Sightseeing in Gijon - what to see. Complete travel guide

Nowadays Gijon is known as one of major cities on the Cantabrian coast. The beautiful curve of coastline allows admiring a unique picture created by rocky cliffs and huge boulders, between which are sheltered lovely bays with comfortable and cozy beaches. Uneven steep banks are the main attraction of the district, in which Gijon is located.

Even the geographical position of Gijon has everything to become a successful tourist destination. This place is only a half of an hour away from the Ranon Airport. The central part of Gijon has a shape of a huge amphitheater. Just a couple of steps away from the center of Gijon there is a magnificent San Lorenzo beach with fine sand. Those tourists, who do not want to rest on the central beach, will find much fun and relaxation on La Cagonera y La Nora, Serin, Penarrubia, and El Rinconin beaches. You may also like the newly renovated El Arbeyal and Poniente beaches, as well as small beaches hidden in the rocks.

However, this city is great not only for simple sunbathing. You will find here is a beautiful Museum of Bagpipes, Center of Art in Revillagigedo Palace, and Barjola (Museum of Modern Art). Corrida Street, which is allowed only to pedestrians, will also leave an unforgettable experience as it is dedicated to trading. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the city, there is the interesting Railway Museum that occupies one of the most beautiful historical buildings. It was built in 1874 and served as a railway station. There are several old railway lines preserved near it. The museum was opened not so long ago, in 1998. Its collection contains 140 old carriages, locomotives and trains. In total, the museum presents thousands of exhibits associated with the history of the railway development.

The guests of Gijon can acquaint themselves with the diversity of the underwater world in the local aquarium opened in 2006. The aquarium is a large training center that includes several training rooms and museum in addition to the oceanarium. In the center, there are 60 unique water ecosystems preserved. They present the dwellers of different rivers and seas of the world. Also, the center organizes interesting educational events that will attract not only children, but also adults.

In the city, there is an only botanical garden in the territory of North Spain. It was found in 2003. Today, the garden occupies 16 hectares and open for tourists all year round. Thanks to special indoor pavilions, the visitors of the garden can admire rare plants and flowers and take part in different entertaining events even in winter. In the botanical garden, concerts, themed conferences and different master classes are regularly held.

In the territory of the city, you can see several unique antique attractions, for example, the preserved ruins of old Roman baths. It was a miracle that the antique complex has managed to survive over 1 800 years later. Today, its visitors can admire old sophisticated mosaics and see the heating system created by antique engineers.

The most vivid example of the architecture of the 20th century is the Universidad Laboral de Gijon. This building complex was officially recognized as the largest in Spain. It occupies almost 11 hectares. The university was opened in 1946. Today, some of its historical buildings are reconstructed into cultural centers that are open for everyone.