Rinconín Beach

El Rinconín is the small beach at the eastern end of Gijón’s seafront. For many locals it means one thing: the beach where dogs can swim. But it’s also the starting point of the coastal path to La Providencia, a great spot for watching the waves and a quieter alternative to San Lorenzo. Here’s what you need to know, including where the dog rules currently stand.

Where it is and what it’s like

The beach sits at the end of the seafront promenade, past the mouth of the river Piles and the far end of San Lorenzo Beach. It’s also known as El Cervigón. Right beside it are Rinconín park and the Emigrant’s Mother (Madre del Emigrante) monument, a statue of a woman gazing out to sea in memory of the many Asturians who emigrated to the Americas — one of the most photographed spots in the city.

It’s a small beach, about 200–250 metres long, mixing flat rock shelves and sand. Its width changes dramatically with the tide: at high water it’s almost covered, while at low tide rock pools appear, great fun for children (and dogs). The atmosphere is more local and laid-back than at San Lorenzo.

Tip: check a tide table. At low tide there’s plenty of room for a dog to run; at high tide there’s hardly any sand and the sea breaks against the rocks.

Dogs: the rules today

According to Turismo Asturias, checked on 28 October 2026, El Rinconín is dog-friendly all year round, and it’s the beach it recommends for dog owners in summer, when dogs aren’t allowed on San Lorenzo.

However, in 2026 the city council has been working on a new animal protection and ownership ordinance, and during the debate the possible closure of the Rinconín dog area was raised, prompting a big public response. We haven’t been able to confirm from an official source whether the final text keeps, changes or removes dog access here. So:

• Check the current rules on gijon.es or on the signs at the entrance before going down with your dog.
• Bring bags and always pick up after your dog, on the sand too.
• Keep your dog under control and be considerate: not everyone is comfortable with dogs off the lead.
• On the promenade and access paths, dogs must be on a lead.

Everything about beaches, parks and dog rules is in our guide to Gijón with dogs.

Facilities

According to Wikipedia, the beach has toilets, showers and bins, and in previous seasons it’s had lifeguards in high summer. Being next to a residential area and a park, it’s easy to walk to from the centre. There’s parking nearby, although it fills up on sunny days. Check this year’s lifeguard dates on the city council website.

Getting there

• On foot: from La Escalerona, walk east along the San Lorenzo promenade, cross the Piles and follow the seafront to the end. It’s flat and very pleasant.
• By bike: there’s a cycle lane along much of the seafront.
• By bus: several EMTUSA city bus lines serve the east side; check for the nearest stop.

What to do nearby

• Start the Cervigón Path: from El Rinconín the path climbs to the La Providencia viewpoint and follows the cliffs to Peñarrubia and La Ñora. Details in our Gijón coastal path guide.
• Head down to Peñarrubia: the nearest naturist cove — note that dogs aren’t allowed there. See Peñarrubia Beach.
• Relax in Isabel la Católica Park, across the Piles: ducks, peacocks and plenty of lawn. See Isabel la Católica Park.
• Watch the sunset over the bay with the city opposite: El Rinconín is one of the best spots to see Gijón light up. More ideas in best sunsets in Gijón.

To compare with the area’s other beaches, go back to our guide to Gijón’s beaches.