Avilés pairs a beautifully preserved medieval centre — arcaded streets, Gothic palaces, and a Romanesque quarter — with a striking Oscar Niemeyer cultural campus right at the water's edge. Asturian cider flows freely, and Oviedo is barely half an hour away.
Cruise ships berth at the Port of Avilés, a working commercial harbour. The Oscar Niemeyer Cultural Centre is visible from the dock and the medieval old town is a short walk away.
💡 Pro move: The port is an active cargo facility — follow port road signs to the pedestrian exit. No dedicated cruise terminal but the walk is straightforward and well-marked.
Avilés is a docked port; ships tie up at the commercial quays on the south bank of the Avilés estuary.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Puerto de Avilés commercial quay, south bank📍 | Docked |
| Small/expedition ships | Inner harbour / Marina de Avilés area📍 | Docked |
From Avilés you can explore a medieval port city on foot, drive to the Asturian capital Oviedo, or head to Atlantic surf beaches — all within easy reach.
Wander the arcaded lanes of Calle Galiana and Calle Rivero, passing the 14th-century Valdecarzana Palace, the Church of San Nicolás de Bari, and the medieval Sabugo fishermen's quarter. Free guided tours are available daily from Plaza de España.
Find Avilés walking tours →Oscar Niemeyer's last major project is a sweeping white cultural complex on the waterfront — dome, auditorium, tower with panoramic views, and rotating exhibitions. Worth an hour of anyone's time.
Find Niemeyer Centre tickets →The Asturian capital is 30 minutes by taxi or bus. Its UNESCO-listed pre-Romanesque churches, the Cathedral of San Salvador (Camino de Santiago stage), and elegant Calle Uría make it one of northern Spain's most rewarding cities.
Find Oviedo day trip tours →A broad Atlantic surf beach about 5 km west of Avilés, lined with seafood restaurants. Popular with surfers and families; great for a beach break after exploring the old town.
Find Salinas beach transfers →Asturias is Spain's cider capital. Join a guided food walk through Avilés for *escanciado* poured sidra, *fabada asturiana* (bean stew), and pintxos at traditional sidrerías along Calle Galiana.
Find Avilés food tours →The colourful clifftop fishing village of Cudillero (30 min west) is one of Asturias' most photographed spots. Combine it with a stop at Cabo Peñas lighthouse, the northernmost point of mainland Asturias, for dramatic Atlantic views.
Find Cudillero tours →Avilés' compact old town is entirely walkable; you can cover the main sights in under two hours and still have time for cider.
Start at the Centro Niemeyer on the waterfront, cross to the old town and enter via Calle de la Muralla. Walk up Calle Rivero to Plaza de España (El Parche), continue along arcaded Calle Galiana, detour into the Sabugo quarter to see the 13th-century Church of Sabugo and Plaza del Carbayo, then loop back via Calle Fruela to Parque de Ferrera for a rest under the trees.
Follow the Avilés estuary promenade from the port past the Niemeyer Centre, continuing along the ría toward the Marina de Avilés. Views of the water, green hills, and the city skyline. Good for stretching your legs before or after the old town.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Avilés, Asturias, Spain (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 54°F / 12°C | 43°F / 6°C | 15 |
| Feb | 55°F / 13°C | 43°F / 6°C | 13 |
| Mar | 57°F / 14°C | 45°F / 7°C | 14 |
| Apr | 60°F / 16°C | 48°F / 9°C | 13 |
| May | 63°F / 17°C | 52°F / 11°C | 13 |
| Jun | 68°F / 20°C | 58°F / 14°C | 13 |
| Jul | 71°F / 22°C | 62°F / 17°C | 10 |
| Aug | 72°F / 22°C | 62°F / 17°C | 11 |
| Sep | 71°F / 22°C | 59°F / 15°C | 12 |
| Oct | 67°F / 19°C | 55°F / 13°C | 13 |
| Nov | 60°F / 16°C | 49°F / 9°C | 16 |
| Dec | 57°F / 14°C | 46°F / 8°C | 14 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Avilés, Asturias, Spain. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.