Playa de Poniente - a sandy beach with a blue ocean in the background
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Playa de Poniente

4.4
·1k reviews·Gijón, Spain

Expansive sandy beach with calm waters, perfect for families, offering vibrant promenades and stunning sunset views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful start to the day

CrowdLow
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Playa de Poniente - a sandy beach with a blue ocean in the background

Playa de Poniente

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful start to the day

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Expansive sandy beach with calm waters, perfect for families, offering vibrant promenades and stunning sunset views.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"A great beach for all the family, with calm waves and close to everything you need."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The western location makes it perfect for sunset views. Arrive early to secure a good spot!

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the extensive promenade, lined with cafes and shops.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Western end of the beach

Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the horizon. A perfect, romantic end to a day by the sea.

Family-Friendly Waters

Family-Friendly Waters

Protected swimming areas

Gentle waves and shallow areas make it ideal for families with children and seniors to paddle safely.

Vibrant Promenade

Vibrant Promenade

Beachfront walkway

Stroll along the expansive promenade, lined with cafes and shops, offering lively atmosphere and sea views.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Playa de Poniente can get busy, especially during peak season. Consider visiting early in the morning or late afternoon for a more relaxed experience. Sunset views are particularly stunning here, making evenings a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.

Beach Etiquette & Amenities

While generally welcoming, be mindful of local rules. Some visitors have noted confusion regarding dog access, so check for signage. The beach offers ample amenities, including lounge chairs and water sports, making it convenient for a full day of enjoyment.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful start to the day
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings (sunset)
Why
Spectacular sunset views
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Vista mejor de la piedra de san justo a unos 900m de la playa de poniente de gijon #gijon #gijonasturias #gijontiktok #asturiastiktok #asturiasparaisonatural #nadarenelmar #asturias #aguasabiertas
@robertovicenteiglesias_
3.1K likes • 181.7K views

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The western location makes it perfect for sunset views. Arrive early to secure a good spot! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the extensive promenade, lined with cafes and shops. Instagram

✨ ¡El cielo de Gijón volvió a brillar! Así se vivió el impresionante Drone Show Festival desde la playa de Poniente: 500 drones iluminando la noche con figuras en 2D y 3D, música envolvente y una narración que hizo vibrar a todos. 📍 ¿Estuviste allí? 💬 Cuéntanos en los comentarios: ¿Qué te pareció el espectáculo? ¿Tienes un momento favorito? #Gijón #DroneShowFestival #Poniente #EspectáculoNocturno ...
@mi_gijon
2K likes • 51.6K views
Playa de Poniente, Benidorm 🇪🇸 1/05/25 ☀️🌴 . #benidorm #mybenidorm #spain #españa #costablanca #spain🇪🇸 #españa🇪🇸 #spain❤️ #benidormbeach #beniyork #spainlovers #spainvacation #espanha🇪🇸 #espana🇪🇸 #espagne🇪🇸
mybenidorm
11.8K likes • 308.6K views

🌊 Gentle Waves for All

Ideal for swimming and paddling, even for kids and seniors, due to calm waters. Reddit

🐶 Check Dog Rules

Some visitors experienced confusion about dog access. Look for signage before bringing pets. Reddit

💚Así terminaba el Récord Guinness de Escanciado Simultáneo en la Playa de Poniente de Gijón! Con un nuevo récord de 9833 personas escanciando a la vez sidra asturiana, y con un Asturias Patria Querida. El año que viene, más! Puxa Asturias!💚 #Asturias #LaTierrina #AsturiasPatriaQuerida
juanpablocarpintero
972 likes • 16.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The western location makes it perfect for sunset views. Arrive early to secure a good spot! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the extensive promenade, lined with cafes and shops. Instagram

🌊 Gentle Waves for All

Ideal for swimming and paddling, even for kids and seniors, due to calm waters. Reddit

🐶 Check Dog Rules

Some visitors experienced confusion about dog access. Look for signage before bringing pets. Reddit

☀️ Rent a Lounge Chair

Comfortable lounge chairs are available for rent, perfect for a relaxing day. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Playa de Poniente is widely appreciated for its expansive sandy shores, calm waters ideal for families, and stunning sunset views. Visitors enjoy the convenient promenade with its array of cafes and shops. Some minor concerns have been raised about dog access and high tides, but overall, it's considered a great beach experience.

"One of the popular beaches close to the center of Gijón, this beach is located to the west, making it a great spot to watch the sunset. The beach features wide, soft sandy stretches, perfect for sunbathing or taking a walk. The waves are not too strong, making it ideal for swimming or surfing."

Seokjin Ham

"Great beach, you're so close to everything, cafes, restaurants, bars, ice cream sellers, souvenir shops, etc. A nice stretch of beach to walk along, the waves are pretty much non existent and kids can paddle quite safely. There are bigger waves a little further out for those of you that like to surf. The tide comes in quite high, so you have to be quick and keep moving back towards the wall. It's a fun place for all the family."

Darren Wyles

"Lovely beach, but got politely told off for taking our dog on the beach despite no signs saying they're prohibited...? Is it the locals ruling the roost? We did pickup 2 other dogs messes off the beach however."

R C (Peter)

What People Like

Calm, safe waters
Beautiful sunset views
Long, sandy beach

What People Dislike

High tide
Dog access confusion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playa de Poniente is easily accessible in both Gijón and Benidorm. In Gijón, it's a popular beach close to the center.Reddit In Benidorm, it's the city's most extensive beach, stretching over 3 kilometers.Instagram Public transport options are generally available in both cities, with walking being a great option if you're staying nearby.

Yes, both Playa de Poniente in Gijón and Benidorm are well-known landmarks. In Gijón, it's located to the west of the city center.Reddit In Benidorm, it's a prominent feature along the coastline, easily identifiable by its long stretch of sand.Instagram

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season. It's advisable to use public transport or arrive early if driving. Look for paid parking lots or street parking, but be prepared for potential limitations.

In Gijón, Playa de Poniente is conveniently located near the city center, making it a pleasant walk.Reddit In Benidorm, depending on your accommodation, it's also often within walking distance or a short bus ride from central areas.

In Gijón, the beach is close to cafes, restaurants, and bars.Reddit In Benidorm, the promenade itself offers a lively atmosphere with shops and dining options,Instagram and it's known for its proximity to other attractions like the Gran Hotel Bali.Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Playa de Poniente is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free for everyone.

As a public beach, Playa de Poniente is accessible 24/7. However, amenities like lifeguards and facilities typically operate during daylight hours, especially in peak season.

No booking is required for general access to Playa de Poniente. It's a public space. However, if you plan to participate in specific water sports or events, separate bookings might be necessary.

Generally, there are no major restrictions for entry. However, local regulations regarding pets, fires, or camping should be observed. Some visitors have noted confusion about dog access, so checking local signage is advised.Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to Playa de Poniente. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants along the promenade if you prefer to dine out.Reddit

🎫 ☀️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and paddling in the calm waters.Reddit Water sports are also available,TikTok and the long promenade is perfect for walking or cycling.Instagram The beach is also known for hosting events like drone shows TikTok and Guinness World Record attempts.Instagram

Absolutely! The gentle waves and protected swimming areas make it very safe for children to play in the water.Reddit The soft sand is also great for building sandcastles.

Yes, Playa de Poniente typically offers public restrooms and showers, especially during the main tourist season. These facilities are usually located along the promenade.

Yes, you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas at Playa de Poniente, providing a comfortable spot to relax on the sand.Instagram

Crowd levels can vary. It's generally less crowded than some other popular beaches, especially during weekdays or off-peak hours.Reddit Evenings, particularly for sunset, can be quite busy.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire stretch of the beach offers beautiful views, especially during sunrise and sunset.Reddit The promenade provides great vantage points, and the unique architecture of nearby buildings in Benidorm can also be interesting subjects.Instagram

Definitely! Being on the western side, it's renowned for its spectacular sunsets, offering vibrant colors and silhouettes against the sea.Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary by location and time. While some events have featured drones,TikTok it's crucial to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying.

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide beach scenes and details along the promenade. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sea and sky, especially during sunset.

Keep an eye out for local events or wildlife! A wild boar was once spotted enjoying a dip in the sea here.Instagram The Guinness World Record attempt for simultaneous cider pouring was also a unique spectacle.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playa de Poniente is an excellent choice for families. The calm, gentle waves make it incredibly safe for children to paddle and play in the water without worry.Reddit The soft sand is perfect for building sandcastles, and the beach's amenities, including restrooms and nearby cafes, add to the convenience for families.

Consider visiting during early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the peak crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for your little ones. The wide expanse of sand also provides plenty of space for kids to run around.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples, Playa de Poniente offers a blend of relaxation and vibrant atmosphere. The long promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls, especially during the stunning sunset hours,Reddit creating a romantic setting. You can find plenty of charming cafes and bars along the beachfront to enjoy a drink or a meal while soaking in the views.

If you're looking for a bit of activity, consider trying some of the water sports available TikTok or simply find a comfortable spot to read a book and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. The beach's accessibility and amenities make it easy to spend a full day exploring or unwinding.

☀️ Budget Travelers

Playa de Poniente is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers as access to the beach itself is free.Reddit You can pack your own picnic and drinks to save on food costs, or enjoy affordable snacks from local vendors. The availability of free public access means you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea without spending a dime.

While renting chairs and umbrellas incurs a cost, you can also bring your own towel and find a comfortable spot on the sand. The promenade offers a lively atmosphere without the need to spend money, making it a great place for people-watching and enjoying the ambiance.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Two Faces of Playa de Poniente

It's important to note that 'Playa de Poniente' refers to beaches in two distinct Spanish cities: Gijón (Asturias) and Benidorm (Alicante). While both are beautiful coastal stretches, they offer different experiences.

Playa de Poniente in Gijón is a popular urban beach known for its proximity to the city center and its role in local events, such as the Guinness World Record for simultaneous cider pouring Instagram and impressive drone shows.TikTok It's a lively spot where locals and tourists mingle, offering a classic Spanish beach town vibe. The nearby Piedra de San Justo offers scenic views.TikTok

Playa de Poniente in Benidorm is the city's most extensive beach, stretching over three kilometers.Instagram It's often described as more relaxed than the bustling Playa de Levante, making it ideal for those seeking a calmer atmosphere.Instagram Its long promenade is perfect for leisurely strolls, and it's a popular spot for enjoying the Mediterranean sun and sea.Instagram

Activities and Events

Playa de Poniente is more than just a place to sunbathe; it's a hub for activities and memorable events. In Gijón, the beach has hosted large-scale gatherings, including a Guinness World Record for the most people simultaneously pouring cider Instagram and spectacular drone light shows.TikTok These events highlight the beach's capacity to host significant public spectacles.

Beyond organized events, the beach itself offers opportunities for water sports TikTok and is a fantastic location for swimming due to its generally calm waters.Reddit The expansive promenade in Benidorm is ideal for cycling, jogging, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk with sea views.Instagram Whether you're looking for active pursuits or a place to witness unique cultural moments, Playa de Poniente delivers.

Navigating Beach Conditions and Amenities

Visitors to Playa de Poniente often praise its soft, wide sandy stretches, which are perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.Reddit The waves are typically not too strong, making it a safe environment for swimming and paddling, even for families with young children and seniors.Reddit However, some reviews mention that the tide can come in quite high, so it's wise to be aware of your proximity to the water's edge.Reddit

Amenities are generally good, with options for renting lounge chairs and umbrellas.Instagram The beachfront promenades in both Gijón and Benidorm are lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering convenience and a vibrant atmosphere.Reddit One point of note from a traveler was some confusion regarding dog access, suggesting it's best to check for posted signs to ensure compliance with local regulations.Reddit