The best sunsets in Gijón: viewpoints and spots to watch the sun go down

Gijón faces north, yet its sunsets are among the finest on Spain’s north coast: the sun drops over El Musel port and Cape Torres, the bay turns orange, and the silhouettes of Cimavilla and Chillida’s sculpture stand out against the sky. These are the best places to watch it, from central spots to a few worth a short trip.

When and where to look

• Timing: in midsummer the sun sets roughly around 10 pm; in winter, around 6 pm. Check the exact time for your date and arrive about 30 minutes early.
• Direction: in spring and summer the sun sets to the north-west, over the sea; in autumn and winter it moves south-west, over the coast and port. Spots on the west side of the city work best all year.
• Clouds: scattered high cloud usually gives the most intense colours. In fog or low cloud, plan something else.

Tip: stay a few minutes after the sun has gone. The “blue hour”, as the city lights come on, is especially beautiful from the marina and the promenade.

1. Santa Catalina hill and the Elogio del Horizonte

The classic, and rightly so. At the top of the Cimavilla headland, Santa Catalina hill is a large park open to the sea, crowned by the Elogio del Horizonte (“In Praise of the Horizon”), Eduardo Chillida’s concrete sculpture unveiled in 1990. To the west you see El Musel port and the coast; to the east, the whole of San Lorenzo beach with the promenade lights.

• Getting there: on foot from the Plaza Mayor through Cimavilla, about 10 to 15 minutes with some uphill.
• Best for: photos of the sculpture against the light, and summer sunsets over the sea.
• Bear in mind: it is often windy; bring an extra layer even in August.

2. Poniente beach

Poniente beach, next to the marina, lies on the western side of the centre. As evening falls, the sun sets behind the cranes and breakwaters of El Musel, a very characteristic view of port-city Gijón. Watch from the sand or the promenade, then head to the aquarium area or back into town.

3. The marina and Plaza Mayor

Here it is less about the sun touching the horizon and more about reflections: boats, still water in the docks and the façades of the centre glowing gold. The most convenient spot if you are already in the centre, and perfect before dinner or a glass of cider.

4. The San Lorenzo promenade

The promenade faces north, so you will not see the sun meet the sea, but at sunset the low light washes over the whole beach while the silhouette of Cimavilla and San Pedro church darkens against a glowing sky. At low tide, the reflections on the wet sand of San Lorenzo beach are spectacular.

5. La Providencia viewpoint

East of the city, in the Somió area, La Providencia park offers a panoramic view of the whole bay. From here you see the sunset head-on: the city, Cimavilla and Santa Catalina hill outlined against the western sky. Get there by car, city bus or on foot along the coastal path from the end of San Lorenzo (a decent walk).

6. Campa Torres

On Cape Torres, west of El Musel, the Campa Torres archaeological park preserves the remains of an Iron Age hillfort with sweeping sea views. It is probably the wildest place in the municipality to watch the sun go down. You will need a car or transport, and it is worth checking the site’s access times on the council website.

7. Arbeyal beach

Small Arbeyal beach, in the west of the city, is a quiet, local alternative with the port and western coastline as a backdrop.

A perfect sunset evening

1. A drink or snack in the centre.
2. A wander through Cimavilla up to Santa Catalina hill.
3. Sunset by the Elogio del Horizonte.
4. Down to the marina for the blue hour.
5. Dinner in a cider house: if you have never been, read our cider guide first.

It makes a perfect finale to our Gijón in one day itinerary. And sunsets cost nothing: see more in free things to do in Gijón and all our ideas in things to do in Gijón.