The Jardín Botánico Atlántico lies a short way from the centre of Gijón and is built around the plants of the Atlantic coast, from Ireland to northern Spain. The garden holds about 2,000 species, grouped into collections of local flora, plants from the Old and New Worlds, a 19th-century recreational garden and the main biomes on both sides of the ocean. Paths run through forest, ponds and themed gardens, and a children's forest with a playground makes it a good family stop. Set aside two to three hours.
Four collections and four zones
The garden is organised into four main collections. One covers local flora, another brings together plants of the Old and New Worlds, a third is a recreational garden from the 19th century, and the last shows the main biomes on both sides of the Atlantic.
On the map, the garden is also divided into four zones: the Cantabrian environment, the plant factory, La Isla garden and the Atlantic route. The Garden of the Island is a historical garden dating back more than 150 years, and it is one of the garden's highlights.
Origins and setting
The garden opened in 2003 and sits opposite the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, the large building that visitors often combine with a trip here. Its displays cover the flora of the Atlantic region, and they also highlight the agricultural history of the area.
The garden is roughly 25 hectares and holds about 30,000 plants. Not all of them are on display along a single route, so the layout rewards a plan.
Walking routes and the natural forest
Three walking routes are recommended on the map: a short route, a long route and a natural forests route. The natural forest route leads to La Carbayeda El Tragamón, a natural monument with trees about 400 years old.
Among the most noticed displays are the giant ferns and the cacti. The gardens also draw birds, and more than a hundred species have been observed around them, so a slow walk with binoculars is a good idea.
Facilities and getting there
Numerous toilets and drinking fountains are spread across the grounds. Hot and cold drink vending machines stand at the entrance, and they take cash only. The entrance, a restroom and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Most of the garden's information panels include English text. Visitors have reached the garden by public bus from Gijón.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Adult entry was under 3 euros on recent visits, and one visit in May 2026 cost €2.90. Children under 11 go free, and yearly passes are sold for return visits.
How long do you need?
Plan two to three hours. Some areas close about 15 minutes before the garden does.
Can you eat at the garden?
Food choices are limited. The small cafe sells drinks and croissants, so bringing a picnic is practical.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, a restroom and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
