What to see and do in Navia

Latitude: 43.5391541 Length: -6.7231703
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Navia thrives on constant activity thanks to the dynamism of its dairy industry, its shipyards, one of the most efficient pulp mills in Europe, not to mention its extensive agriculture, fishing, tourism, and its status as a key stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. All of this makes the town a prosperous and unusual place among Asturian villages, which are more accustomed to economic dependence on a single sector. Commerce is also deeply rooted. A stroll through its streets is enough to confirm that Navia is the nerve center of the entire region.

A little bit of history

Navia is the name of the river of the same name, a toponym of pre-Roman origin that corresponds to one of the principal Celtic deities , associated with water worship. Human presence has been abundant since the 6th century BC , the period to which the first remains of Celtic cultures date. The Navia River then formed the border between the Albiones (Galician tribes) and the Astures. The abundant gold in its waters led to a permanent Roman settlement . The town gained some importance in later centuries due to the development of the fishing industry and maritime traffic. In the 16th century, the walled enclosure was built to defend against corsair attacks that penetrated the estuary right up to the town center. The wall was demolished in the mid-19th century due to urbanization efforts; fishing then regained its prominence, and capital from those who had made their fortunes in the Americas was invested in the construction of schools and a road. At the beginning of the 20th century, these same funds fueled the planned expansion of the town and the growth of residential areas with elegant buildings. In the middle of that same century, a general boom occurred in agriculture, industry, and services.

What to see and do in Navia?

The town, situated on the right bank of the estuary, has gradually reclaimed land from it and its marshes. Within the town center, remnants of the medieval layout coexist with others inherited from the 19th-century expansion and the newer neighborhoods of recent decades. The architectural beauty of the House of the Marquises of Santa Cruz and the Coaña House , both from the 17th century, is striking. The Parish Church of Our Lady of La Barca is Neo-Gothic in style, dating from the late 19th century. In the 20th century, several eclectic buildings were erected, such as those around the "Jardinillos" ( small gardens) , the Arias Palace , and the Casino itself (built in 1922 by those who had made their fortunes in the Americas). The oldest streets in the town, which still retain great charm and character, are: Las Armas, San Francisco, Hospital, Real, and Hornos. A small section of the medieval wall can be seen on Mariano Luiña Street.

We approach the port of Navia , where boats of all kinds coexist: from typical fishing boats to large cargo ships, including medium-sized fishing vessels, sailboats, yachts, and tugboats. Much of Navia's atmosphere is concentrated here, as the area around the port itself is well-stocked with taverns and cider houses.

Parallel to the estuary (which is navigable for 4 kilometers, and where the famous swimming descent has been held since 1958), runs a beautiful promenade leading to the small beach of Navia (360 meters). Surrounding it is a large recreational area with a lush and idyllic pine forest that invites you to relax in its shade. The magic of the place is completed by the small lake, "Vega de Arenas."

On the outskirts of the town is also located Campoamor Park , dedicated to the brilliant local poet and politician Don Ramón de Campoamor (1817-1901).