Discover Caravia: beaches, nature and architecture
Accommodation in Caravia
Beaches, landscapes and architecture offer different perspectives on Caravia. At Playa Espasa, the focus is on sand and coastal experiences; in the Sierra del Sueve, it is on trails, forests and views. The area also features heritage dating from the Iron Age to 20th-century architecture.
Playa Espasa and surf spots
Playa Espasa is 1,150 metres long and has fine, ochre-coloured sand. The Espasa River marks the boundary between the municipalities of Caravia and Colunga, and the beach lies on this boundary. Playa Espasa is suitable for beginner surfers and for kite flying.
Surfing is also popular at Playa Arenal de MorĂs, where there is an area that is frequently used for surfing. The two beaches can therefore be distinguished by these activities: Playa Espasa is particularly suited to beginner surfers and kite flying, while Arenal de MorĂs has a designated area regularly used for surfing.
Trails and landscapes of the Sierra del Sueve
Beech and yew forests are among the characteristic vegetation of the Sierra del Sueve. Its representative wildlife includes fallow deer, birds of prey and Asturian horses. The route to Pico La Forquita passes through a forest of native chestnut and oak trees. From the viewpoints, you can see the Cantabrian Sea and the Sierra del Sueve; forest sections and open viewpoints together shape the nature experience here.
The El Fitu recreation area is the starting point for several routes. On clear days, parts of the Picos de Europa can be seen from there. There is also a large car park. El Fitu can be reached via the AS-260, which connects Arriondas with Caravia. From a crossroads, a path leads to a waterfall in about 15 minutes on foot.
Another route, Arenal de MorĂs–La Griega, leads to the Trincheras de La Isla. The destination is a unique, radially laid-out defensive structure in Asturias, dug into the ground during the Spanish Civil War. The route thus links a specific trail with a landmark from more recent history.
History and architecture
The Castro de Caravia, also known as Picu’l Castru, was inhabited during the Iron Age, from the 4th or 3rd century to the 1st century BC. It was a fortified settlement surrounded by a strong stone wall. Traces of Romanisation have also been found at the site. The Ermita de Santa Bárbara in El Valle is open to visitors; it is dedicated to the patron saint of miners.
The history of the area can also be traced through its people and buildings. Aurelio de Llano was born in El Valle and lived there. He was an important researcher of Asturian folklore and prehistory. The CerracĂn neighbourhood preserves numerous elements of traditional architecture.
The Casa de los hermanos Prieto is considered the most representative example of Indianos palaces and an outstanding example of Caravia's civil architecture. The house is privately owned: it can be viewed from the outside, but access is only possible by prior arrangement. The Casona de El Francu in Duesos, also known as Caravia la Baja, is an unadorned rural palace complex dating from the 18th century. It comprises a main house, agricultural outbuildings and a chapel in the vernacular style.
Other architectural styles offer different features: Villa Concha, at the edge of Prado on the road towards Ribadesella, is a country house in the modernist-eclectic style of Indianos architecture, built in the early 20th century. Villa La Molina de Arriba de Carrales stands beside the parish church of Santiago. Its T-shaped building displays historicist influences; both sections have two storeys and a converted attic. The Church of Santiago de Caravia in Carrales dates from the 17th century.
A speciality from Caravia
Emberzáu, a type of blood sausage, is part of the local culinary tradition. It is mixed with cornmeal and wrapped in cabbage leaves. This distinctive food culture adds to the impressions of beaches, landscapes and architectural history.
Discover more destinations
Ribadesella, Comarca Del Nora, Llanes, Sobrescobio, VillayĂłn, San MartĂn Del Rey Aurelio
For the broader travel overview: Asturias.
