Visit Gijón

The city is interesting and vibrant with lots of great places to eat and to sit and people watch. The week we were there was called Semana Grande (The Big Week) with lots of music going on throughout the city culminating in a huge firework display. We were close to Cimavllla, the fisherman's quarters which is an area to visit for the restaurants and cafes. Our favourite place to eat was Coalla, a gourmet deli that served the most delicious fresh food. San Lorenzo beach is a lovely area and the best place to hire a deck chair or cabana, sun bathe and watch the people enjoying themselves. Ambrosia, a small cafe opposite the beach it great for lunch and serves the most delicious salads, open sandwiches and pastries. The people of Gijon are friendly and very helpful.

Two4one Spain

Gijon was great for my 4 day holiday. I had a Guru walking tour on the first afternoon. I took 2 day trips with Buendia the first to Aviles, Cadavedo and Cudillero, a really relaxing day with plenty to see. Next day I went on a day trip to Picos de Europa, an amazing day finished off with lunch and visit to Codabonga.

Jo Spain

My expectations of Gijon were of a commercial port with a little bit of history to discover. The town is much more interesting than I had through it would be - from it's jumble of ancient to modern architecture, complex history from pre-Roman times through the middle ages to the present day, diverse cultural life and festivals, and the beauty of its beaches and surrounding natural landscapes of mountains, forests and agriculture. I was there for a day but would recommend to any other traveller taking many more than that. In its favour the buses are good and reliable, food is fabulous, and the local cider is very fine. The only thing to be aware of is that all the restaurants don't open for food until very late so if you a getting hungry early in the evening you may have to find a supermarket. Being a native English-speaker with poor spoken Spanish I was also impressed with the effort the jovial, friendly locals would go to to communicate with me - particularly in an era of anti-tourist sentiment emerging in other parts of Spain. I really loved visiting this town!

Matt Australia

This is a down-to-earth, living city, where you can experience the true Spain. It is quite touristic, but the vast majority of tourists are Spaniards, who are fleeing the summer heat to the cooler, northern, seaside of Spain. There are many opportunities to eat, drink and enjoy life, both in the modern city centre and with a bit more style in the old town. The cuisine is quite unique, especially the cidre. There are not many options for vegetarians though. The seaside walk is endless and the seafront has its own style. The old town is cute and beautiful, but you find larger and more impressive one's in Spain. After all it is a fairly modern city. You can get a very nice view over the city and coastline from the top of the cliff behind the old town. The location centrally in Asturias, makes it a perfect starting point for day-trips around region, e.g. to the mountains, beaches, or the various cities and towns, aslo with public transport (buses, trains). We went for to Oviedo and Cudillero, as well as a booked tour to the mountains of Covadonga.

Sebastian Austria

Gijon is a beautiful city, very scenic and with a great food scene. So many Michelin Guide restaurants it was a perfect getaway for our anniversary. We found the best Pastor Tacos and Carnitas Tacos ever at Taco Jons, you have to check this place out!

Mike United States

Gijon is an energetic city which is large enough to combine both an elegant cultural vibe with an informal holiday, beach-town feel. There are some great traditional and contemporary restaurants around town ranging from traditional Asturian cider houses (sidrerías) to top-notch modern restaurants - check out the restaurant Borne. The old town of Gijon has been greatly restored in Gijon as has the downtown area and there are some fabulous nooks and crannies to be explored. Temperatures here in summer are in the mid twenties so rarely is there extreme heat to content with but you will need an umbrella for the showers and local drizzle called "orbayu".

Patrick Ireland