Car Hire Gijon - Mini guide to Gijon

Located on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea, Gijon originated as a Roman settlement. Today it is a modern fishing village, fully equipped with all the amenities a traveller could wish for.

The town is particularly well known for its exhibitions and concerts, and for the Fiesta del Bollu, which is celebrated every Easter and sees Galiana street vivid with carnival colours, music and antics.

Gijon’s old quarter lies between the hill of Santa Catalina and the fishing village of Cimadevilla. A walk up to the top of this hill allows visitors a stupendous view of the ocean and the quaint neighbourhood of Cimadevilla. Wandering through the streets below will take you past decadent mansions, Roman ruins and crumbling fishermen’s houses.

The Baroque Revillagigedo Palace, in Plaza del Marqués, was built in the 18th century and now acts as a venue for art exhibits. Another hotspot for art-lovers is the Barloia Museum in Calle de La Trinidad, which is devoted to contemporary painting and sculpture. Walking onwards, you will find the Roman baths, the Church of San Pedro and the 16th century Valdés Palace, located in the area known as Campo Valdés.

Several attractive beaches can be found in and around Gijon, and sunbathing is popular on these stretches of golden shore. One of the town’s major tourist drawcards is San Lorenzo beach, with its five-kilometre promenade along the sparkling Cantabrian. A wide range of hotels and shops are situated in the city centre, along with some superb restaurants where you can try the deliciously different Asturian fare and local cider.

Gijon is surrounded by a variety of enticing destinations. The eastern coast offers a selection of blissful beaches, historical towns such as Ribadesella and Llanes, and picturesque, slow-paced fishing villages. Venturing inland will expose you to the wild beauty of the Spanish mountains. Visit the Picos de Europa National Park or the Redes Nature Reserve, where lakes, forests and mountain vortexes converge to provide an astounding scenic experience.

Gijon can be reached by car from Madrid via the A66 highway. The Carretera de la Costa N-632 spans the entire coastline and provides access to the inland areas. Coaches are available along these routes and there are daily rail connections from Gijon to Madrid and other Spanish cities. Gijon is served by Asturias Airport, which receives flights from the main Spanish cities and a handful of international locations.