About
Avilés is a port city on the northern coast of Spain, in the region of Asturias. Its past is rooted in industry and shipping, and in recent years it has built a reputation for culture alongside its working harbour. For a visitor, it offers a manageable city with a clear sense of its history and a lively contemporary side.
What to see
- The Niemeyer Cultural Centre, a major cultural venue associated with the architect Oscar Niemeyer, is one of the city's best-known landmarks and a focus of its cultural renaissance.
- The historic old town, where the streets and older buildings reflect the city's long past, is well suited to an unhurried walk.
What kind of visit it makes
Avilés suits a day or a short stay. The old town can be explored on foot, and the cultural centre gives the visit a contemporary counterpoint to the older streets. Because the city remains an industrial port, you will also see a more working side of Asturias than in many of the region's better-known resorts and mountain villages.
If you are travelling through Asturias and want a city stop that combines history, modern architecture and a sense of the region as it lives today, Avilés is a practical and rewarding choice. Check current details of opening times and events before you go, as these are not covered here.