Gijón

Gijón (Asturian, Xixón) is a coastal industrial city in the autonomous community of Asturias in Spain. Its name comes from the Latin word Saxonem (meaning "rocky", because of its cliffs). It was an important regional Roman city, although the area has been settled since earliest history. The name was originally applied to a small peninsula presently referred to as Cimadevilla, literally "top of village," between two beaches, one of which has a recreational port today. The main port, one of the largest in the north of Spain, is called "El Musel". Gijón has a growing population of approximately 275,000 (2005).

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

The city is situated along the Asturian coast and is distinguished by the peninsula of Cimadevilla (the original settlement) which separates the beach of San Lorenzo and adjacent neighborhoods to the east from the beaches of Poniente and Arbeyal, the shipyards, and the recreational port and the Port of El Musel to the west. Its close to the other main Asturian cities, Oviedo and Avilés.

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 not far away municipality of Castrillon with daily flights to major Spanish and European cities.

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.

Real Sporting football team plays in the Spanish Liga and are presently in the second division. Gijon Baloncesto plays in the Spanish professional basketball league.