After a late arrival and a much-needed sleep, we woke up in Gijón (pronounced Heehong) ready for a much-needed day off the road. The morning began slowly. We heard waves crashing nearby and seagulls calling in the distance. Their sounds reminded us to keep an eye on our bacon butties. We know what they’re capable of living in Hull.
Discovering Gijón
Our first stop was the beach, just a short walk from the hotel car park. The Playa de San Lorenzo stretched out before us, golden sands framed by the curve of the bay. It was the kind of beach that made you want to kick off your shoes and dip your toes in the water, which we promptly did. The water was brisk but refreshing, and it really reminded us of our family hols in Bridlington where we used to have a caravan when the kids were kids.
From there, we wandered into the city/town. Gijón’s blend of old-world charm and modern stuff was captivating. I guess every town or city has this these days, individual history and the ubiquitous line of branded shops. Bit depressing. But we went on.
Narrow cobbled streets led us past colourful houses, quaint shops, and cafés that spilled out onto the pavement. There was a distinct lack of English voices which was refreshing We spent a good part of the morning exploring the Cimavilla district, the city’s historic heart. The Roman baths and old fishing cottages gave us a glimpse into Gijón’s storied fishing based past. Which gave us an idea…
For lunch, we found a cosy sidrería (cider house) where we tried the local specialty—Asturian cider. The waiter demonstrated the traditional way of pouring it, raising the bottle high above his head to aerate the liquid as it splashed into the glass below. Mary couldn’t stop giggling at my attempts to do the same, which resulted in cider splashing everywhere except the glass. We paired it with a plate of fabada asturiana, a hearty bean stew that was as comforting as it was delicious. More wind for me tomorrow no doubt.
A Fishing Adventure
In the afternoon, inspired by the history of the place, we decided to try something different: a fishing trip. Gijón’s location on the coast made it the perfect spot to venture out onto the water. We joined a small group and set out with a friendly captain called Pedro or Petro, we never found out. He promised us plenty of fish and a good time.For 50 quid. Why not?
The sea was calm, the air crisp, and the views of Gijón from the water were stunning. It’s a really lovely seaside town.
Mary managed to catch a small mackerel, which she proudly showed off to everyone on the boat. I, on the other hand, spent most of the trip untangling my line and providing entertainment for the rest of the group. I hate fishing. The lines and reels, I really “cba” to be honest.
“You’re a natural, Kevin,” Mary teased as I fumbled with the reel.
“At least one of us is catching something,” I replied with a grin.
By the end of the trip, we hadn’t caught enough for a feast, but we’d had a great time—and isn’t that the point? Even if I felt like chucking the whole rod in the sea.
A Simple Evening
Back on dry land, we decided to keep dinner simple. After a day of indulgence, we opted for a casual meal at a local bar overlooking the harbour. Mary ordered grilled sardines, while I went for a plate of calamari. The fresh seafood, paired with a crisp glass of white wine, was the perfect way to end the day.
As we strolled back to our trusty old van, the city lights reflecting on the water, we felt a deep sense of happiness, tiredness and were really slightly squiffy. Gijón had given us exactly what we needed: a day to recharge, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the beauty of where we were.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow, we’d be back on the road, heading west toward new adventures. But for now, we were happy to savour the peace and simplicity of a day well spent in Gijón. Well worth a visit. Next stop is a small village on the coast which I can’t quite remember the name of but that’s for next time.
