Barcia can be explored in different ways: along the western Asturian coast, on pilgrimage routes and through architectural heritage spanning several centuries. The Ruta de la Cangrexa officially begins at the Iglesia de San Sebastián de Barcia and passes, among other places, the beaches of Portizuelo, Chao, La Polea and Los Molinos. The Camino de Santiago del Norte, also known as the Camino de Santiago de la Costa, also passes through Barcia, in the municipality of Valdés. This makes it possible to distinguish between the coastal route and the pilgrimage route when planning: each takes you through its own landscapes and cultural themes.
Coastal Paths and Playa de los Molinos
Playa de los Molinos de Barcia is about 200 metres long, straight, and made up of pebbles and sand. It lies on a northeast-facing shore at the foot of high cliffs and is part of the Paisaje Protegido de la Costa Occidental. About 200 metres from the beach are old mills that were powered by the waters of the Ricante stream. The beach and mills thus bring together the coastal landscape and evidence of earlier water use.
To reach the beach, take a 1.5-kilometre road from Caroyas towards the sea, then continue along an easy footpath. There is a longer alternative access route from Leiján. If you are planning this outing, you can distinguish between the two access routes by their described course: from Caroyas via road and footpath, and from Leiján via the longer alternative. Conditions on the coastal route may change; check them before setting out.
Pilgrimage Routes Through Barcia
The Camino Real de Concilleiro descends Monte de Barcia and then reconnects with the Camino de la Costa. This describes two distinct route connections: the Camino de Santiago passes through Barcia, while the Concilleiro refers to the descent from Monte and the reconnection with the coastal route. Those interested in the course of pilgrimage routes can treat these details as separate sections rather than combining them into a single route.
Church Art, Hórreos and History
The Iglesia de San Sebastián de Barcia houses important altarpieces from the 17th and 19th centuries. A 13th-century Gothic image, venerated as the Virgen de las Nieves or Virgen de la Leche, is also kept in the same church. These details provide different historical reference points: the altarpieces from two centuries and the older image, known by two names.
Barcia’s traditional architecture includes hórreos in the typical style of western Asturias, recognisable by their black slate roofs. The Cementerio Musulmán de Barcia offers a different historical perspective: it was built in 1936 to bury Muslim soldiers who had fought in the Spanish Civil War. At the main entrance is a horseshoe arch, characteristic of Islamic architecture. Together, these buildings point to different cultural and historical themes, without belonging to a single era.
Recreational Areas in the Locality
The Ãrea recreativa de Los Lagos offers parking, tables, barbecue facilities, an area accessible to people with reduced mobility, and a children’s playground. The Ãrea recreativa de El Pradón is next to the Iglesia de San Sebastián and also offers parking, tables and a children’s playground; it additionally has outdoor fitness equipment for older people and a football pitch. The two facilities share some of the amenities explicitly listed, but differ in their other offerings. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check the current situation before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Almuña, Boronas, Luarca, Brieves, Cadavedo, Canero.
Go to the main travel overview: Valdés.
