Rent a Motorhome in Gijón: Your Gateway to Green Spain

Gijón: Your Asturian Adventure Starts Here

Welcome to Gijón (Xixón in Asturian), the vibrant coastal heart of Asturias, often called 'Green Spain'. Situated on the stunning Bay of Biscay, Gijón is a city that perfectly blends a rich maritime history with a lively, modern energy. With a population of around 270,000, it's a bustling hub that serves as the ideal launchpad for your adventure when you decide to rent a motorhome Gijón. The decision to rent a camper Gijón is your first step towards an incredible journey through one of Spain's most spectacular regions.

A Glimpse into History and Geography

Gijón's story begins in Roman times, when it was known as 'Gigia'. You can still walk through its ancient past in the Cimavilla district, the old fisherman's quarter, with its narrow, winding streets perched on the Santa Catalina headland. The city's industrial past, fueled by coal and steel, has given way to a post-industrial renaissance, transforming it into a center for tourism, culture, and university life. Geographically, Gijón is blessed. It's framed by the sea to the north and rolling green hills that soon become the majestic peaks of the Picos de Europa to the south. This unique position means one day you can be surfing at the city's San Lorenzo Beach, and the next, you could be hiking in the mountains, all accessible after you rent a motorhome Gijón.

Climate and Best Time to Travel

Asturias has a temperate oceanic climate, meaning mild summers and cool, rainy winters. The best time to visit is from June to September when temperatures are pleasant (averaging 20-25°C or 68-77°F), and rainfall is at its lowest. This is the perfect season for those who choose to rent a camper Gijón, as you can take full advantage of the coastline and outdoor activities. However, spring (April-May) and autumn (October) are also beautiful, with fewer crowds and the landscape painted in vibrant colors. For those seeking a rugged challenge in the mountains, it's wise to rent a 4x4 camper Gijón, which provides the sturdiness needed for less predictable weather and terrain outside the peak summer months. Famous personalities like the Enlightenment thinker Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos hail from Gijón, and his influence is still felt in the city's cultural institutions. Today, Gijón is celebrated for its quality of life, its fantastic gastronomy centered around fresh seafood and cider (sidra), and its welcoming atmosphere. It’s more than just a starting point; it's a destination in itself. When you plan to rent a motorhome Gijón, be sure to schedule a day or two to simply soak in the city's unique charm before hitting the open road.

Must-See Sights and Activities In and Around Gijón

Once you rent a motorhome Gijón, you have the freedom to explore a wealth of attractions at your own pace. The city and its surroundings are packed with history, nature, and culture.

Cimavilla & Elogio del Horizonte: The soul of Gijón resides in Cimavilla, the old fisherman's quarter. Lose yourself in its charming, narrow streets, discover hidden cider bars, and walk up to the Cerro de Santa Catalina. Here you'll find the iconic 'Elogio del Horizonte' (Eulogy to the Horizon), a monumental concrete sculpture by Eduardo Chillida. It's the best spot for panoramic views of the sea and the city.

Playa de San Lorenzo: This magnificent 1.5 km long urban beach is the city's playground. Perfect for a long walk along its promenade (El Muro), sunbathing, or trying your hand at surfing. Its lively atmosphere is contagious.

Jardín Botánico Atlántico: Just outside the city center, this Atlantic Botanical Garden is a haven of peace. It showcases the diverse flora of the Atlantic regions and is a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon. Your campervan gives you the flexibility to visit these green spaces easily.

Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura: Prepare to be amazed by this monumental architectural complex, built in the mid-20th century. It's the largest building in Spain and now houses a center for art, culture, and education. The sheer scale of the church, tower, and courtyard is breathtaking.

Museo del Pueblo de Asturias: To understand the region's soul, visit this ethnographic museum. It features traditional Asturian buildings, including 'hórreos' (raised granaries), a bagpipe museum, and exhibits on rural life. It’s an essential stop when you rent a camper Gijón to connect with local heritage.

Roman Baths of Campo Valdés: Located at the foot of Cimavilla, these well-preserved Roman baths date back to the 1st century AD and offer a fascinating glimpse into Gijón's ancient origins.

Unforgettable Road Trips from Gijón

Your decision to rent a motorhome Gijón opens up some of the most scenic driving routes in Europe. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

🚐 The Coastal Dinosaur Route & Picos de Europa (5-7 Days)

🍏 The Cider Route & Mining Valleys (3-4 Days)

Returning Your Campervan Spotless in Gijón

After an amazing road trip, it's time to return your campervan. Most rental agreements, including ours at Campcruisers, require you to return the vehicle with a clean interior and exterior. Finding a car wash that can accommodate a high-top motorhome can be tricky, as standard automatic car washes are too low.

You need to look for facilities with high bays for vans or, even better, designated washing areas for trucks and large vehicles ('Lavado de Camiones'). When you rent a motorhome Gijón, planning this final step will save you time and stress.

Here are a few suitable options in and around Gijón where you can get your campervan cleaned:

1. Estación de Servicio Repsol (Polígono de Porceyo)
These service stations on industrial estates often have high-pressure jet wash bays with platforms that are perfect for reaching the roof of your motorhome. They are designed for commercial vehicles and are a safe bet.
Address: C. de la Agricultura, 161, 33211 Gijón, Asturias

2. Elefante Azul Gijón
This is a self-service jet wash facility. While it has standard car bays, it usually features at least one or two extra-high bays specifically for vans and motorhomes. Check for the 'furgoneta' or 'autocaravana' signs.
Address: Av. de la República Argentina, 73, 33213 Gijón, Asturias

3. Gasexpress Gijón (Roces)
Many Gasexpress locations feature open-air jet wash stations that don't have a height limit, allowing you to wash your vehicle easily. They are a reliable and cost-effective option.
Address: C. de Salvador Allende, 10, 33211 Gijón, Asturias

Pro Tip: Always bring some large sponges and a long-handled brush with you on your trip. This makes cleaning the exterior at a self-service wash much easier!

Your International Journey to Gijón

Your journey to Gijón to pick up your campervan is the start of the adventure. Here’s how you can get there from major English-speaking countries.

The main gateway to the region is Asturias Airport (OVD), located about 40 km west of Gijón.

From the UK & Ireland:
You'll find direct flights to Asturias (OVD) from London Stansted (STN) and London Gatwick (LGW). There may also be seasonal direct flights from Dublin (DUB). If direct flights aren't available, a convenient one-stop connection via Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN) is your best option. An alternative for UK travellers is taking the ferry from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander or Bilbao. From either port, it's a scenic 2-3 hour drive to Gijón, a perfect way to start if you rent a motorhome Gijón.

From the USA & Canada:
There are no direct flights to Asturias from North America. Your most common route will be to fly from major hubs like New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), or Toronto (YYZ) to a major European hub. The easiest connections are through Madrid (MAD) with airlines like Iberia or Air Europa. Other excellent options include connecting through Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM, Paris (CDG) with Air France, or London (LHR) with British Airways, followed by a short flight to OVD.

From Australia, New Zealand & South Africa:
Your journey will be a long-haul flight with at least two stops. Typically, you will fly from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Auckland (AKL), or Johannesburg (JNB) to a major hub in the Middle East (like Dubai with Emirates or Doha with Qatar Airways) or Asia (like Singapore). From there, you'll fly to a major European city like Madrid or Amsterdam before taking the final connecting flight to Asturias (OVD).

Once you land at Asturias Airport (OVD), you can easily reach Gijón via airport bus or taxi to pick up the campervan you chose when you decided to rent a camper Gijón.