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Former water mill (4*)
The Parador de Gijón, occupying a lovingly restored century-old water mill, and still surrounded by water, is in the beautiful Isabel la Católica Park. The park is home to over 102 different species of birds and guests can wonder at the sight of peacocks strolling around the park.
The interior of the Parador is both sunny and cosy with bright windows letting in plenty of natural light and looking onto the neighbouring park. From the Parador's bar you may look out over the old mill pond and the many species of bird that enjoy the water, including both white and black swans. The bar itself retains some of the mill’s old architecture, and much of the Parador aims to emulate the similar style. The rooms are bright benefitting from large windows, with some superior rooms overlooking the magnificent park. In the Parador de Gijon’s restaurant, guests may enjoy a variety of delicious traditional Asturian dishes, including the famous Asturian Fabada stew.
From the Parador it is just a short walk to the popular San Lorenzo beach.
Situated in Asturias in the north of Spain on the Cantabrian Sea, Gijón has played a large part in the region’s history. Since Roman times, Gijón’s ideal coastal position led to the majority of the city’s industry being based around its port and beaches, and to this day this still forms a major part of the city's industry. Like many areas of Spain, Asturias was under the rule of a number of different civilizations, most notably the Romans who claimed the area from the indigenous Asturs. This Roman influence can be seen in many structures around Gijón’s old town, la Cimadevilla, where fragments of Roman structures can still be found, most notably the Campo Valdés Roman Baths. Now a museum, the baths were initially discovered in 1903, but only made open to the public in 1965, and are considered to be one of the most important Roman remains in northern Spain. It was under the Catholic Monarch’s rule that Gijón really thrived and during this time that the city’s current port was built, around which its key industry was formed. The port and beaches allowed for easy trade across the Bay of Biscay, and along with fishing, the coastal industry became the backbone of the city and, as a consequence, Gijón became invaluable to the region as a means of income. This influence can still be felt today as Gijón is incredibly proud of its maritime history, and many museums and features are dedicated to this rich history. The old mill that is now the Parador de Gijón was also very important to the city. Unlike other areas of Spain, wheat was not grown in the region, and instead the mill was used for grains such as spelt and millet and, of course, corn which was traded across the ocean.
For beach lovers, San Lorenzo beach is one of Gijón’s key attractions with incredible views over the Bay of Biscay and Gijon’s impressive coastline. Until recently, it was the only beach within the city limits, before the beaches of Poniente and Arbeyal were constructed to meet local and visitor demands. Although its beaches and port are a huge part of Gijón’s attraction for many visitors, it has much more to offer in terms of culture and natural beauty. Surrounded by expansive areas of native flora and fauna, it provides a beautiful setting for nature lovers. The Monte Deva Nature Reserve is a particularly beautiful spot and can be reached by hiking and biking routes.
The city itself offers up some beautiful architecture, including the Revillagigedo Palace, an incredible blend of Renaissance and baroque architecture. Gijón’s old quarter, the Cimadevilla is home to some of its most important historical sites. One of the most popular buildings is the birthplace of statesman and philosopher Jovellanos, a 15th century building functioning as a museum dedicated to this important figure in Asturian history. Known as the ‘enlightened’, Jovellanos played a large role in the Age of Enlightenment, and his dedication to improving Asturias through education and training, particularly Gijón where young workers were trained in sea trading, made him a highly-valued figure among his countrymen, who considered him a visionary, and as such continue to honour him through the many buildings around the city named after him. The mixture of cultural history, maritime heritage, natural beauty, and modern urban planning means there truly is something for everyone to enjoy in Gijón.
Breakfast is served from 7.30 to 11.00.
Lunch is served from 13.30 to 16.00.
Dinner is served from 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.30 and still enjoy a meal.
Cafe/bar is open from 11.00 to midnight offering drinks, bar snacks and light dishes.
The Parador is located in the residential area of Gijón, in the middle of the'Isabel La Católica' park, next to El Molinón football stadium and the Asturias Trade Show enclosure. Gijón is 28 km from Oviedo along the A-66 motorway and 30 km by the N-630 main road.
Free parking opposite the Parador
The northern region of Asturias is one of the greenest in Spain, home to vast areas of green forest, flora and fauna (including bears) and delightful coastal towns. The Paradors here make the most of these beautiful, natural locations.
