Gijón’s most rewarding tours pack centuries of Spanish history and culture into engaging walks. The essential Guided Tour of Gijón hits all the must-see spots efficiently, while history buffs will appreciate the powerful Civil War Tour that brings the 1930s conflict to life. I’m particularly fond of the Walking Tour – it’s intimate and lets you experience the city like a local, complete with hidden courtyards and secret passages. For maritime enthusiasts, the Sailor Tour offers fascinating insights into the fishing community that shaped this coastal city.
Whether you choose group experiences or opt for private tours to nearby treasures like Covadonga Lakes and Oviedo, these outings work in most weather and accommodate various mobility needs.
Let’s explore the very best tours this charming Asturian city has to offer.
Key Points
- The Guided Tour of Gijón led by an accredited historian provides a rundown of the city’s highlights in 1.5 hours.
- The Civil War Tour explores Gijón’s role during the Spanish Civil War, visiting key sites and discussing the impact of the Condor Legion’s bombing campaign.
- The Gijón Sailor Tour offers an immersive experience showcasing the city’s maritime heritage, fishing culture, and notable cultural figures.
- The Private Tours from Gijón allow for a personalized experience, with options to explore nearby destinations like Cudillero, Luarca, and Oviedo.
- The Excursion to Lakes of Covadonga provides a well-organized day trip featuring round-trip transportation, admission, and lunch, offering good value for the price.
Guided Tour of Gijón
The guided tour of Gijón provides visitors with an immersive experience led by a historian and official guide accredited in Spanish-speaking Asturias.
During this 1.5-hour excursion, travelers will explore the city’s highlights, including the Jovellanos Birthplace Museum.
The meeting point is the Tourist Office of Gijón, where the guide will be present with a green umbrella, making them easy to identify.
The tour concludes at the Ayuntamiento de Gijón, the city’s town hall.
The tour is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM and accommodates a maximum of 25 travelers.
Priced from $11.51 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
Read our full review: Guided Tour of Gijón Review
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Civil War Tour of Gijón
Designed for history enthusiasts, the Civil War Tour of Gijón offers a captivating exploration of the city’s pivotal role during the Spanish Civil War.
Led by renowned historian and official tour guide Denis Soria, the 1.5-hour tour delves into the fall of the Northern Front in 1937, when Gijón became the most bombed city in the region.
Participants will visit key sites, including the Simancas Barracks, the Cimavilla air raid shelter, and the headquarters of the Council of Asturias and León, gaining insights into the defense by popular militias and the devastating impact of the Nazi Condor Legion‘s 500-day bombing campaign.
Throughout the tour, the guide facilitates discussions on the consequences of the Civil War, remembering the victims of both Franco and Republican repression, as well as the plight of refugees and children affected by the conflict.
An essential experience for understanding a significant chapter in Gijón’s history, the Civil War Tour provides a thought-provoking and immersive journey through this turbulent period.
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Fascinating Memories of the Gijon Walking Tour
Although the Gijon Walking Tour may not cover as many sites as some had hoped, the knowledgeable local guide ensures an insightful and engaging exploration of the city’s history.
Visitors praise the guide’s performance, highlighting their ability to bring the past to life with vivid storytelling. However, some have found the tour’s limited attractions and perceived high price for an individual rather than a group to be drawbacks.
The tour begins at the Museo Casa Natal de Jovellanos, where participants can learn about the life of the famous Enlightenment thinker, Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos.
The journey then takes them through the city’s streets, concluding at the picturesque Parque de Begoña.
While the tour may not offer a rundown of Gijon, it provides a focused and enriching glimpse into the city’s history and culture, making it a worthwhile experience for those seeking a more intimate exploration of this beautiful Spanish destination.
Read our full review: Fascinating Memories of the Gijon Walking Tour Review
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Gijón Sailor Tour
Gijón’s Sailor Tour offers visitors an immersive glimpse into the maritime heritage and fishing culture of this Asturian port city. Priced at just $10.28 per person, the 1.5-hour walking tour explores the historic fishing neighborhood of Cimavilla, uncovering the cultural memory and stories of the local seafaring community.
Guests will start at the Casa Paquet tourist office and venture to landmarks like the Tránsitu de Ballenes and La Soledad chapel, once the headquarters of the seafarers guild.
Along the way, they’ll discover the history of Asturian whale hunting and the sardine market, learning about the canning industry that sustained generations of fishing families.
The tour also highlights notable local figures, such as La Tarabica and Telvina, and discusses the first women’s strike involving cigar makers from the nearby tobacco factory.
Read our full review: Gijón Sailor Tour Review
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Full-Day Cudillero and Luarca Private Tour From Gijon
This full-day private tour from Gijón takes visitors to explore the picturesque Asturian fishing villages of Luarca and Cudillero.
The tour offers a personalized experience, with a private format and a professional guide or guide/driver for groups up to 3 passengers. Travelers can discover the local culture, daily lifestyles, and gastronomy of these charming towns. They’ll have the opportunity to see a fishing auction, a unique glimpse into the region’s maritime heritage.
The tour also includes the option to upgrade and enjoy a short or longer menu lunch at a local restaurant. Pricing starts at $370.52 per person, with variation based on group size.
Travelers praise the superb guides, stunning views, and cultural insights provided on the tour. The villages of Luarca and Cudillero are highlighted as hidden gems, with recommendations for delicious seafood meals.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this private tour is an excellent way to explore the Asturian coast from Gijón.
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Private Tour to Gijón
Explore the heart of Gijón on this private city tour. For $128.54 per group, you’ll discover the secrets and famous neighborhoods of this coastal city during the 2-hour experience.
A live guide will be available in Spanish and English to lead you through the historic streets, including Cimadevilla and Plaza Mayor. You’ll view essential monuments like the church of San Pedro, Jovellanos’ birthplace, and the Palace of Revillagigedo.
The tour provides a contrast between modern and old Gijón, with highlights like the seafaring essence along Santa Catalina hill and Elogio del Horizonte.
You’ll also learn about Roman vestiges in Plaza del Marqués and see the statue of Don Pelayo and the Cider Tree. The tour concludes at the Marina, featuring the photogenic Jardines de la Reina (Queens Gardens) and latrons.
The itinerary is adaptable to your interests, whether it’s history, local culture, or dining recommendations. This private tour is ideal for first-time visitors or those seeking in-depth knowledge of Gijón.
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Private Cultural Tour of Oviedo With Pickup
Departing from Gijón, this private cultural tour immerses visitors in the historic charm of Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. Highlights include a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Gothic-style Oviedo Cathedral, as well as visits to the Plaza del Fontan and Plaza Porlier.
Travelers can expect a personalized experience, thanks to the private tour format. The tour includes round-trip transportation, an Oviedo Cathedral ticket, and a professional local guide to provide insights into the city’s Romanesque architecture and Spanish gastronomy.
Guests can choose from three lunch menu options, ranging from 10€ to 25€ with drinks included.
With a starting price of $373.66 per person, the tour earns high marks from past participants, boasting a 5.0 rating on both Viator and Tripadvisor.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand allows for added flexibility when booking. Whether history, architecture, or cuisine piques one’s interest, this private tour of Oviedo offers an enriching cultural experience.
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Gijón: Walking Tour of the Historic Center
Gijón’s historic center comes alive on this engaging walking tour, guiding visitors through the city’s Celtic and Roman past. Priced at $92.55 for up to 5 participants, the 2-hour excursion explores iconic landmarks, including the picturesque Marina, the grand Revillagigedo Palace, and the charming Cimadevilla fishermen’s neighborhood.
Along the way, travelers will enjoy views of sailboats and the Cantabrian Sea, while learning about Gijón’s rich history from knowledgeable, English-speaking guides known for their engaging storytelling. The tour starts at the sculpture of Gijón letters in Puerto Deportivo and includes stops at San Lorenzo Beach, the city wall, and Plaza Mayor.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option for hotel pickup, this walking tour offers an accessible and flexible way to discover Gijón’s historic highlights. Traveler reviews highlight the tour’s quality, praising the guides’ expertise and the trip’s overall enjoyment.
Read our full review: Gijón: Walking Tour of the Historic Center Review
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Excursion to the Lakes of Covadonga and Cangas De Onís From Gijón
While visiting Gijón, travelers can embark on an immersive excursion to explore the stunning Lakes of Covadonga and the charming town of Cangas de Onís. This highly-rated tour, priced at $43.96 per person, departs from central Gijón at 8:30 a.m. and includes round-trip transportation, admission to the Lakes of Covadonga, and a delicious lunch.
Despite the tour’s accessibility limitations, the maximum group size of 51 travelers ensures a personalized experience under the guidance of a professional, knowledgeable guide.
While weather conditions may impact visibility, the tour provider acknowledges this and offers alternative activities to enhance the overall experience.
Positive reviews highlight the excursion’s intensity, the comfort of the modern bus, and the professionalism of the staff.
Though some guests were disappointed by the fog obscuring the lakes, they praised the comprehensive nature of the tour and the provider’s efforts to address the weather-related challenges.
Read our full review: Excursion to the Lakes of Covadonga and Cangas De Onís From Gijón Review
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Sum Up
Gijón offers a wealth of tours that cater to diverse interests. From guided walks through the historic center to immersive experiences exploring the city’s civil war and maritime heritage, visitors can dive deep into the local culture and history. Whether you’re interested in architecture, nature, or simply sightseeing, Gijón’s tour offerings provide an enriching way to discover the city’s charms.