5 Best Sights in Galicia and Asturias, Spain

Across the river, on the eastern edge of town, this rustic museum contains traditional Asturian houses, cider presses, a mill, and an exquisitely painted granary. Also here is the Museo de la Gaita (Bagpipe Museum) celebrating the area's centuries-old bagpiping tradition. There are bagpipes from other parts of the world on display as well.

This steep peninsula—the old fishermen's quarter—is now the main nightlife hub. At sunset, the sidewalk in front of bar El Planeta (Tránsito de las Ballenas 4), overlooking the harbor, is a prime spot to join locals drinking Asturian cider. From the park at the highest point on the headland, beside Basque artist Eduardo Chillida's massive sculpture Elogio del Horizonte (In Praise of the Horizon), there's a panoramic view of the coast and city.

Tucked into the city's harbor, this horseshoe-shape curve of fine artificial sand and calm waters is wonderful for an evening stroll. Amenities: lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

Gijón's other popular beach, beyond the headland from Playa de Poniente, has golden sand backed by a promenade that extends from one end of town to the other. Across the narrow peninsula and the Plaza Mayor is the harbor, where the fishing fleet comes in with the day's catch. As long as the tide is out, you can sunbathe. The waves are generally moderate, but weather and currents can be unpredictable. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking; surfing.

Dating to the time of Augustus, the ruins of Gijón's baths are under the plaza at the end of the beach. Visits take approximately 20 minutes, and there are no English descriptions.