Gijon
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| Gijon Port of Entry
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 The harbour of Gijon |
Gijon is a major industrial city and harbour on the coast of Asturias in NW Spain, roughly half way along the northern coast. Originally a Roman settlement called Gigia, its strategic position and sheltered harbour enabled it to prosper from the growing trade with the Americas during the period of Spanish empire from the 18th century onwards. Today Gijon has a population of 275,000 and a thriving tourist industry, attracted especially by the city’s nine beaches. Many parts of the old town remain attractive and the marina of Gijon in the former fishing harbour is a good place to leave a yacht for a trip into the Picos de Europa National Park about 50 miles to the SE.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 1291 - Santander to Gijon
- 1153 - Approaches to Gijon
- Imray
- C43 - Santander to A Coruna
Weather
Gijon is sheltered from the prevailing Biscay winds of SW round to NW, although any winds from N round to ENE send a swell down into the bay and may make the marina entrance dangerous.
Sources for Weather forecasts: See Spain.
Passages
List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Islands
None.
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
The marina of Gijon lies immediately to the west of the headland of Santa Catalina, which has a conspicuous sculpture Elogio del Horizonte at its end. (Details needed of safe approach to marina). The approach channel to the marina has a lowest depth of 2.5 metres, so it is important to check the tide tables before entering. In strong northerly winds, the swell might make entry inadvisable.
Entrance
Gijon is a port of entry/exit to Spain.
Submit details about facilities for checking in - location of immigration & customs, etc.
Berthing
Call Puerto Deportivo de Gijon on VHF channel 09 or telephone: +34 985 344 543 or Email
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
The Puerto Deportivo de Gijon is constructed in the 19th century fishing harbour, sheltered by a breakwater extending WSW from the promontory of Santa Catalina. Within the harbour there are four basins with a total of around 800 berths. Plans are in place to increase the number to 1050. Depths within the marina range from 3.0 - 3.5 metres (although some yachts have reported as little as 2.5 metres at low water). Visitors berths on finger pontoons in the outer basin, which is immediately to port on entry to the harbour. Manoeuvering into some of the berths can be tricky for larger yachts, especially on the most easterly pontoon, where there are small craft moorings laid close to the pontoon. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Toilets and showers. Laundry. Slipway. Workshops. Travel lift (20T). The marina office is located at the SE corner of the outer basin. A fuel pontoon is sited on the opposite side of the quay, behind the marina office.
Anchorages
Anchoring off one of the beaches to the west or east of the marina is possible, but only in settled weather.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
Most basic repairs possible in the marina.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel is available from the fuel berth to port in the inner dock from 0800 - 21.30 in high season and 0900 - 1830 in low season. Water and electricity is available on all the pontoons.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The old town of Gijon is right next to the marina and has a few surviving 16th and 17th century buildings. The Revillagigado Palace is a particularly fine example. There is also a good walk north from the marina out to the Cerro de Santa Catalina park on the headland, with superb views out to sea and a massive contemporary sculpture of Elogio del Horizonte (tribute to the horizon). If you are here at the end of July, the Folclorico Internacional Festival, when the Plaza Mayor is closed for several nights for performances by dance and music groups from all over the world, is an absolute must.
founder of the Kingdom of Asturias
Grocery & Supply Stores
Supermarket and provisions shops close to the marina. Hardware/basic chandlery in the old town.
Eateries
Numerous bars and good fish restaurants around the harbour. There are also some good sidrerias (cider bars) in the Plaza Mayor.
Internet/WiFi
In the marina.
Laundry
At the marina office.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Rental outlets in the town.
Garbage Disposal
Bins around the marina.
Transportation
List transportation (local and/or international.)
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Gijon at the Wikipedia
References & Publications
See Spain.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Gijon and this page's details validated:
- July 2000 --Atheneoflymington
- September 2013 --Raz
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 Contributors to this page |
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
