Overview
Avilés is a post-industrial city in Asturias, northwest Spain, with a population of 76,000. It's best known for the Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre, a striking modernist complex completed in 2011 that has become the city's cultural anchor.
Architecture · Culture · Day Trips · History · Museums
Before you go
Connectivity
5G coverage from all Spanish carriers as of 2025. Spanish SIM cards available at airports and phone shops.
Culture
Asturian culture emphasizes cider (sidra), fabada bean stew, and the local Asturian language alongside Spanish. Sidrerías are the primary social dining venues.
Money
Spain uses the euro (€). ATMs widely available. Credit cards accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Tipping is not obligatory but small change is appreciated in restaurants.
Tourist information
Oficina de Turismo is in the old fish market square by the riverside, open daily 10:00-15:00. City portal at aviles.es.
Transport
Avilés has a railway station on the main Madrid-Oviedo-Gijón line and Asturias Airport 15 km southeast. Alsa buses connect to Oviedo and Gijón. City buses run by Tranvia Aviles.
Weather
Cool and wet Atlantic climate year-round. Pack layers and rain gear. Temperatures range from near 0°C in winter to around 25°C in summer. Not a beach destination.