Some 25 kilometres away from Gijón and 27 kilometres from Oviedo, Avilés is a medium-sized town with a population of just under 85,000. Traditionally, the steel industry has provided employment and brought wealth to the area, but Avilés has also developed important metal and glass industries, as well as a thriving port.
There ‘s plenty to see and do in Avilés, with breath-taking churches and palaces around every corner, fascinating streets and squares to wander through, not to mention numerous museums and galleries to visit.
For those who like to socialise, Avilés offers an amazing variety of places to eat and drink.
Like most places in Asturias, Avilés has a rich tradition of local festivals. As well as the obvious celebrations at Christmas and New Year, and the Asturian festival dedicated to the Virgin of Covadonga in autumn, there are also Easter processions in spring and dancing festivals in summer.