Hikes in Avilés

From the traditional industrial city to the green hills and picturesque coastal towns of Asturias.

Urban start, then along green coastal stretches and through formerly industrial regions to Avilés.

About 850 kilometers is the length of the coastal path, which runs from Irun on the border with France to Santiago. Along the way, the path frequently runs directly along the sea: either along the cliffs a few meters above the sea or directly on the beach, so you can take off your hiking boots and put your feet in the water. In summer, swimming is even possible, especially since the Spanish northern coast is not as popular or crowded among tourists as the southern coast. It is advantageous to tackle the path with a lightweight trekking tent, as there were often longer stretches where only campsites were available. We also recommend the outdoor book Camino de Santiago Coastal Path, with good tips and accommodation options.

​A stage consisting of three sections. From Gijón to the industrial complexes, then through peaceful, idyllic greenery, and finally 7 km along and beside a major highway through additional industrial areas.Even though the last part is probably one of the least attractive stretches of the entire journey, a stroll through the beautiful old town of our destination makes us forget all about it.▶ It’s not far from the central square, Plaza Mayor 01, to the marina. There, we keep to the left toward the promenade. At the Railroad Museum (Museo del Ferrocarril del Asturias), the path splits; we continue our tour on the road. Shells and arrows appearing at regular intervals on the ground direct us to turn right onto side street 02 behind the Hotel La Polar. We now head straight ahead for a good 3.5 km, soon crossing the large intersection with the N-641a. Once we’ve left most of the city behind us, we cross the railroad bridge and carefully take the partly slippery pedestrian path under the next railroad bridge.Immediately after that, we turn right onto a disused road and, at the next opportunity, turn left to pass under the long conveyor belt 03. At the roundabout, take the first exit along the truck scale (Báscuala), then turn left before the next railroad bridge and follow a narrow road (heavy traffic, no sidewalk!). Crossing the tracks and passing through the village, we continue on the road to its highest point. Then we turn right up the hill, but after a few meters, at the next junction, we turn left through a narrow ravine with great views over the entire industrial complex. The contrast couldn’t be greater. Below us, the dusty industrial area; above us, pristine meadows and woodlands! There are now plenty of trail markers (including “Camín Real”), so we follow them until the end of the paved road—sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right—but always continuing uphill (sometimes steeply). The transition to the wide gravel path is very smooth. As we walk past eucalyptus forests and lush meadows, the noise soon fades into the background. The path across the plain, which gets a bit rougher over time, absorbs a lot of water when it rains. We follow the main path and only the Camino signposts. After about 3 km, we reach numerous plastic-covered greenhouses belonging to a nursery. At the upcoming road, we keep to the right and, behind the “settlement” Ramos 04 (calling it a settlement is a bit of an exaggeration, since it consists of only one farmstead), turn left down the steeper road. We cross the main road and find ourselves in front of the Iglesia de Santa Eulalia del Valle 05 (with two massive palm trees in front of it) in the little village of Santolaya. From here, too, we head toward the valley floor. As we pass through the small hamlet of La Maquila, we keep to the left and are now surrounded by wide, lush pastures on both sides of the path. Here we enjoy the last few peaceful kilometers before reaching the road. At the sign for Los Celleros, we turn right twice and continue until just before the highway. When we see the church, the path splits shortly afterward; the right fork through the tunnel leads to the aforementioned Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Tamón 06. From there, we turn right onto the pedestrian path. There are plenty of arrows all the way to the end. Just before the roundabout, we turn left, passing the blue Tabaza guesthouse, and then—with extreme caution—turn left onto the shoulder of the very busy road, crossing it a few meters further on at the large blue sign to head up into the meadow. From there, continue straight onto the AS-19, where a widening shoulder now serves as our trail alongside the noisy industrial area. After about 2.5 km (heavy traffic!), we can switch to a pedestrian path on the right. Continuing along the path, we reach the church of San Pelayo 07 with a fountain behind it (bars and restaurants along the way and also behind the church). About 750 m further on, arrows behind a sports field try to direct us to the right, but we stay true to the straight path, cross to the left side of the road, and soon back to the right. As the road gradually climbs, we turn left at the end of the pedestrian path. We cross the street to the left under the bridge. Passing the gas station and continuing along the road, we cross the railroad tracks via a bridge. After the roundabout, we follow the signs to the red wall, behind which lies the Avilés Municipal Hostel 08. From the hostel, we immediately cross the street and head straight into the Old Town 09 toward the large Plaza de España and the iconic City Hall, where we end our stage.

Spain: Camino de Santiago: Camino del Norte: Stage 23c: Gijon-Aviles[ cami caminho cammino chemin chemins compostela da di del della delle itineraire jacob jacobeo jacobi jacobs jacobsweg jacques james james’ jaume sant st ste saint san path route ruta via voie way of weg ]

Spain: Camino de Santiago: Camino del Norte: Stage 23b: Gijon-Aviles[ cami caminho cammino chemin compostela de itineraire jacob jacobsweg jacques james james’ jaume sant Santiago st ste saint san saint-jacques st-jacques path pilgrim’s pilgrims route ruta via voie way of weg ]

Spain: Camino de Santiago: Camino del Norte: Stage 24: Aviles-Soto de Luina[ cami caminho cammino chemin compostela de itineraire jacob jacobsweg jacques james james’ jaume sant Santiago st ste saint san saint-jacques st-jacques path pilgrim’s pilgrims route ruta via voie way of weg ]

Spain: Camino de Santiago: Camino del Norte: Stage 23: Oviedo-Aviles[ cami caminho cammino chemin compostela de itineraire jacob jacobsweg jacques james james’ jaume sant Santiago st ste saint san saint-jacques st-jacques path pilgrim’s pilgrims route ruta via voie way of weg ]