Private Tour of Gijón

Gijón’s rich cultural heritage and fishing history come alive on this private tour. Designed for small groups, the two-hour experience delves into the vibrant Cimavilla district, where visitors uncover the stories of local fishermen, the sardine industry, and unique Asturian sea-related vocabulary. Led by an accredited guide, the tour promises a deep dive into the city’s maritime legacy – a journey that’s sure to captivate those seeking to explore the cultural memory of this captivating port town.

Key Points

• This private tour of Gijón focuses on the city’s cultural heritage and fishing history, lasting 2 hours and conducted in Spanish.
• The tour explores the cultural memory of the port of Xixón, including the history of whale hunting and the sardine industry.
• Highlights include visits to the Tránsitu de Ballenes, La Soledad chapel, and the fishing neighborhood of Cimavilla.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to cobblestone streets and is designed as a private group experience.
• The tour provides insights into Asturian sea-related vocabulary, such as "Rula" (fish market) and "Monxes" (clams).

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private tour of Gijón offers an in-depth exploration of the city’s cultural heritage and fishing history.

Priced from $135.22 for a group of up to 5 participants, the 2-hour Spanish-language tour provides a chance to discover Gijón’s port and fishing district.

Discover Gijón’s port and fishing district on a 2-hour Spanish-language tour for up to 5 participants, priced from $135.22.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s no upfront payment required to reserve a spot.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, but it’s led by an official, accredited Spanish-speaking guide, ensuring an immersive cultural experience.

Cultural and Historical Insights

The private tour of Gijón offers guests an opportunity to explore the cultural memory of the port of Xixón and its fishing district. Visitors will learn about the history of whale hunting in the Cantabrian Sea and discover the story of Xixón fishermen and the sardine industry. The tour also includes a visit to the Jovellanos Birthplace Museum, which focuses on sea-related works. To further emphasize the maritime heritage, the following table outlines some key Asturian words related to the sea:

| Asturian Word | English Meaning |

| — | — |

| Rula | Fish market |

| Monxes | Clams |

| Xixón | Gijón |

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at Casa Paquet, the tourist office, where you will then visit Tránsitu de Ballenes and La Soledad chapel, the old seafarers’ guild.

The guide will discuss:

• Inshore fishing

• The canning industry

• Street sales by women

• Asturian words related to the sea

The group will walk through the fishing neighborhood of Cimavilla, featuring colorful fishermen’s houses, and conclude near the Municipal Fish Market.

Throughout the tour, the guide will share insights into the cultural memory of the port of Xixón and its fishing district.

Key Locations

Casa Paquet (Oficina de Turismo) serves as the meeting point for the private tour of Gijón. From there, the tour explores Tránsitu de Ballenes and La Soledad chapel, the old seafarers guild. Guests discuss inshore fishing, the canning industry, and street sales by women as they walk through the fishing neighborhood of Cimavilla, with its colorful fishermen’s houses. The tour concludes near the Municipal Fish Market, where Asturian words related to the sea are explored.

| Location | Description |

| — | — |

| Casa Paquet (Oficina de Turismo) | Meeting point |

| Tránsitu de Ballenes | Old seafarers guild |

| La Soledad chapel | Old seafarers guild |

| Old rula (fish market) | Exploration site |

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Tour Restrictions

This private tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as the itinerary involves navigating through the historic fishing neighborhood of Cimavilla, which may present accessibility challenges.

The tour is designed as a private group experience with an official accredited Spanish-speaking guide.

Key tour restrictions include:

• Not wheelchair accessible

• Private group tour only

• Conducted in Spanish language

• Comfortable footwear recommended due to cobblestone streets

The tour focuses on the cultural memory and history of Gijón’s port and fishing district, providing an immersive experience that may not be suitable for all visitors.

Explore the Cultural Memory of the Port

As visitors embark on this private tour, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural memory of Gijón’s vibrant port. They’ll learn about the city’s storied history of whale hunting in the Cantabrian Sea and the integral role of the fishing industry, including the sardine trade and street sales by women. The tour will take them through the charming Cimavilla neighborhood, where they can admire the colorful fishermen’s houses and gain insights into the Asturian language related to the sea. A truly immersive experience awaits.

| Explore | Discover | Learn |

| — | — | — |

| Cultural memory of the port | Whale hunting in the Cantabrian Sea | History of Gijón fishermen and sardine industry |

| Fishing district and inshore fishing | Canning industry and street sales by women | Asturian words related to the sea |

| Tránsitu de Ballenes and La Soledad chapel | Jovellanos Birthplace Museum and sea-related works | Charm of Cimavilla’s fishermen’s houses |

| Old rula (fish market) | Plaza Arturo Arias (formerly Campu les Monxes) | Vibrant port and its role in the city |

| Rich history and traditions of the port | Evolving landscape and modern-day significance | Immersive cultural experience for visitors |

Discover the History of Xixón Fishermen

The rich history of Xixón’s fishermen is deeply intertwined with the city’s maritime heritage.

Visitors will learn about the thriving sardine industry that once dominated the local economy, as well as the dangerous practice of whale hunting in the Cantabrian Sea.

The tour explores:

• The role of inshore fishing and its impact on the community

• The evolution of the canning industry and its reliance on local seafood

• The tradition of street sales by women, who were crucial to the fishing trade

• The unique Asturian words and phrases related to the sea and seafaring

Uncover the Sardine Industry and Street Sales

A thriving sardine industry once dominated Xixón’s local economy, with the coastal city playing a crucial role in the production and distribution of this prized seafood. Fishermen would bring in their daily catch, which women would then sort, clean, and sell directly to consumers on the streets. This street-side commerce was an integral part of Xixón’s fishing culture, with the women developing their own unique Asturian vocabulary to describe their wares.

| Product | Price | Quantity |

|——–|——-|———-|

| Fresh Sardines | €2.50/kg | 5 kg |

| Smoked Sardines | €3.75/kg | 3 kg |

| Canned Sardines | €1.25/can | 20 cans |

| Sardine Pâté | €4.00/jar | 8 jars |

The sardine industry’s lasting impact can still be felt in Xixón today, as the tour explores the city’s rich maritime heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food or Refreshment Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not include any food or refreshments. It’s a walking tour focused on cultural and historical insights about Gijón’s fishing industry and seafaring heritage. Participants can purchase their own meals or snacks during the free time.

Can I Bring My Own Camera or Video Equipment?

Yes, participants can bring their own camera or video equipment on the tour. The tour includes opportunities to capture photos and videos of the various cultural and historical sites visited throughout the 2-hour experience.

Are There Any Physical Activity Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has no physical activity requirements. It’s a walking tour that explores the cultural and historical sites of the area, but there’s no strenuous hiking or activities that would be challenging for most participants.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with participants exploring the fishing neighborhood of Cimavilla and visiting several key locations. Travelers should be prepared for approximately 2 hours of leisurely paced walking during the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration is fixed at 2 hours, but there’s no option to extend it. The tour focuses on providing a comprehensive cultural and historical experience within the allotted time frame.

The Sum Up

This private tour of Gijón offers an immersive experience into the city’s rich fishing heritage and cultural traditions. Visitors can explore the stories of local fishermen, the sardine industry, and unique Asturian sea-related vocabulary while exploring key locations like the Jovellanos Birthplace Museum and the Municipal Fish Market. Led by an accredited guide, the tour provides a unique opportunity to uncover the cultural memory and history of this vibrant port city.

You can check availability for your dates here: