Out and about in Avilés

Exploring Avilés by hire car
Avilés is a good base from which to explore the Asturias coastline and the many important towns nearby. Avilés is a modern city, attracting tourists with its rich history and attractive old buildings.

Avilés’ historic quarter has been declared a Historic-Artistic site, since it houses significant gems of civil and religious architecture. The main attractions are: the pedestrian streets of Galiana and Rivero; Plaza de España with its City Hall; the old church of Sabugo, dating from the 13th century; and the modern Santo Tomás de Canterbury. Shoppers are well catered for here, and there are many bars and clubs, due to the high student population.

Gijon, a short drive away, is noted for its lovely beach area, wonderful leafy parks and interesting museums. For night-time entertainment, the beach area and the main drag running away from it offer a host of bars and clubs. To the south of Avilés, Oviedo is another likeable Asturian town, with fine pre-Romanesque churches and beautiful surroundings.

La Coruña lies to the west of Avilés and has some fantastic beaches and attractions. This was where the supposedly unbeatable Spanish Armada sailed from in 1588 to defeat the English. The 2nd century Torre de Hércules lighthouse still stands guard over a rocky promontory, and the 16th century fortress houses the excellent Archaeological and History Museum.

Another popular daytrip by car is to León, south of Avilés. The city boasts a glorious Gothic cathedral and the basilica of San Isidoro, often called ‘Spain’s Sistine Chapel’. An alternative to León, the city of Ponferrada has an old quarter boasting a huge castle with imposing walls and towers. The nearby Valley of Silence makes for some wonderful driving out of Ponferrada.

The Picos de Europa mountain range lies to the southeast of Avilés and can be navigated by car to reach the stunning Lakes of Covadonga, near the peaks. Farther south is the small ski resort of San Isidoro, a favourite for skiers during the winter months.

Avilés is on the north-south A-66 highway, which is connected to the A-6 (Madrid–La Coruña) highway by the N-630. The E-80 runs along the northern coast from southwest France and on to Avilés.

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