Novellana lies on the coastal rasa; the surrounding beaches are framed by impressive cliffs. When choosing a day by the coast, it is worth considering the beach surface and access: Playa del Silencio, La Barquera and Cala Salencia differ in length and character. If you are looking for a longer stretch rather than individual coves, you can include the Entrecabos Route in your plans.
Pebble beaches and coves along the cliff-lined coast
Playa del Silencio is a 500 m-long pebble beach with scattered buildings. It is suitable for swimming, relaxing and photography. La Barquera is one of Novellana’s three beaches and is smaller, at 250 m long and 20 m wide. It is also a pebble beach; visitor numbers are low, buildings are scattered, and access on foot is difficult. Cala Salencia is a 150 m-long cove consisting mainly of pebbles. Comparing their lengths offers a simple point of reference, while the access routes are key to practical planning.
To reach Playa del Silencio, travel from Castañeras near Novellana via the turn-off for Novellana. A car park has space for five cars. The approximately 25-minute approach follows a path, a footpath and steps. Beach and parking conditions may vary; check conditions before your visit. The large, rocky Islote Percebera lies by La Barquera; the area is rich in marine resources. The rocky coastal inlet of El Riego lies in front of three cliff outcrops inhabited by seagulls.
Hiking between Novellana and Playa del Silencio
The Entrecabos Route is an easy, 10.2 km coastal crossing for hikers. Its estimated duration is three to five hours, and it can be walked year-round. The route climbs to Novellana and passes through L’AirĂn. From there, Peña del FornĂłn can be seen, weather permitting. The route ends at Playa del Silencio; when route conditions allow, it connects with other coastal routes on the western coast of Asturias. When planning, you should therefore consider both the time required for the hike and the conditions for possible connections.
Cala del Riego can also be reached on foot: the access route leads there from Novellana or from Cala del Silencio. At low enough tide, the cove is connected to Cala la Barquiera. This connection is therefore tide-dependent; check local conditions if you plan to use it. Another route leads to Cala Salencia: it starts at the eastern edge of Novellana and descends along a wide, paved road. The walk is estimated to take about 15 minutes. As the route may change slightly, check its current course before setting out.
Church, railway station and the Way of St. James
The Iglesia de Santiago was built in the 18th century on the site of an earlier hermitage. Its Neoclassical building has a nave with a very simple vault. Among the church’s significant carvings is the depiction known as “Cristo de los Vaqueiros.” Alongside its coastal trails, Novellana thus offers a specific destination for travellers interested in architectural history and religious art.
Another historic building is the railway station. The Novellana building is protected as a “Bien de Interés Cultural” and is part of a group of railway stations designed by engineer Francisco González Quijano in 1950 for the Ferrol–Gijón railway line. It was adapted for use as the upmarket tourist hostel “Andén de Novellana.” If you would like to stay there, confirm availability directly with the provider before booking.
Novellana also lies on the coastal variant of the Way of St. James. The celebrations of Santiago ApĂłstol are also associated with the area. If you would like to plan your trip around these celebrations, check the exact event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: San Justo de la DĂłriga, Cotariello, AndĂ©s, VillarĂn, TrevĂas, Oneta, MuñalĂ©n, Faedo.
For the broader travel overview: Comarca Vaqueira.
