Atlantic Botanical Garden

The Jardín Botánico Atlántico is a garden devoted to the plants of the Atlantic coasts, on the eastern outskirts of Gijón right next to the Laboral. It is less a formal flower garden than a walk through landscapes: Asturian woodland, useful plants, a 19th-century estate garden and a trail through ecosystems from both sides of the Atlantic.

What it is and why it is worth it

Opened in April 2003, it was the first botanical garden of its kind in north-west Spain and remains the only one in Asturias. It holds a large plant collection and belongs to international botanic garden networks. For visitors, the joy is the variety: in a single afternoon you go from a traditional vegetable plot to an ancient oak wood and a romantic garden.

The garden’s areas

Entorno Cantábrico (Cantabrian Landscapes)

A showcase of the vegetation of Spain’s northern coast, from the shoreline to the mountains. If you will not have time to explore Asturias, this is a neat summary of its plant life.

Factoría Vegetal (Plant Factory)

All about people and plants: vegetable gardens, fruit trees, medicinal and aromatic herbs, and invasive species too. Very hands-on for children.

Jardín de la Isla (Island Garden)

The historic gem: a 19th-century estate that belonged to the industrialist Florencio Valdés, with camellias, plane trees, water features and what is considered the oldest tennis court in Asturias. The most photogenic corner of the garden.

Itinerario Atlántico (Atlantic Trail)

A route through six ecosystems from both shores of the Atlantic. It includes the Carbayera del Tragamón, an oak wood (carbayo is Asturian for oak) of great ecological value.

Rionda

With an old watermill, a reminder of the area’s rural past.

When to go and how long to allow

• Time: two to three hours.
• Spring: the best season, for the blossom.
• Autumn: woodland colour and fewer visitors.
• Winter: camellias in the Island Garden.
• Summer: long evenings and a green escape if the beach is packed.

Tip: wear comfortable shoes and, except in high summer, bring a warm layer – parts of the Atlantic Trail run through damp, shady woodland. After rain, some paths can be muddy.

Opening hours and tickets

According to the Gijón City Council website (in Spanish):

• January, February, October, November and December: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00.
• March: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–19:00.
• April and September: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–20:00.
• May to August: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–21:00. In July and August it also opens on Mondays; the rest of the year it is closed on Mondays.
• Guided tours: according to the City Council website, they are included in the admission price.
• Admission: general €2.90; ages 12–26 and over-65s €1.80; up to age 11 free.

Hours and prices can change (and there are free-entry days on specific dates), so check the current details on the City Council site before you go.

Getting there

The garden is in Cabueñes, on the east side of the city, about 3 km from the centre – a long walk. According to the City Council and Wikipedia, EMTUSA lines 1, 2 and 18 serve it (towards Hospital de Cabueñes); you can also cycle or drive. See getting around Gijón.

What to combine nearby

The obvious pairing is the Laboral City of Culture next door: a guided tour and the tower in the morning, the garden in the afternoon. It is also one of the best things to do in Gijón with kids. And if you want more green space in town, Isabel la Católica Park is Gijón’s great city park.