Poniente Beach

Poniente is central Gijón’s calm beach: a man-made stretch of sand about 500 metres long, sheltered by the marina breakwater, with gentle waves, water suited to beginners in water sports and the best accessibility in the city. It’s five minutes’ walk from the old quarter and right next to the Aquarium, so it slots easily into any day.

A beach born in 1995

For decades this waterfront was docks, warehouses and shipyards. The area is still known as Fomento, after the old Sociedad de Fomento quays (now the Jardines de la Reina gardens), and before industry arrived there was a beach here called Pando, which eventually disappeared. In the 1990s the city set about reclaiming the shoreline: the new beach opened on 3 May 1995, using sand dredged off the coast of Gozón, further west. That’s why Turismo Asturias also lists it as “Playa de Poniente o de Pando”. Poniente, by the way, simply means “west”.

On the promenade you’ll spot the chimney of the old glassworks, and at the western end, on the site of the former Cantábrico shipyards, stands the Aquarium.

What it’s like

• Golden sand and a wide beach, around 150 metres deep at low tide.
• Gentle waves: the breakwater protects it from ocean swell, and Turismo Asturias notes that it flies the green flag almost permanently.
• Tides: the range is big here too; the sand area shrinks to less than half at high tide. At low tide there’s plenty of room even in August.
• Atmosphere: very family-oriented and busy in summer, with lots of local families.

Tip: late in the afternoon the beach empties out and the light drops over the western side of the bay, towards the port of El Musel. It’s a lovely time for a walk along the water’s edge at low tide.

Facilities

According to Turismo Asturias: lifeguards in season, showers, foot-washing taps and drinking fountains, toilets, parking, a playground on the sand, and sunlounger and parasol hire. It’s a smoke-free beach. Lifeguard dates change every year, so check them on gijon.es.

In season, ball games on the sand aren’t allowed in the middle of the day, and boards and boats aren’t permitted in the swimming area.

Accessibility

Poniente is Gijón’s best-equipped beach for people with reduced mobility:

• Reserved parking bays and a step-free entrance.
• Walkways down to the bathing area, shaded areas and platforms.
• An adapted shower and foot-wash, two changing rooms and accessible toilets.
• Amphibious wheelchairs and crutches, plus a transfer hoist.
• Flotation aids and information in Braille and raised lettering.

Dogs

Animals aren’t allowed at any time of year. If you’re travelling with a dog, your option is El Rinconín, on the other side of the city; details in our guide to Gijón’s beaches.

Getting there

On foot from the centre or from Cimavilla, following the marina. There’s a cycle lane along the promenade and city bus stops nearby; see routes in getting around Gijón. If you’re driving in summer, read parking in Gijón first.

What to combine nearby

• Gijón Aquarium, at the western end of the beach: ideal with children or if clouds roll in.
• The Asturias Railway Museum, a short walk away in the old Norte station.
• Cimavilla and its cider houses, across the marina.
• Follow the promenade west to Arbeyal Beach.

More family ideas in Gijón with kids.