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Avilés is the 3rd most important city of Asturias, Spain. Situated in the estuary of Avilés west of Peñas Cape, it has an important national seaport and important industry. It is close to popular beaches such as Salinas.

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The area experiences Atlantic, warm summers with both overcast and sunny days. In winter the weather is moderate, with significant rains and wind, although sometimes the cold climate of Asturias results in snowfall at sea level.

There are few remnants from Prehistory (only two axes). The name Avilés is thought to come from a Roman possessor, Abilius. The first well known file is an endowment of two churches by Asturias King Alfonso III, in 905. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the most important ports of the Biscay Bay, trading mainly with French ports. In this time, it was comprised of two parts: the fishermen´s district, Sabugo, and the aristocratic centre, La Villa, divided by the estuary where Avilés lay. It is the birthplace of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who tamed Florida in the 16th century. Part of the estuary was drained in the 19th century, and the two parts joined together. Then the city began to grow outside the medieval wall, which had been demolished. In the 20th century, there was an enormous growth in population due to the fact that heavy industries located to the town. Nowadays, the city is trying to focus on new industries and recover its antique flavour.

There are many important monuments, like Santo Tomás de Canterbury church (from the 13th century) and San Nicolás de Bari (also from the 13th century). Their names demonstrate the influence of medieval foreign trade. There are also civil monuments, like the baroque Palacio de Camposagrado, fortified in its north façade against the English pirates.

Its most characteristic cultural event is the Interceltic Festival. That occcurs in summer, with people coming from Brittany, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Galicia and Asturias itself.