Aviles Travel Forum Reviews

Aviles

Description

You know those places you stumble upon that just surprise you? That’s Avilés for me. Tucked along the northern coast of Asturias, Spain, this town is colorful in both spirit and architecture – and woefully underrated in the grand scheme of Spanish travel itineraries. People harp on about Oviedo or Gijón and somehow skip right over Avilés. Weird, right? I’ll admit, the first time I visited, I didn’t expect much. But Avilés, with its winding medieval streets, edgy modern art scene, and that ever-present scent of sea in the air, won me over. You get a mash-up of centuries-old traditions and gutsy modernity, which is actually pretty rare in towns its size.

What’ll strike you first? Probably the contrast: the polished, almost futuristic lines of the Niemeyer Centre cater-cornered with timeworn arcades and palazzos in the historic center. You wander just a few steps and you find yourself weaving between local tapas bars under stone arches, sampling cider and people-watching as life flows around you.

And, honestly, Avilés isn’t just pretty to look at. There’s substance here. It’s got a salt-of-the-earth vibe, coming from its industrial backbone and storied history as a port. The locals call it their “ciudad de hierro” (city of iron), a proud nod to their heritage. There’s a grounded authenticity in the winding pedestrian streets, the smoky scent from local grills, and the lively banter in sidrerías. One of my favorite memories from Avilés is just sitting by the estuary in the late afternoon sun with a crisp glass of Asturian cider, watching the world amble by – slow, relaxed, no rush.

In short: Avilés is a storybook town with a twist. If you’re tired of the usual tourist trails and want somewhere that feels lived-in, walked-on, and real – Avilés is your kind of place.

Key Features

  • Historic Old Town: Think meticulously preserved stone arcades, cobbled alleyways, and facades painted every color of the rainbow. The Plaza de España is perfect for people-watching and photography.
  • Centro Niemeyer: Oscar Niemeyer’s only work in Spain stands out on the skyline. All curves and white concrete, this arts center draws international acts, bold exhibitions, and public events. You’ve never seen anything quite like it in a small Spanish town.
  • Gastronomy Scene: Avilés is cider-country, if you haven’t guessed by now. Try local specialties like “fabada” or fresh seafood tapas in hole-in-the-wall taverns, or – if you’re lucky – catch a post-siesta pastry run (trust me, ask for a carbayón).
  • Coastal Proximity: You’re a short drive (or hearty walk) from beaches like Salinas. It’s perfect for an impromptu surf session or a lazy day in the sand. And the sunsets? Absolute fire, especially after a day exploring.
  • Surprising Street Art: Don’t sleep on Avilés’ urban art. Follow the murals that pepper the port district and give the city its new creative energy.
  • Lively Festivals: From the annual Avilés Interceltic Festival to the quirky Carnival (Antroxu), the calendar is packed with reasons to join the party.
  • Natural Reserves: El Paraje Natural de las Hoces del Rio Esva and the protected marshlands around the estuary offer walking and birdwatching, so pack your binoculars…or just your curiosity.
  • Friendly Locals: People are genuinely warm and welcoming here. Sure, you might need to brush up on your Spanish, but a smile goes a long way.
  • Shopping: Artisan shops hidden in the old streets offer ceramics, local cheeses, and quirky souvenirs that don’t scream “tourist”.
  • Less Touristy: Unlike better-known spots, you’re less likely to be jostled by crowds. It feels more personal, more yours.

Best Time to Visit

When planning for Avilés, timing really does matter. I’ll shoot straight with you – this is the north of Spain. The climate here is famously “green” (Asturias is called the Spain’s Natural Paradise), and, sure, that means rain is just part of the deal. If you like bluebird skies and peak outdoor vibes, late spring through early autumn (let’s say May to September) is your golden ticket. That’s when you’ll catch sidewalk cafes bustling, live music drifting out from every corner, and the town at its liveliest. July and August have the best beach weather. Just be ready for more activity as locals take their own vacations.

But, if you’re like me and love fewer crowds and don’t mind swapping sunglasses for an umbrella, shoulder seasons are killer for exploring street art, sample cider in cozy bars, and just meander without bumping into packs of tourists. Winter is mild, but wetter – which means vivid landscapes, empty museums, and something delightfully introspective about the mist over the estuary at sunrise.

Pro tip: If you can swing it, plan your trip to coincide with Carnival in February or March—Avilés goes all out for “Antroxu.” The whole city transforms into a riot of costumes, music, and good-natured mischief. And if that’s not enough, the Interceltic Festival in summer pulls in folk musicians from across Europe. There’s a unique charm to Avilés no matter the month, but those festival days? Unforgettable.

How to Get There

Honestly, getting to Avilés isn’t rocket science, but it does reward the traveler with a sense of arrival—you’re off the high-speed, big-city tracks and on to something different. That said, you’ve got options.

If you’re flying in, Asturias Airport (OVD) is just 15 minutes away by taxi or regular bus line. It’s one of the handiest airports in Spain, at least for proximity to the city. Rail buffs can catch frequent trains from Oviedo or Gijón; Renfe’s FEVE line drops you right at the edge of the historic center. Buses, too, run like clockwork along the Asturian coast, so you’re pretty well-connected to nearby cities. And of course, if you’re on a road trip along Spain’s N-632 or A-8 motorway, Avilés is a no-brainer pit stop that becomes a main attraction.

Frankly, the best way to see Avilés itself is on foot. The old center begs for wandering, and you’ll constantly happen upon bakery aromas or sound of a folk band tuning up—for me, this makes arrival feel less like a checkpoint and more like a discovery.

Tips for Visiting