From the Nalón to the Cantabrian Coast

Soto Del Barco developed along the Nalón; in this area, its estuary reaches the Cantabrian coast. Near La Arena lies Playa de Los Quebrantos, a large Cantabrian beach. Here, you can walk, swim and surf. The Los Quebrantos recreation area is by the beach and offers views of the sea and mountains. The promenade in L’Arena is also ideal for walks.

Eel Fishing: Exhibitions and Season

The Puerta del Mar Interpretation Centre focuses on the history of eel fishing and the lives of the women who gathered coal. Its permanent exhibition also covers the environmental features of the Ría del Nalón and the municipality’s ethnographic culture. It also explains the former importance of the fish canning factories and coal gathering in the Ría del Nalón.

In San Juan de la Arena, the eel season runs from October to April. It peaks in February or March, in connection with the Festival de la Angula. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for your chosen year.

Coastal Towns and Historic Traces

In El Castillu, a very old landing place is considered unique in Asturias. You can view the Rula de L’Arena from the outside. At Christmas, L’Arena has a tradition involving the Angulero: a fisherman brings gifts to children. Another historical landmark is the Palacio de la Magdalena. It was built in the mid-18th century at the behest of Don Juan de Llano Ponte, the Bishop of Oviedo.

The Castro de San Martín in El Castillo was reused by the Romans and later converted into a castle during the Kingdom of Asturias. The Castillo de San Martín castle was built by Alfonso III of Asturias in the 9th century to protect the town and the coast from Norman invasions.

Trails and Views

You can start the Senda de las Trincheras de Ranón at the port of La Arena and walk uphill towards Ranón. A 50-metre-long trench connects the two forts of Ranón with the La Peña artillery battery. Visitors can enter the Ranón military complex and walk through its galleries; conditions may vary. Check the visiting conditions in advance.

From Villar and Santa Eulalia, the Ruta de Santa Eulalia offers panoramic views of the municipalities of Pravia and Soto Del Barco. Another route leads to the Palacio de Bouzas in Riberas: this 19th-century point of interest lies on the Ruta de los Veneros.

Getting Your Bearings at the Marina

The San Juan de la Arena marina is accessible via the A-8 motorway and the N-632 and AS-318 roads. It has 98 permanent berths and 10 permanent moorings, of which 10 are for transit. If you’re planning to arrive by boat, check the operational details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Soto Del Barco, Noreña, Pesoz, Cudillero, Villaviciosa, Comarca Del Nora, Comarca De La Sidra, Belmonte De Miranda.

For the broader travel overview: Asturias.