Excursion Gijon & aviles old quarter tour at Gijon

Drive only short 30-minutes away from the Austurias coastline of Gijon to one of the most important old towns in the region, Aviles. This principality possesses the most appealing architectural wealth of monuments and building treasures. Return to Gijon and discover the history of this city as well before your day is complete.

Depart the pier on your motor coach and make the short drive to Aviles.

Aviles

Due to its beautiful and extensive old district, Aviles is actually set in the smallest of the Asturian principalities. This architecturally rich hamlet probably possesses the most appealing of all of Asturias' old towns and has a wealth of monuments and building treasures, many dating back centuries. Within the historic quarter of Aviles there are a number of streets that are of particular tourist interest and many interconnect through courtyards and plazas as well as the town's central park. A great city to explore, not just because of its heritage but because of the close proximity of its interesting and attention worthy buildings. Nearly all of these occupy a compact area that sees pedestrianized paths and side streets run off a couple of squares, the plaza de Espana and the plaza de Mercado, or the parks of Ferrera and Muelle. Once in this part of the historic district it is almost impossible to miss out on any of the city's main sightseeing attractions.

Gijon

Re-board your coach and drive the short distance back to Gijon stopping first at the Labour University, similar to El Escorial in Madrid, but with double the surface area. Take the panoramic drive along the seafront back to downtown after your guide gives brief explanation of the area and then enjoy free time to explore.

Cimadevilla

Arriving at the Train Museum where we will have the drop off and pìck up point, your guide will take you to the old quarter from where you can discover the old quarter at your own pace The historic quarter of Gijón is formed by the hill of Santa Catalina and the fishing neighbourhood of Cimadevilla. The streets between the beach of San Lorenzo and the marina gather together Roman remains, large mansions and the old houses of fishermen. In Plaza Mayor see the City Hall building (19th century), while in Jovellanos square you will find the Museum of Gijón and the birthplace of Jovellanos, an enlightened politician and writer who was born in this city. In the area known as Campo Valdés are the Valdés palace, a 16th-century building which was once the Tobacco Factory, the church of San Pedro and the Roman baths. The presence of Rome's IV Legion Macedonica in the city can be clearly seen in this hippocaust, rooms where hot air was produced for the baths, which date from the earliest centuries of our era, and in the remains found of the old walls. A hike up the hill to The Cerro de Santa Catalina will provide you with exceptional views of the outstretched coastline. The park also contains an abstract sculpture named the Elogio del Horizonte, Praise of the Horizon - the symbol of the city.

Return to the pier via your motor coach.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Coast of Austurias, Aviles, Aviles Old Quarter, Gijon, Labour University, Gijon Old Quarter

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking at times over cobblestone and uneven surfaces. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. An inside visit to the Train Museum is not included.