
Barely five kilometers separate it from the heart of the city, a walk that rewards you with this beautiful and secluded cove of golden sand and gravel that, in just 300 meters, gives you a paradise in the purest Cantabrian style. The intense blue of the sea, the waves breaking against the shore… and the Pozo del Cura , a charming natural pool carved into the rock . Here it will be easy for you to find that ideal corner in which to let the hours pass with the simple pleasure of observing, of feeling. And why not, take a dip in its cold waters.
Tin Beach
And if you want more, even better, because a few meters away you have the serin beach with its tiny sandbank, or that of Penarrubia , surrounded by cliffs. If it turns out that on this second trip you come accompanied by your faithful canine friend —hey, you never know—, you're in luck, because Rinconin beach you are allowed to wear it.
At this point, only one absolute truth remains: an afternoon of walks and baths must be followed by a sunset. And we are not talking about just any: here, in Gijón, the sunsets are to frame. Above all —attention, here is the revelation— if you contemplate it from the Parque del Cabo de San Lorenzo.
And you will do it surrounded by surprising sculptural figures. They will be there to accompany you In Praise of Galileo Galilei XV ” —two semicircular structures made of steel— or “ germinating landscape ", of Michelangelo Lombardy . Together with them, you will face one of the most special moments of the day: when the sun touches the horizon, the sky lights up, and the image of the city of Gijón becomes magical, special. A unique moment that you will never forget.
SOAKE YOURSELF IN CULTURE; FEEL THE STORY
The Gijón of inspiration, literature and the arts
There is another face of Gijón that knew how to captivate you on your first visit: that way in which the city lives by and for culture and that is palpable at every step. Starting with his distinguished Jovellanos Theater , which you will discover when walking through the streets of its historic center. Originally known as Dindurra Theater , still preserves the café of the same name on its ground floor: the best place to enjoy an aperitif while you delight in the majestic aesthetics of your interior design.
And you will love it on the inside, but also on the outside, because obviously its facade is not far behind. Built in 1899, the theater underwent a reform in 1942 and is an institution in the city . In fact, it is the venue for both the Princess of Asturias Awards and the ceremony for the Xixon Film Festival . What better place to host two cultural celebrations as distinguished as these?
Then walk. And do it aimlessly, losing yourself for it Baxovilla neighborhood, close to the Plaza Mayor . Indulge in the very pleasure of contemplating every detail of its old buildings, those that fortune saved from the constant bombing during the Civil War . Many of them still preserve, despite the years, the traces of a modernism that has given it great jewels of architecture. Walk streets like San Bernardo, Instituto or Corrida, like Los Moros or the Plaza del Instituto (the "Plaza del Parchís, as all of Gijón knows it) , and look up there: art deco explodes where you least expect it. This is magic, yes sir.
Warsaw Building
But, although the art will cry out for your attention from time to time, don't forget to also get drunk on the atmosphere that exists in one of the liveliest areas of the city. Take a look at its small shops, those that are part of its history. Delve into them, talk to their shopkeepers and enjoy the authentic places without rushing: that, that is also Gijón. Enjoy its art galleries, its gourmet businesses —there is Coalla, at 8 San Antonio — or its chocolate shops —in the central Fernandez Vallin Gloria awaits with its more than 80 varieties—. savor the city , that you are also here for that. And get ready for yet another surprise.
Because just a few steps further, in an alley of the capua street , is the access to another of those corners that turn Gijón into a different city. In a destination to which you will not tire of returning. We are talking about the citadel of Celestino Solar , which remains, half-hidden between facades of huge buildings Like a little piece of the past that time has frozen. The site was used during the 19th and 20th centuries to house small neighborhood patios with tiny workers' homes of just 30 square meters. Many of those workers who came to Gijón in search of a job opportunity lived in them. What a revelation of a place.
Celestino Solar Citadel Museum
AND BEYOND THE CENTER, WHAT?
Surely you have heard about him on countless occasions: not in vain, he is the authentic history of Spanish sport. We talk about The Molinon, the oldest football stadium in Spain , in which, to give you an idea, the first game was played in 1908, which is saying something. You will have to move away a little from the center until you come across, next to the course of the Piles river, its unmistakable complex . One of those plans that will never fail, especially if you are traveling as a family: a guided tour through its interior, knowing first-hand the most relevant anecdotes and legends of this great emblem of Gijón, will show you a different face of the city.
El Molinón, the oldest stadium in Gijón
And since we have talked about Piles, here is another temptation: How about traveling the Piles River Path and soaking up the greenest side of Gijón? Because, wherever you see it, the city not only exudes charm in its streets and beaches —which you already know—: you will also find reasons to enjoy yourself in its most rural side.
That said, let yourself be carried away by that good handful of trails that run through the old estuary of the Piles to the parish of Vega and the town of La Camocha . A charming route in which, in contact with nature, you will cross wetlands, beautiful riverside forests and quintanas, old mills and sanctuaries, churches and much more. For example? The only mine tower that exists in the council of Gijón, which remained in operation between 1949 and 1986 . An alternative experience with which the city will continue to surprise you. Because yes: Gijón knows a lot about that.
The green, a stone's throw from the city center
And since you are exploring the surroundings of the city, prepare to succumb to its most natural charms in the Mount Deva . You will do it disconnecting in a big way, but connecting with yourself and with the environment, whether it is having a lively day with the family or doing any attractive outdoor activity. This is a natural space full of native plant species such as maples, birches, wild cherry trees or oaks. , ideal to spend an alternative day to those offered by the city, but without losing sight of it: the incredible views of Gijón from the mountain will leave you speechless.
The surroundings of Mount Deva
You will find the icing on the cake of this getaway a little further west: the Roman Villa of Veranes , an old manor house with 17 centuries of history, awaits you. Here you will discover what life was like for a family in the rural environment of that time. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, the visit will help you get excited about its most outstanding remains , What the mosaic that formerly adorned the floor of the living room . Identify the structure by which the house was organized while you go through its rooms: porches, dining rooms, bathrooms... a true open book with which to travel to the past. With which to travel to the origins of this land from which, at this point, you have fallen exhausted once again.
Veranes Roman Villa
And so Gijón, inevitably, will be on your list of loved destinations. But don't worry, because we reveal one last secret: your love story has only just begun. And this second trip has served as something, it is to make one last thing clear to you —to make us clear: yes, there will be a third time. That, of course.