Gijon, Spain

Capital City

With a population of just under 270,000, Gijon is the largest city in Spain's Asturias region. While it touts itself as a tourist and university hub, the reality is a persistent bureaucracy and a climate that can be a wet, chilly headache for much of the year. The city's industrial heritage is fading, but it's still a gritty, working-class place that may not appeal to those seeking picturesque charm. Gijon is best suited for hardy souls who can handle the Cantabrian drizzle and red tape in exchange for affordable living and easy access to the great outdoors.