cider city trip, tapas and museums

Cider, tapas and museums. In the city of Gijón, these three words sum up this pearl of Asturias. Know where to go and what to visit.

The city of gijon it is often in the background when compared to Oviedo, in the Autonomous Region of Asturias, but it has many reasons to become a real priority for anyone thinking of a getaway on the other side of the border.

It is a city with a strong industrial side, as it produces iron, steel and chemical products, being the main cargo terminal for Asturian coal, but also with a lively and interesting “movida”, where you can eat delicious tapas accompanied by a glass of wine. cider, the typical drink of the region.

The city has been modernizing and evolving taking into account contemporary demands and, in this sense, there is no shortage of pedestrian streets, parks, seaside walks, cultural attractions, shops and high quality restaurants.

Gijón is a surprisingly engaging city where you can enjoy life to the fullest.

“Gijón de Cider”

You’ve probably tried cider, an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. But maybe you didn’t know that Gijón is an important production center for this drink and, as such, a city to enjoy this drink a little everywhere.

Its fame is such that there is a festival that celebrates the drink, “Gijón de Sidra”, a true gastronomic and cultural event that is increasingly becoming a national and international tourist attraction.

In “Gijón de Sidra” the best cider bars and restaurants in the city participate, thus being able to show this delight to more people, at lower prices and in different varieties.

During the festival, a “Sidromap” is created, which consists of a guide that shows the proposed routes with the participating ciders, the type of cider they offer, as well as a map of the producers of the main cider brands, so you know what to expect. you are drinking. And believe me, seeing the cider jet out of the barrels towards the glasses is a spectacle not to be missed.

Gijón: the best places to “cheat”

Cider may be the protagonist of this city, but the appetizer dishes are not far behind. The so-called “tapas”, which are also starting to be prepared and consumed in many Portuguese restaurants, are an excellent way to snack on countless delicacies, including cheese plates, sausages, croquettes, olives or bread.

You can find tapas bars in Gijón all over the city, but here we reveal the best ones for you to have a unique experience.

Gijon: cultural attractions not to be missed

The oldest part of the city of Gijón is concentrated on the promontory known as Cimadevilla, the old fishermen’s quarter and it is there that many of the city’s main cultural attractions are located.

praise of the horizon

It is a daring cement sculpture, facing the sea, by the Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, which has become a symbol of the city.

Museo del Ferrocarrils de Asturias

Gijón’s excellent railway museum explores the important and multifaceted role of trains in Asturias’ history. There you will find more than 50 locomotives and carriages, informative exhibitions and an interesting paraphernalia of articles, always within the railway theme.

Culture Work City

Initially built as a vocational training center run by Jesuits in the 1940s, this space is now a dynamic arts and education center that houses part of the University of Oviedo.

You can visit the impressive main courtyard for free, as well as the Giralda-inspired tower, which is 130 meters high, for one of the best views over the city.

Atlantic Botanical Garden

This botanical garden, with around 2000 different species, is an excellent exception to the busy city center, as well as a good opportunity to better understand the flora of Spain and the surrounding territories.

Roman Villa of Veranes

About 12 kilometers southwest of Gijón, you can witness the remains of this fourth-century Roman villa. The main building was converted into a church in the Middle Ages and some original Roman mosaics have survived to this day.

Pueblu d’Asturies Museum

This museum is dedicated to traditional Asturian culture, with exhibits on bagpipes, cuisine, carriages and even 19th-century dance party dresses.

The area where it is located is also of typical beauty, with several grain warehouses and some peculiar shepherds’ shelters.

Museo Casa Natal de Jovellanos

In the middle of Plaza de Jovellanos, the home of the famous 18th century Spanish politician Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, is currently the space that houses the Museo Casa Natal de Jovellanos. There you will find numerous works of art by various Asturian artists.

Roman Baths

At the southeast end of Cimadevilla, you’ll find the city’s Roman baths, built around the year 100. There are centuries of history that you can get to know a little better thanks to the underground museum on site.

clock tower

Built in 1572, on top of the ruins of the Roman walls of Gijón, this is an impressive tower in red tones that has a long history, not only for having been used as the city’s prison, but also for having housed the seat of the council. municipal.

Gijon: technical sheet

How to go

• By car: Lisbon – Gijón (801 km), via A6 and A23/Porto – Gijón (524 km), via A4 and A52
• by bus: East Lisbon – Valladolid (Alsa) / Valladolid – Gijón-Sanz Crespo (Renfe)
  Porto (Alsa departs from Casa da Música) – Gijón

useful tips

Check out all the information about Gijón, here

Generic data

• Language: Spanish
• Population: 280 thousand inhabitants
• Location: Autonomous Community of Asturias
• Extension: 181.7 square kilometers