La Escalerona - There is light at the end of the tunnel
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La Escalerona

4.5
·6k reviews·Gijón, Spain

Iconic modernist staircase on Gijón's San Lorenzo Beach, offering breathtaking city and sea views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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La Escalerona - There is light at the end of the tunnel

La Escalerona

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic modernist staircase on Gijón's San Lorenzo Beach, offering breathtaking city and sea views.

4.5
(6k reviews)

"The view of the beach from here is truly stunning."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic views from La Escalerona are stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the San Lorenzo Beach promenade after visiting the staircase. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

La Escalerona Staircase

La Escalerona Staircase

San Lorenzo Beach

Iconic stone staircase connecting the city to San Lorenzo Beach, offering panoramic ocean and city views.

San Lorenzo Beach Promenade

San Lorenzo Beach Promenade

Adjacent to La Escalerona

A vibrant city beach perfect for a stroll, sunbathing, or enjoying the coastal atmosphere.

Barometer and Thermometer Tower

Barometer and Thermometer Tower

Top of La Escalerona

Historic modernist-influenced tower featuring a barometer and thermometer, adding a unique touch.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to La Escalerona

La Escalerona, a prominent landmark on San Lorenzo Beach, offers stunning city beach views. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the scenery. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best light for photos and a more relaxed experience.

Beach Access and Amenities

As the largest and most famous of the staircases leading to San Lorenzo Beach, La Escalerona provides direct access to the city's main beach. Be aware that while it's a city beach, it can get busy, especially during summer. Check local tide times if you plan on spending extended time on the sand.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays outside peak season
Why
Quieter, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

El mejor plan en Gijón por tan solo 6’80€ (precio de la burger más cara) #asturias #gijon #viajes #comida #restaurante
@senen98_
13.5K likes • 272K views

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic views from La Escalerona are stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the San Lorenzo Beach promenade after visiting the staircase. :athletic_shoe:

🍔 Nearby Eats

Grab a delicious and affordable burger at a restaurant near the beach, a local favorite. TikTok :hamburger:

🌊 Beach Day Essentials

Pack sunscreen and a towel if you plan to spend time on San Lorenzo Beach. :sunwithface:

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic views from La Escalerona are stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the San Lorenzo Beach promenade after visiting the staircase. :athletic_shoe:

🍔 Nearby Eats

Grab a delicious and affordable burger at a restaurant near the beach, a local favorite. TikTok :hamburger:

🌊 Beach Day Essentials

Pack sunscreen and a towel if you plan to spend time on San Lorenzo Beach. :sunwithface:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

La Escalerona is celebrated as a beautiful and iconic landmark on San Lorenzo Beach, offering stunning city and sea views. Visitors appreciate its historical charm and its role as a gateway to the vibrant beach. While the beach itself is lovely, some reviews mention occasional cleanliness issues, which is common for urban beaches.

"Pretty nice beach, but not much of the nature, because it is beach right in the city. It was pretty dirty when we were there, but the place is very nice"

Anton Rylin

"Located in the middle of San Lorenzo Beach, this staircase is one of the symbols of Gijón and an important element connecting the beach to the city. It is the largest and most famous of the staircases that lead to the beach, often referred to as the 4th staircase. Built in the late 19th century, the staircase is made of stone. The view of the beach from here is truly stunning."

Seokjin Ham

"The beach is absolutely beautiful and it's a perfect place to spend a warm summer day."

Kimber Rischar

What People Like

Stunning panoramic views
Iconic architectural landmark
Direct beach access

What People Dislike

Occasional beach cleanliness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

La Escalerona is easily accessible as it's located directly on San Lorenzo Beach in the heart of Gijón. You can walk from most central areas of the city. Public buses also stop frequently near the beach promenade. :bus:

Parking can be challenging in the immediate vicinity, especially during peak season. It's recommended to use public transport or park in a designated city car park a short walk away. :car:

Yes, numerous city bus lines stop along the promenade of San Lorenzo Beach, providing convenient access to La Escalerona. :bus:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, La Escalerona itself is a public staircase and a part of San Lorenzo Beach, so there is no admission fee. You can visit it freely at any time. :ticket:

As an outdoor public space, La Escalerona is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding beach and promenade areas are best enjoyed during daylight hours. :clock1:

San Lorenzo Beach is a public beach, and there is no entrance fee to access it or walk along its promenade. :moneywithwings:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

La Escalerona is primarily a viewpoint and access point to San Lorenzo Beach. You can enjoy the stunning views, take photos, and then relax on the beach or walk along the promenade. :camerawithflash: :running:

Yes, families can enjoy La Escalerona and San Lorenzo Beach. It's a great spot for children to play on the sand and for parents to relax with beautiful views. :familywomanwoman_boy:

The views from La Escalerona are spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of San Lorenzo Beach, the Cantabrian Sea, and the city skyline. It's a quintessential Gijón landmark. :cityscape:

Yes, San Lorenzo Beach typically has public restrooms and showers available, especially during the summer season. :shower:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Absolutely! The area around San Lorenzo Beach and La Escalerona is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of cuisines, from local Asturian dishes to international options. TikTok :foodie:

You can find everything from traditional Asturian cider houses (sidrerías) and seafood restaurants to casual cafes and burger joints. A popular recommendation is trying a local burger. TikTok :pizza:

Dining options range from budget-friendly cafes to more upscale restaurants. You can find affordable meals, especially if you opt for local specialties or tapas. TikTok :euro:

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographs of La Escalerona and San Lorenzo Beach. :sunriseovermountains: :cityscapeatdusk:

The staircase itself, the view from the top looking out to sea, and the entire stretch of San Lorenzo Beach are highly photogenic. Don't forget the barometer and thermometer tower! :camerawithflash:

Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with Gijón's local authorities regarding any restrictions on flying drones over public beaches and urban areas. :drone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

La Escalerona and San Lorenzo Beach are fantastic for families. The beach offers plenty of space for kids to play in the sand and paddle in the shallow waters. The promenade is ideal for a family stroll or bike ride, and there are often ice cream shops and casual eateries nearby. Lifeguard services are usually available during peak season, adding an extra layer of safety. :familywomanwomanboy: :icecream:

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Visiting La Escalerona and San Lorenzo Beach is a completely free activity, making it perfect for budget travelers. You can enjoy the stunning views and the beach atmosphere without spending a dime. For affordable dining, look for local 'menú del día' (menu of the day) deals in restaurants slightly away from the immediate beachfront, or grab a delicious and inexpensive burger as recommended online. TikTok :euro: :moneywithwings:

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find La Escalerona and San Lorenzo Beach incredibly rewarding. The iconic staircase, the vast expanse of the beach, and the city skyline provide diverse photographic opportunities. The best light for capturing dramatic shots is during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Don't miss the unique barometer and thermometer tower for some architectural detail shots. :camerawithflash: :sunriseovermountains:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Significance of La Escalerona

La Escalerona, officially known as the 'Cuarta Bajada a la Playa de San Lorenzo' (Fourth Descent to San Lorenzo Beach), is more than just a staircase; it's a symbol of Gijón. Influenced by modernist architecture, its design integrates seamlessly with the urban landscape, connecting the city's vibrant life to the natural beauty of the Cantabrian coast. The tower at its summit, housing a barometer and thermometer, adds a unique scientific and aesthetic element, reflecting the era's interest in public amenities and progress.

Built in the late 19th century, it stands as one of the most prominent of the many staircases that provide access to the expansive San Lorenzo Beach. Its stone construction speaks to a timeless durability, while its elevated position offers a commanding perspective. Visitors often remark on the stunning views it provides, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to pause and admire the scenery.

The historical context of La Escalerona is tied to the development of Gijón as a coastal city. It represents an effort to make the beach more accessible and integrated into the urban fabric, fostering a stronger connection between residents and the sea. This enduring landmark continues to be a cherished part of Gijón's identity.

Experiencing San Lorenzo Beach

San Lorenzo Beach is Gijón's premier urban beach, stretching for over 1.5 kilometers along the city's coastline. It's a lively hub of activity, especially during the warmer months. The beach is characterized by its fine golden sand and the gentle waves of the Cantabrian Sea, making it suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports.

Beyond the beach itself, the extensive promenade that runs alongside it is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. You'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlors lining the promenade, offering refreshments and stunning sea views. The atmosphere is generally relaxed yet vibrant, with families, couples, and individuals enjoying the coastal environment. Reviews often highlight the beach's beauty and its convenient city-center location.

When visiting San Lorenzo Beach, it's worth noting that the weather in Asturias can be unpredictable. While summers are generally pleasant and not excessively hot, it's always a good idea to check the forecast. The beach is well-equipped with facilities, including lifeguards during the summer season, making it a safe and enjoyable destination for everyone.

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