Poniente Beach

WEST BEACH OR EL PANDO

Location

Rodriguez San Pedro Street

Length: 500 m.

Type of sand: Golden sand

How to get there: Easy walking and by car

Bathing season: From May 1 to October 15

Service for people with disabilities and/or reduced mobility

From June 15th to September 15th. From 12:00h to 20:00h

Public Toilets: From 06:00 hours to 23:00 hours

Dogs: No

Bus: L1 , L4 , L6 , L12 , L16

Large walking area

Located west of the marina, Poniente Beach is one of the most popular beaches for families visiting Gijón. This artificial beach, created in the 1990s, is characterized by its calm waters and family atmosphere. With a length of approximately 500 meters, Poniente offers a more secluded and less crowded space than San Lorenzo, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.

A Destination for All

Poniente Beach is one of Gijón’s most accessible and attractive treasures. With its welcoming atmosphere, complete facilities and privileged location in the heart of the city, this urban beach is the perfect place for those looking to combine a relaxing day by the sea with the convenience of being close to all the services and attractions that Gijón has to offer.

Whether you are planning a family trip, a romantic getaway or just a relaxing day during your visit to Gijon, Poniente Beach offers everything you need to enjoy the Asturian coast to the fullest. Don’t hesitate to include it in your itinerary and discover why it is one of the favorite beaches of both locals and tourists in Gijon.

History of Poniente Beach

The history of Poniente Beach is relatively recent, although its location has played an important role in the maritime history of Gijón. Originally, the area where the beach is located was a port and industrial area that, at the end of the 20th century, was transformed as part of an ambitious urban regeneration project that sought to return a high quality coastal space to the citizens.

Inaugurated in 1995, the Poniente Beach is a perfect example of how Gijón has been able to combine its rich industrial legacy with the need to create green and leisure spaces. Today, the beach has become a symbol of the city’s urban rebirth, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy its modern facilities, well-kept surroundings and proximity to some of the city’s main points of interest.

Characteristics of Poniente Beach

The Poniente Beachstretches for 500 meters and has a variable width that reaches 90 meters at its maximum point during low tide. Its golden sand, which has been carefully maintained and regenerated, is perfect for those who enjoy walking along the shore or simply relaxing in the sun. The beach faces west, which makes it a privileged place to enjoy spectacular sunsets.

The waters of Poniente Beach are known for being calm and safe, making it ideal for swimming and light water activities. Thanks to the natural protection provided by the marina basin, the waves are generally small, offering a safe and relaxed environment for swimmers of all ages. This tranquility makes the beach especially popular with families with children, as well as older adults looking for a carefree swimming spot.

Infrastructure and Services

One of the great advantages of Poniente Beach is its complete and modern infrastructure, which guarantees a comfortable and pleasant experience for all visitors. The beach has showers, changing rooms and toilets, as well as designated areas for people with reduced mobility, including access ramps and walkways that facilitate movement. During the summer months, the beach is guarded by a team of professional lifeguards, which adds an extra layer of safety for bathers.

The promenade along the Poniente Beach is one of the busiest in Gijón. This wide promenade, ideal for walking, cycling or simply enjoying the sea view, is flanked by a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. These establishments offer a delicious selection of typical Asturian dishes, such as cachopo, fabada and fresh seafood, making Poniente an excellent place to combine a day at the beach with a first-class gastronomic experience.

In addition, the Poniente Beach has a children’s play area, which makes it a particularly attractive place for families. Here, the little ones can enjoy swings and slides while their parents relax on the sand or on the nearby café terraces.

Activities at Poniente Beach

Poniente Beach is not only a place for sunbathing and swimming, but also a reference point for various recreational and sporting activities. During the summer, the beach becomes the setting for numerous water activities, from surf lessons for beginners to kayak and paddle surf rentals. In addition, the beach is known for being the perfect place to practice beach volleyball, with several courts available for public use.

On the same beach is the Gijón Aquarium, one of the city’s major tourist attractions. This impressive aquarium houses a wide variety of marine species, both local and exotic, and offers an educational and fun experience for the whole family. Visitors can explore more than 60 different aquariums, recreating marine ecosystems from around the world, from the Bay of Biscay to the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Another popular activity at Poniente Beach is bird watching. Thanks to its location near the port area, the beach and its surroundings are an ideal place to observe a variety of marine and migratory birds, making it an interesting destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Environment and Accessibility

Poniente Beach enjoys a privileged location in Gijón, just a few steps from the city center. This makes it one of the most accessible beachesfor those who visit Gijón and wish to enjoy a day of sun and sea without having to leave the city center. The beach is well connected by public transport, with several bus lines passing nearby, and also has ample parking in the immediate vicinity, making it easy to reach for those who prefer to arrive by car.

In addition, the proximity of Poniente Beach to other points of tourist interest, such as the Marina, San Lorenzo Beach and the historic center of Gijón, allows visitors to easily combine a day at the beach with the exploration of other cultural and leisure aspects that the city has to offer.

Sporting and Cultural Events in Poniente

The Poniente Beach environment is also a dynamic place in terms of cultural events and activities. During the summer, the beach and its promenade host a number of festivals, concerts and other outdoor events that attract both locals and tourists. From live music to movie screenings on the beach, there is always something interesting to do in Poniente.

Also, very close to the beach is the Asturias Railway Museum, a cultural space that offers a fascinating look at the region’s railway history. This museum, housed in a former train station, is a must-see for those interested in history and technology, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach.

Gastronomy and Nightlife

The surroundings of Poniente Beach are also famous for its gastronomic and nightlife offer. The restaurants and bars that line the promenade offer a wide variety of options, from traditional tapas to international cuisine, including Asturian dishes that you can’t miss. In addition, many of these establishments have outdoor terraces, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink overlooking the sea.

At night, Poniente Beach and its surroundings come alive with a lively but relaxed atmosphere. Although not as intense a party zone as other parts of Gijón, the bars and pubs in the area offer a perfect place to have a drink after a day at the beach, while enjoying the sea breeze and views of the illuminated harbor.