Services: Smoke-free beach | Hospitality services | Showers, footbaths, and fountains | Restrooms | Parking | Lifeguard service | Surfing | Sun lounger rentals | Accessible restrooms and ramps | Tourist information desk
Length: 1,500 m.
Type of sand: Golden sand
How to get there: Easy walking and by car
Bathing season: From May 1 to October 15
Public Toilets: From 06:00 hours to 23:00 hours
Dogs: yes, from October 1st to May 30th
Large walking area
San Lorenzo Beach, with its iconic shell shape and long promenade, is undoubtedly the jewel in Gijón’s crown. Stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers and located in the heart of the city, it is one of the most iconic and photographed spots not only in Gijón but in Asturias as well. From its fine golden sand to the waves of the Cantabrian Sea that lap it, San Lorenzo Beach is the perfect destination for those looking to combine natural beauty with urban vibrancy.
San Lorenzo Beach attracts a wide variety of visitors. Families with children, young adults, couples, and seniors all find this beach an ideal place to enjoy the sea and the sun. Its central location, comprehensive facilities, and vibrant atmosphere make San Lorenzo the perfect place for any type of traveler.
San Lorenzo Beach is much more than a beach; it’s the heart of Gijón. With its perfect combination of natural beauty, rich history, and modern facilities, this place offers a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed on any visitor’s itinerary. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a day at the beach, practice water sports, explore the local culture, or simply relax while gazing at the Cantabrian Sea, San Lorenzo Beach is the ideal destination.
No matter the time of year, San Lorenzo Beach always has something special to offer. From warm summer days to cool winter days, this corner of Gijón invites you to discover and enjoy the essence of the city. Don’t miss this iconic beach and enjoy an unforgettable experience on the Asturian coast.
The history of San Lorenzo Beach is closely linked to the evolution of Gijón as a city . Since ancient times, this beach has been a meeting place of importance for local residents. Initially, the beach was a workplace for fishermen and merchants, but over the centuries, it has undergone an impressive transformation that has made it the city’s main tourist destination .
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, San Lorenzo Beach began to gain popularity as a place of leisure and recreation . With the arrival of the railway to Gijón and the rise of tourism, especially among the wealthier classes, the beach became a reference point for sun and beach tourism in the region. During this period, the first spas and bathing huts were built, which began the tradition of summer vacations at the beach.
San Lorenzo Beach stands out for its large size and shell-like shape, which gives it a unique natural beauty. With a length of 1.5 kilometers and a width that varies considerably depending on the tide, it is one of the largest and busiest beaches in Asturias. At low tide, the beach reaches its maximum width, offering a vast expanse of sand for the enjoyment of bathers.
The sand at San Lorenzo Beach is fine and golden, ideal for walking barefoot or relaxing in the sun. The waters, although cool due to the influence of the Cantabrian Sea, are clean and suitable for swimming. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, a recognition that guarantees water quality, safety, and the services offered to visitors.
One of the most distinctive features of San Lorenzo Beach is its promenade, known as the Paseo del Muro de San Lorenzo. This promenade, which runs along the beach from end to end, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It is ideal for strolling, jogging or simply enjoying the breathtaking views of the sea. Along the promenade there are several points of interest, such as the sculpture “Sombras de Luz” (Shadows of Light), a work by the Asturian artist Fernando Alba.
San Lorenzo Beach is well-equipped with a wide range of services that guarantee a comfortable and safe experience for all visitors. Along the beach, there are numerous access points that allow easy entry and exit , including ramps for people with reduced mobility . Showers, changing rooms, and restrooms are also distributed along the promenade, facilitating the comfort of bathers.
During the summer months, the beach is supervised by a team of lifeguards who ensure the safety of swimmers. There is also an area exclusively for people with reduced mobility, with walkways to the sand and amphibious chairs that allow everyone to enjoy swimming in the sea.
The seafront promenade offers a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and ice cream shops , where you can enjoy local cuisine or simply have a snack while admiring the beach. Many of these establishments have outdoor terraces, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while enjoying a typical Asturian dish or a refreshing ice cream.
San Lorenzo Beach isn’t just a place to relax and sunbathe; it’s also a key spot for various sports and recreational activities. Surfing is one of the most popular activities, especially among young people. The waves of the Cantabrian Sea offer perfect conditions for this sport for much of the year, and there are several surf schools nearby offering lessons for all levels.
Beach volleyball is another very popular activity in San Lorenzo. Public volleyball courts can be found along the beach. During the summer, it’s common to see groups of friends and families enjoying friendly soccer matches on the sand, and beach handball tournaments can also be seen.
For those who prefer more sedate activities, the promenade is ideal for walking, cycling, skateboarding, jogging, and more . The beach is also a perfect place for seabird watching, especially in the early morning or at dusk. Throughout the year, various sporting, musical, and cultural events are held around the beach, part of Gijón’s lively Events Calendar .
San Lorenzo Beach’s central location is one of its greatest attractions. Located in the urban center of Gijón, the beach is easily accessible from any part of the city. Several bus lines stop nearby, and there is also an underground car park near La Escalerona and Staircase 11 for those who prefer to arrive by car.
The beach surroundings are rich in history and culture. At one end of the beach is the Church of San Pedro , a historic monument dating back to the 15th century and one of Gijón’s symbols. From this point, you can access the Cimavilla neighborhood, the city’s old town, where some of the main tourist attractions are located, such as the Jovellanos Birthplace Museum, the Clock Tower , and the Elogio del Horizonte , a monumental sculpture by the renowned artist Eduardo Chillida.
San Lorenzo Beach hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year, attracting both locals and tourists. One of the highlights is the Fireworks Night, which coincides with the city’s Semana Grande , bringing together thousands of residents and tourists to enjoy the fireworks display.
Another important event is the San Lorenzo Swimming Crossing , a competition that attracts swimmers from all over Spain and has become a must-attend event in Gijón’s sporting calendar. Furthermore, the wall, especially in the Naútico area, hosts various cultural activities during the summer, and various sporting competitions are held throughout the year, both on the beach and on the promenade itself.
San Lorenzo Beach is also a reference point for enjoying Asturian cuisine . The restaurants and eateries located along the promenade or in the surrounding streets offer a wide variety of typical dishes, such as Asturian fabada (bean stew), cachopo (a type of stew), and fresh fish and seafood. In addition, many of these establishments serve natural cider, the most emblematic drink of Asturias, which is skillfully poured to enhance its flavor. La Arena is one of the main neighborhoods surrounding this beach where you can enjoy a wide range of cuisines .
At night, the atmosphere around the beach transforms, offering a wide range of nightlife options. From quiet cocktail bars overlooking the sea to lively terraces where you can dance to the rhythm of the music, the San Lorenzo area offers something for everyone. The wide beach and El Muro area allow you to enjoy different leisure areas of the city.
