Enjoy open green spaces and feel like you have travelled back to medieval times in this historic and verdant city by the Bay of Biscay.
Enclosed by picturesque headlands and islands, Avilés is a charming port city with a range of historic sights, spacious plazas and religious gems. Intriguing sculptures adorn the banks of the Avilés Estuary and the scenic parks. Admire the colourful façades of the old buildings that decorate the medieval centre.
Stroll through the charming colonnades and gaze up at the intricate balconies and terraces of the historic town centre. Narrow cobbled lanes meet grand, spacious plazas in this lively district full of restaurants and bars. Relax with a coffee on a table set on the Plaza España, known by locals as El Parche, and watch people go by.
Walk along the pedestrian streets that branch off from the colourful tiles of the square and browse the many boutiques and stores. Among the highlights of the city centre is the Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre. Snap photos of its domes and towers, with the colourful Puente de SanSebastián (Bridge of San Sebastian) in the foreground. Dine in the cultural centre’s tower and watch dramatic performances in the auditorium.
Marvel at the two intricate façades of the Camposagrado Palace. The 17th-century structure once housed the Marquises of Camposagrado. Relax by its colourful floral displays and inspect the statues in the Muelle Park, across the road from the palace’s northern façade. Meander along the looping paths of the larger Ferrera Park and make the time to explore Meanas Park too. Green spaces abound in this leafy city, which has warm summers and cold winters.
The city is located in the province of Asturias, in the northwestern corner of Spain. Fly to Asturias Airport and drive east for 9 miles (14 kilometres) to get here in 25 minutes. Buses take passengers directly from the airport to the city centre. Visit the nearby cities of Oviedo and Gijón, which are each about half an hour away by car.
Visit Avilés to see mesmerizing works of modern art alongside a stunning medieval centre and lovely green spaces.
