Gijón in summer: beaches, festivals and things to do

In summer Gijón lives facing the sea: city beaches at the end of the street, terraces open late, a festival almost every week and long days with light until 10 pm. The climate is mild rather than hot, which makes it a perfect escape when the rest of Spain is sweltering. Here is how to plan your days.

The beaches: choose by the tide

Tides rule on the Bay of Biscay. The difference between high and low water is large and completely changes the city’s beaches, so check the tide table every day.

• San Lorenzo beach: the big city beach, backed by the promenade. At low tide there is sand to spare; at high tide the water almost reaches the wall and space is tight. The council’s beach page notes that sports on the sand are banned from 10 am to 8 pm except in designated areas, and that boards and other craft are not allowed in swimming zones.
• Poniente beach: golden sand and calm water next to the marina. The favourite for families with young children.
• Arbeyal beach: in the west of the city, with a neighbourhood feel and fewer crowds.
• Peñarrubia beach: to the east, wilder and set among cliffs.
• El Rinconín: more rock than sand, and the only beach where dogs are allowed in summer too. Details in Gijón with dogs.

Full guide in Gijón’s beaches.

Tip: respect the flags. Green means safe to swim; yellow, take care; red, no swimming. The water is cool even in August, and currents can be strong when there is a swell.

Summer festivals

Gijón’s calendar fills up from June:

• Metrópoli: pop culture, comics, video games and concerts, from late June to early July.
• Semana Negra: a crime-fiction festival that is also a huge funfair-style street party, in July.
• Semana Grande (first half of August): concerts, street events and the FIDMA, Asturias’s big trade fair.
• Begoña fireworks: on the night of 14 August, a fireworks display over the bay that draws the biggest crowd of the year.
• Natural Cider Festival: in late August, ending with the simultaneous cider-pouring world record on Poniente beach.

Neighbourhoods and rural parishes also hold their own romerías and fiestas de prau (meadow festivals) throughout the summer. Full calendar in festivals in Gijón.

Outdoor plans

Coastal walks

Walk early or late in the day: the San Lorenzo promenade, the climb to the Elogio del Horizonte or the Cervigón path from El Rinconín. More routes in Gijón coastal path.

On the water

Surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or boat trips: summer is a good time to learn, as the sea is usually calmer. See surfing in Gijón and tours and activities.

Long sunsets

With the sun setting at around 10 pm, a sunset on Santa Catalina hill or at Poniente is practically compulsory. Our favourite spots are in best sunsets in Gijón.

Parks and gardens

When the sun is strongest, find shade in Isabel la Católica park or the Atlantic Botanical Garden.

Eating and drinking in summer

Summer evenings start late in Spain: people head out for a drink at around 8 pm and sit down to dinner at 9.30 or 10, often outdoors. Terraces at the marina, in Cimavilla and around the centre stay busy until late, and at weekends it is worth booking or arriving early. It is the season for Cantabrian fish and seafood, bonito tuna and sardines, and cider is drunk outdoors too. Ideas in what to eat in Gijón, and Gijón nightlife if you want to keep going.

Summer day trips

Summer is the best time for fishing villages such as Cudillero or Villaviciosa and Tazones. For Covadonga and its lakes, note that in high season car access to the lakes is regulated: check before you go.

Practical summer tips

• Book early: July and August are high season, and fireworks week is the busiest of all. See where to stay.
• Parking near the beaches is hard; walk or take the bus. Options in parking in Gijón and getting around.
• Sun cream even when it is cloudy: with wind and cloud you do not feel it, but you still burn.
• A light jacket for the evenings, even in August.
• Grey day? Keep rainy day in Gijón handy.