Gijón Car Hire

Guide of Gijon

History

Archaeological evidence around Monte Devo and Monte Areo suggests that humans were first hanging around the Gijon area around 5000 BC, but the first formal settlement was by the Hispano-Celtic Astures people at Campa Torres in the 5th century BC. Gijon was subsequently captured by the Romans, by the 7th century the Visigoths were in control and over the next few centuries it was tussled over by Muslim and Christian forces. Fast forward to the 19th century and Gijon underwent rapid industrialisation, fuelled by coal, railway expansion and its busy port. Although some of Gijon’s traditional industries declined somewhat towards the end of the 20th century, the city’s fortunes have since been boosted by regeneration – with beaches, parks, new neighbourhoods and universities encouraging an influx of residents and residents from Spain and further afield.

Culture

Gijon has a whole mixture of cultural attractions, so there’s lots to keep you occupied. The medieval church of St Peter is one of the most fascinating religious sites and although it was partially destroyed during the Civil war, it has been restored to its former Gothic splendour. The Jovellanos House Museum is another must-see – a beautiful palace that’s the birthplace of the famous statesman and writer, it has a stunning art collection and lots of interesting artefacts. Another great hub is the Laboral City of Culture – housed in the former Laboral University building, this is a one-off space where cultural, creative and educational workers work and study, and it also hosts exciting art exhibitions and guided visits. When you want your finger on the pulse of the local cultural scene, this is the best place to plug in.

Alternative Gijon

If you like holiday activities that are a little unusual, Gijon has its fair share of alternative attractions. For instance, if you’re not easily spooked, El Cemetario de Ceares is a stunning 19th century cemetery with beautiful monuments and buildings, as well as panoramic views across the city. If that doesn’t float your boat, try the eye-popping street art on Carretera Ceares and Avenida Manuel Llaneza, or visit the lush Atlantico Botanical Garden, which covers 25 hectares and includes 30,000 plant species from across the globe, divided into sections representing various climate environments. Cider is also a popular tipple here and there’s a proud heritage of producing the drink, so if you fancy parking up your car for the day to sample the best varieties in one of the lively local sidrerias.

Things To Do in Gijon

Discover the aquarium

Located on Poniente beach, Gijon Aquarium hosts 4,000 amazing animals from 400 species and it’s the only establishment of its kind in Spain that has amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds as well as fish. There are seawater, freshwater and Cantabrian river environments to explore and it’s a privilege to see creatures like sharks, octopuses, sea horses, penguins and otters, and understand where they live, what they eat and how they socialise. For a family attraction that’s fun and educational, this definitely fits the bill.

Explore the Roman Baths

For a deep dive into Gijon’s Roman past, there’s nowhere better than the city’s Roman Baths, which enjoy a superb ocean-facing location next to the Church of San Pedro Apostol. These baths performed an important function in Roman society and the various rooms were heated using via some very ingenious engineering and design. The bathing areas, hypocaust and ovens are open to explore and there are 3D models recreating how the complex would have looked when it was intact (2000 years ago). There are also lots of artefacts on display which have been discovered over the years and it’s a real eye-opener seeing how the Romans unwound after a hard day’s empire building.

Watch Real Sporting

Are you a footy fan who wants that live match rush? Real Sporting de Gijon play in El Molinon stadium and Los Rojiblancos (‘the red and whites’) always enjoy an awesome atmosphere. The club has never played in a lower division than the second, has once been runner-up in La Liga and featured in the UEFA Cup. In their La Liga campaigns they entertain the likes of Barca and Real Madrid but watching an Asturian derby against fierce rivals Real Oviedo can be even more thrilling – if your Spanish is fluent, you might learn a few colourful chants!

Eating Out in Gijon

Traditional treats

When you’re yearning for authentic Asturias cuisine, look no further than Los Pisones. Serving local favourites since the late 1950s, you can tase sublime arroce rice-based dishes and fabulous fabada – the delicious regional dish comprising chorizo, bacon, faba beans and morcilla (similar to black pudding). Grab a top table at the sheltered terrace and treat yourself to some local wine or cider to complement your first-rate meal.

Super seafood

If seafood tops your must-eat list, make a beeline for Restaurante Auga on Gijon’s waterfront. There’s a plethora of fresh seafood dishes as well as land-based alternatives like venison with apple puree. Alternatively, you can try supreme tapas with ingredients like gillardeau oyster and green apple, and chick mushrooms and eggs. If you want haute cuisine with divine views, Restaurante Auga is the place to be.

Chinese classics

Mi Paisano might not sound Asian, but it serves some of the best Chinese cuisine this side of Beijing. There’s so much to choose from that it’s hard to single out the standout dishes, but the noodle soup, kung pao chicken, duck fried rice and arroz frito con pato are pretty special. Wash down your meal with a quality wine or some Mahou beer – magnificent!

Transport

Airports

The nearest airport to Gijon is Asturias (OVD), which (30km away). It’s the only international air hub in the region and a good place to pick up your hire car. Open since 1968, it connects the region with the likes of Madrid, Gran Canaria, Alicante, Malaga, Ibiza and Gatwick, via carriers like Iberia, Vueling and Volotea. Inside, you’ll find two cafes, a restaurant, duty free, a souvenir shop and more. Once you touch down in OVD and hop in your hire car, it’s an easy drive to your accommodation.

Public transport

The public transport system in Gijon is supported mainly by its bus service. There are routes across the city as well as intercity services and the buses are clean and usually punctual. If you want to park up your hire car for a day, the bus is a viable short-term alternative, but be sure to check the timetable carefully.

Driving

If you’re hiring a car in Gijon, it’s a wise choice – you can travel independently in your own social bubble, stopping for a break or overnight stay whenever or wherever you like. Remember to drive on the right here, wear your seatbelt and observe the speed limits, which are 120km/h on motorways, 90km/h outwith built-up areas, 50km/h in built-up areas and 20km/h in residential districts. Gijon is also a great base for road trips, with destinations like Santander, Bilbao, and Vigo in striking distance.