Yes, Gijón is all about surfing. But it’s also so much more. If you’re spending a few days at Gijón Surf Hostel, you’ll quickly discover that this city offers endless things to do beyond the waves. From scenic bike rides along the coast to sunset cider sessions, here’s your guide to what you can enjoy in Gijón when you’re not in the water.
1. Ride Along the Coastal Promenade
One of the most relaxing plans is to cycle along the San Lorenzo beach promenade. You can rent a bike and ride the entire coastline from the old town of Cimavilla to El Rinconín. It’s a flat route with incredible sea views and perfect stops for photos or a break. If you’re up for more, keep going towards the Musel port or the La Providencia lookout point.
2. Chill at San Lorenzo Beach
If the sea is calm or you’re just looking to relax, San Lorenzo Beach is ideal for sunbathing with a book, doing yoga, swimming, or simply watching the sunset. It’s one of the most iconic urban beaches in northern Spain, and its vibe changes beautifully throughout the day.
3. Visit Charming Parks: El Rinconín and El Molinón
After a surf session, there’s nothing better than some green space. El Rinconín Park sits at the eastern end of the beach promenade — great for a picnic, a nap on the grass or checking out sculptures like the famous “Cider Tree”. You can also head to El Molinón Park near the football stadium, where you’ll find riverside trails, ducks, sports areas, and open space to walk or run.
4. Dive Into Local Culture: Museums and History
Gijón has plenty of stories to tell. You can visit the Railway Museum (a must if you’re into industrial history), or the Jovellanos Birthplace Museum right in the heart of Cimavilla. On a rainy day, the Gijón Aquarium is a fantastic plan — with over 5,000 marine species to explore right by the port.
5. Enjoy Asturian Gastronomy
After surfing or exploring the city, it’s time to fuel up — and Asturias never disappoints. Try a hearty fabada asturiana, some tortos with spicy sausage, cabrales cheese or a legendary cachopo.
Head to the Ruta de los Vinos (Begoña Street and surrounding area) for great tapas and local wines. Or go for something more traditional — you can’t leave Gijón without stepping into a proper sidrería and watching the cider poured from above in true Asturian style.
6. Wander Through Cimavilla, the Soul of the City
Gijón’s old town, Cimavilla, is full of charm. With cobbled streets, colorful houses, and views over the port, it’s a perfect mix of history and character. Explore it by day or at night — there’s always something going on. Don’t miss the walk up to Cerro de Santa Catalina to see the famous sculpture “Elogio del Horizonte” and panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea.
Bonus: Things to Do on Flat or Rainy Days
- Visit sidrerías in the El Carmen neighborhood.
- Watch the sunset from La Providencia viewpoint.
- Explore weekend craft or vintage markets.
- Try an escape room, go to the cinema or hit the bowling alley if it rains.
Gijón, a City to Enjoy In and Out of the Water
Whether you come for the waves, the food or the people — Gijón always has something happening. Even when the sea takes a break, this city never stops. At Gijón Surf Hostel, we’ll help you make the most of every moment here, so your experience goes way beyond just surfing.
Surf in the morning and cider at sunset? In Gijón, that’s just a normal day.