This walk or route of the viewpoints is a very affordable route, with a perfectly prepared and signposted path. The tour is suitable for all ages and becomes essential, because without great physical demands, with great calm, it allows us to discover one of the most spectacular landscapes in all of Asturias. Which is saying a lot.
A very privileged coastal path
Explanatory signs They let us know at all times where we are and what natural treasures we should look for. There are also fountains, benches and tables in small recreative areas, abundant stretches of shade and even covered areas where it is possible to shelter from the sun or rain if necessary. The itinerary has numerous environmental merits and is part of the Great Route GR-204 that runs along the entire Asturian coast, from east to west. In this case it is stage number 14 and has been declared blue trail for promoting the dissemination of this ecosystem. It is also part of the Cabo Busto – Luanco Special Conservation Area, a space integrated into the Natura 2000 Network of the European Union due to its privileged biodiversity.
This excursion is recommended at any time of the year, because depending on the seasons we will have some incentives or others. In the winter season, and well into spring, we can witness the strength of the Cantabrian Sea in all its splendor. During the summer we may want to go to the beaches and coves to enjoy a good swim (although not all of them are equally suitable).
Lookout to lookout
The itinerary itself is winding. A cobbled path that runs along the coast of Muros del Nalón, on the central coast of Asturias. It is very well signposted and you can't get lost. It has distance indicators every 500 meters and indicator arrows at crossings. We can take the path in two directions, starting the march in the town of San Esteban de Pravia or starting from Aguilar beach, bordering the neighboring council of Cudillero. There are large parking areas at both points.
The terrain through which we will advance is practically flat, saving the stretch at the beginning or the end, up or down, depending on where we start. Are 9 kilometers in total, round trip, with a mandatory stop at different balconies overlooking the steep coastline.
Miradors Route from San Esteban de Pravia
From the parking lot located in the port we access the stairs that lead, 400 steps higher, to the hermitage of the Holy Spirit and its attached viewpoint. A short distance away there is a very well arranged picnic area. If we go by bicycle We can use an alternative route that avoids the stairs, avoiding the 115 meters of unevenness thanks to a pedestrian path/cycle path that also starts from San Esteban. If you are doing the route with very small children and with a stroller, We can approach the hermitage by car and start the tour from there.
San Esteban de Pravia
There was a time not too long ago when this port of San Esteban de Pravia was worked piece-rate for 24...
At this first viewpoint we already get an idea of the panoramic views that await us. To the west we see cliffs, the beaches of Focarón, Garruncho and Guardada. Further in the distance you can see the coast of Cudillero. To the east we can see the extensive beaches of Los Quebrantos, Playón de Bayas or Isla de Deva, as well as the mouth of the Nalón.
We cross pine and eucalyptus forests and we arrived at a rest area. Very close is the Atalaya viewpoint (about a kilometer from the hermitage). The golden sand that we see at our feet is that of the homonymous beach of l'Atalaya and that of Cazonera. In this enclave the walls of the cliffs fall abruptly, overcoming differences in level of 100 meters.
We then enter a small grove of eucalyptus, chestnut and laurel trees, the so-called Reborio forest. We cross two wooden bridges and reach the Glayos viewpoint. Natural terrace that gives us a unique panoramic view, especially on clear days, when we can follow the entire broken profile of the coast with our eyes until we identify it itself. Cape Vidio and its lighthouse.
Cabo Vidio
The powerful Cantabrian Sea has carved this work of art on the Costa Verde, within the Protected Landscape of the…
We continue advancing along the path until the Alto de las Llanas. Fourth viewpoint. Here there is another rest area. To our left, the isolated rocky coves of Xan Xun and Rabadugo. In front of us is the fine sand beach of Las Llanas, to which it is possible to go down - always with caution - down a steep staircase.
The path takes a downward slope to take us to the last of the viewpoints on this route. It is known as The Viewpoint, and in its surroundings there are the archaeological remains of the Castro del Campón. From here we see the small beach of Xilo and Aguilar, the end of the route, which we can access by crossing a small coastal forest and descending a moderate slope.
If the excursion has been short, there is always the possibility of extending it a little more from Aguilar itself to the town of Cudillero, about six kilometers further west. Another walk along the coast that does not offer too many complications, despite the fact that one of its sections runs along the road.
Aguilar Beach
The Aguilar Beach is the busiest in the municipality of Muros del Nalón. It is more than 640 meters…
To return to San Esteban de Pravia we do it retracing the path. So in the final section we will have to descend the 400 steps, from the hermitage to the port of the fishing village. There the old coal loading docks and the large Babcock Wilcox cranes await us, the beautiful sight of the mouth of the largest of the Asturian rivers: the Nalón.
The seafaring countryside and excellent gastronomy bring together a lot of reasons to visit the town of San Esteban de Pravia. On its river promenade there are many bars and restaurants, where you can taste local fish and fresh seafood. In addition, in this port you can witness beautiful sunsets over the Nalón River.
Interesting information
- Easy route, well signposted, 9 kilometers (round trip) and about 3 hours (approx.) long.
- You always have to be careful with the cliff.
- It is a protected space so you have to be especially careful with nature.
- Follow the marked path at all times, avoiding walking through shortcuts so as not to disturb the vegetation.
- Take your waste with you and place it in the recycling containers in the rest areas.
Photographs: © Roberto Molero on Flickr
