Days 6 and 7
On Day 6 we arrived in Gijón, our final destination. Have a healthy breakfast at Catlove coffee, which does delicious coffee, homemade granola bowls, bagels, toast and juices. As it was not our first time to the city, and we felt adventurous, we decided to plump for an off-the-beaten-track experience, and made for the coastline beyond Gijón. To follow in our footsteps, check out the Mirador de la Providencia, La Cagonera, Estaño, La Ñora, Peñarrubia, and Serín beaches. Or, if you’d prefer a relaxing morning, go for a stroll around Gijón before making for the city beach, San Lorenzo.
Our second morning walk was again spent along the coastline, though this time we headed to the Parque del Cerro de Santa Catalina, closer to the city centre. To take in the prettiest part of the city, explore the beauty and spirit of the Old Town of Gijón, Cimadevilla’s picturesque streets and the Plaza Mayor or its surrounding streets – one of my favourites is Calle de la Merced. When we visited during Covid-19, it was mainly locals and Spanish tourists that filled the streets to shop or sit outside small bars and cafés. Combining old and new, this beautiful coastal town is a wonderful place to keep anyone entertained.
If you’re near Calle de la Merced and have a penchant for craft beers, stop at Casa Lúpulo Taproom. Another craft-beer place we loved was Señor Lúpulo in the nearby Calle San Antonio. Shopaholics, meanwhile, should head for the beautiful vintage store Merced 3, while bookworms are well catered for at the gorgeous independent bookshop Librería Paraíso.
Seafood lovers should lunch at El Planeta restaurant and cider house, just in front the harbour in Cimavilla, the old town of Gijon (advance booking recommended). Should book in advance. If vegan food is more up your street, don’t miss La Teya restaurant.
When it comes to accommodation, if you’re after a spot by the beach, look no further than Hotel San Miguel, where pets are welcome. The affordable rates include free use of their bicycles, skates and longboards. If you prefer camping by the sea, check out Campsite Gijón – Costa Surf.
The itinerary works best if you have your own transport or hire a car, like we did. Departing from Bilbao, in the Basque Country, we headed to Asturias via Cantabria.
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