FAQs

Question

When should I arrive to Asturias?

Answer

We recommend arriving 1–2 days before the wedding to allow time to settle in and avoid any unexpected travel delays.

Question

Arriving to Gatwick Airport?

Answer

Once guests have booked their flights, we will check whether most people are travelling on the same flight(s). If so, we will look into shared coach or minibus options to help reduce costs. Alternatively, if driving and airport parking work out cheaper, we can help organise car sharing and split petrol and parking costs. If either option would interest you, please let Rebecca or Gail know.

Question

Where should I book accomodation?

Answer

We recommend looking on Booking.com for hotels in central Gijón or booking an Airbnb. Please feel free to message us with the hotel name or address before booking if you would like advice about the area, especially regarding nightlife or noise levels.

Question

What will the weather be like?

Answer

August in Asturias is usually warm and pleasant, often between 20–28°C, although evenings can sometimes feel cooler than expected due to the coastal climate. Asturian weather can also be unpredictable — one minute you may be relaxing on the beach, and the next you may be running for cover from the rain! We recommend bringing: ♡ a light jacket or cardigan for evenings ♡ an umbrella, just in case Fingers crossed for sunshine!

Question

What is the language barrier like?

Answer

English is less commonly spoken in Asturias than in some tourist areas of Spain, but people are usually very friendly and often happy to help or practise their English. You may even want to try a little Spanish yourself — all part of the experience! We recommend downloading: ♡ Google Translate ♡ ChatGPT ♡ Cambridge Dictionary Many phones can also instantly translate text from menus or signs using the camera.

Question

How can we move about the city?

Answer

Gijón is generally very walkable and mostly flat, apart from some viewpoints and parts of the old town. Some areas of the city and old town have cobbled streets, so comfortable footwear is recommended. ♡ Buses Local buses usually run every 12–15 minutes. Tickets currently cost €1.50 per journey. You do not need to tell the driver where you are getting off — simply press the stop button before your stop. ♡ ALSA Coaches ALSA is the main coach company connecting cities, towns, and the airport across Asturias. Tickets are usually very reasonably priced. ♡ Taxis Taxis are widely available throughout the city. ♡ Gijón Bici Electrical bike rentals available throughout Gijón.

Question

What time do the restaurants open?

Answer

Fast food restaurants and cafés may stay open throughout the day and late into the evening. However, traditional Spanish restaurant hours are usually: Lunch: 1:00pm – 3:30pm Dinner: 9:00pm – 11:00pm

Question

Siesta / Opening Hours?

Answer

Smaller shops may close between approximately 2pm–5pm. Many shops and supermarkets are closed on Sundays, although restaurants, cafés, and some smaller convenience stores remain open.

Question

What food should we try while visiting?

Answer

Asturias is famous for its sidra (Asturian cider), traditionally poured from height and usually shared between friends. It has a very distinctive taste and is part of the local culture. The region’s most famous dish is Fabada Asturiana — a rich bean stew made with fabes (large white beans), chorizo, morcilla (black pudding), pork, and saffron. Other local favourites include: ♡Cabrales cheese ♡Cachopo — breaded beef filled with ham and melted cheese, usually served with chips ♡Fresh seafood ♡Excellent steaks Desserts to try: ♡ Arroz con leche (rice pudding) ♡ Frixuelos (similar to crêpes) Please note: portions in Asturias are often very generous!

Question

Can you recommened us some places to eat?

Answer

Here are some places that we love : Breakfast ♡ Catlove ♡ Ambrosía ♡ RawCoco Restaurants ♡ El Medio Lleno ♡ Sidrería Tierra Astur Poniente ♡ El Llavianu ♡ As de Picas ♡ Llumbre ♡ El Pecado ♡ Sidreríá La Costa ♡ La Vaca Asustada ♡ 100 Montaditos - Hot Mini-Sandwiches ♡ Chibiski - Mexican ♡ El Crettino - Italian ♡ Pizzería La Competencia Bars / Cafés ♡ Terraza Jardines de la Reina ♡ Cafe Dindurra ♡ Primero Café ♡ Pura Vida Beach Club ♡ La Taberna Irlandesa ♡ The Blackbird - Pub ♡ "Ruta de Vinos" is a street full of bars. Ice Creams / Frozen Yoghurts ♡ Heladería Los Dos Hermanos ♡ Yogurissimo

Question

What should we know about the beaches?

Answer

Asturias has beautiful natural beaches and scenic coastlines, although the Atlantic Ocean is cooler than the Mediterranean, even in August - it's very refreshing! ♡ Gijón has several beautiful sandy beaches, with Playa de San Lorenzo being the most famous and centrally located. ♡ Always pay attention to the beach flags and lifeguard advice: Green = safe to swim Yellow = caution Red = swimming prohibited ♡ Beach bars and cafés The beachfront promenade in Gijón has many cafés, bars, ice cream shops, and restaurants within walking distance of the beach. But you must wear clothes in the streets as in some parts of Spain some fines have been issued. ♡ Sunbeds You won’t find rows of sunbeds on most Asturian beaches — instead, they are wide, natural, and left in their beautiful, wild state. ♡ Smoking is prohibited on the beaches.

Question

Can I pay by card?

Answer

Yes — card payments are accepted almost everywhere, although it is still useful to carry a small amount of cash for smaller cafés or taxis.

Question

Is there a 24-hour pharmacy nearby?

Answer

Yes — Farmacia Begoña is open 24 hours.

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

Please arrive at the church for 12:00pm.

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

The dress code is smart formal: ♡ Suits ♡ Elegant dresses ♡ Jumpsuits If you would like to avoid accidentally matching the bridal party, we recommend to avoid wearing green.

Question

Where are you registered for wedding gifts?

Answer

We are not registered for gifts. However, if you would like to give something, we would be very grateful for a contribution towards our honeymoon.

Question

Will the wedding be bilingual?

Answer

Yes — the wedding will include both English and Spanish so that all guests can enjoy and follow the day as comfortably as possible. Some parts of the ceremony may also be translated or summarised where possible.

Question

Who do we contact on the wedding day?

Answer

We will update the website closer to the wedding date with contact details for designated people available to help both English and Spanish-speaking guests.

Question

Can we take photos?

Answer

We would love for guests to enjoy an unplugged ceremony. Additionally, mobile phones are not permitted inside the church by the priest, so we kindly ask that phones are switched off before entering. Once the ceremony is over, please take as many photos and videos as you would like!

Question

Will there be transport between the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Yes — we will be organising a coach service from the ceremony to the reception venue, and afterwards back to a central drop-off point in the city. Please let us know if you will definitely require seats on the coach. Taxis and parking are also available for guests making their own arrangements.

Question

Is there parking available?

Answer

♡ Ceremony There is parking near the church, although availability can be unpredictable during the summer due to the nearby beach area. We would generally recommend taking a taxi where possible. There is also a nearby bus stop approximately 2 minutes away on foot. ♡ Reception Parking is available at the reception venue.

Question

Will there be an open bar?

Answer

The drinks are on us - but the hangover is on you!

Question

What kind of food will be served?

Answer

The menu will include a mixture of Spanish and Asturian cuisine alongside classic wedding dishes.

Question

I have a food allergy or dietary requirement — can I request an alternative?

Answer

Absolutely — please let us know about any allergies or dietary requirements and we will do our best to accommodate you.