Gijón (Asturian, Xixón) is a coastal city in the autonomous community of Asturias in Spain. Its name comes from the Latin word Gigia. The name was originally applied to a small peninsula nowadays called Cimadevilla, literally "top of village," between two beaches, one of which has a recreational port today. The main port, one of the biggest in the north of Spain, is called "El Musel". Gijón has a population of approximately 270,000 (2003).

Geography

The city is situated on the central Asturian coast, at 0 to 513 metres above sea level (Pico San Martin), bordered on the west by Carreño, the east by Villaviciosa, and to the south by Siero and Llanera

The city is in a bay divided by the peninsula of Cimadevilla (the old city) which separates the beach of San Lorenzo to the east from the beaches of Poniente and Arbeyal, the shipyards, and the recreatonal port and the Port of El Musel to the west.

Surface Area

181,6 km²

Access

The A-66 motorway (Ruta de La Plata), A-8 (Autopista del Cantábrico) and the AS-1 (Autovía Minera) are the principal highway accesses. By train, Gijón has daily service to Madrid, La Coruña, Santander, and Barcelona. Cruise ships call at El Musel, and the Airport of Asturias is located in the nearby municpality of Castrillon with daily flights to major Spanish and European cities.

Climate

Atlantic, warm summers with both overcast and sunny days. In winter the weather is moderate, with significant rains and wind, although sometimes the cold climate of Asturias results in snowfall at sea level.

Sports

Real Sporting football team. Gijon Baloncesto basketball team.

External Links

• Official website of Gijón (http://www.ayto-gijon.es/)
• Website of Real Sporting de Gijón (football team) (http://www.realsporting.es/)
• Website of Gijón Baloncesto (basketball team) (http://www.gijonbaloncesto.net/)