Isabel la Católica Park

Isabel la Católica Park is Gijón’s great city park: around 15 hectares of lawns, trees and ponds beside the River Piles, a stone’s throw from San Lorenzo beach. It is where local families bring children to see the peacocks and swans, and the perfect place to end a morning walk along the seafront.

A little history

The park was designed by Ramón Ortiz in 1941 on former marshland on the west bank of the Piles, and work was completed in 1967. The lakes are what remain of that wetland: the main one covers about 7,000 m² and is quite shallow, and there is a second, smaller pond.

What to see

The ponds and the birds

The main attraction. Dozens of bird species have been recorded here, many of them water birds: residents such as peacocks, swans and numerous kinds of duck and goose, and winter visitors such as herons and teal. There is also a dovecote and a large aviary.

Lawns and paths

Wide paths, benches and big lawns for lying in the sun. A good place for a break on a walk around the east of the city.

The surroundings

The park is in the El Bibio district, very close to El Molinón, the football stadium of Real Sporting de Gijón, and to the Luis Adaro exhibition grounds, home to the FIDMA trade fair. The pedestrian Avenida del Molinón links it to the beach.

Tip: on summer days when the beach is packed, the shade of the park’s trees is a welcome break. Bring a picnic and relax – just do not feed the birds.

When to go and how long to allow

• Time: 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on how long the birds keep you entertained.
• Best time: early morning, when the birds are most active and the park is quiet; in winter for the migrant species.
• With children: a simple, free outing; more ideas in Gijón with kids.

Getting there

From the centre, walk the full length of the San Lorenzo promenade to the mouth of the Piles, then head inland along the pedestrian Avenida del Molinón: the park is a few minutes away. The walk is flat and mostly by the sea.

What to combine nearby

• Museum of the Asturian People: close by, also near the Piles, with traditional Asturian buildings and a bagpipe museum (yes, Asturias has its own bagpipe, the gaita).
• El Rinconín: a seafront walk with sculptures such as the Monument to the Emigrant’s Mother. See monuments and sculptures.
• San Lorenzo beach: right next door.

For more ways to enjoy the city on a budget, see free things to do in Gijón.