Castropol is a town in the west of Asturias that is part of the Mancomunidad de Oscos-Eo.
It was awarded the “Exemplary Town of Asturias Award” in 1997 given by the “Princess of Asturias Foundation” and is delivered in person the by the King and Queen of Spain. The award is conferred on the town, village, population centre, scenic area or group of people in the Principality of Asturias that have stood out in a notable way in “defending and conserving its natural or environmental setting, its historical, cultural or artistic heritage, or in the carrying out of outstanding communal works or other such displays of solidarity”.
Castropol is an enchanting fishing village overlooking the estuary from a hillock along the riverside of the River Eo with an undeniable beauty and charming historic centre declared to be of Cultural Interest. Together with the fishing town of Figueras offer a stunning collection of noble and modern architecture
During the middle Ages the nobility and clergy that ruled and governed the land left testimonies of their wealth such as Palaces, large stately houses, chapels and sanctuaries. In Castropol and it surrounds you will find many fine examples of religious and civil architecture with many churches, palaces, large estates, town squares and monuments throughout town.
The Estuary of the Eo River has been declared a Partial Natural Reserve for its marine ecosystem and because it is one of the most important wetlands in the North of Spain due to its concentration of birdlife and waterfowl making it an ideal place to practice ornithology.
Across the council of Castropol you can find also other important rivers such as the Porcia River, where you can find traces of old mills and old Blacksmith’s. Other significant rivers are the Suaron, Tol and Cobos. This concentration of rivers makes it an ideal place for fishing and also nature lovers.
For those who love sports you will find a wide variety of things to do from water sports, boat trips, surfing, canoeing, golf, biking, or helicopter trips.
Castropol is ideally located between the majestic mountains of the Biospehere Reserve of Oscos Terras de Burón and the beautiful beaches of western. This provides visitors with plenty of options for spending the day doing mountain routes like the “Coastal Walk from Castropol to Figueras”, the “Route to the Cioyo’s waterfall” or the “Route to the Mines” or relaxing on the calm and beautiful beaches such as San Roman, Arnao or Penaronda which is considered a Natural Monument.
Castropol is also linked to the “Northern Route” of the «Route of Santiago» and you can find a Pilgrim Hostel in the town of Tol.
Castropol has a varied and tasty gastronomy mainly due to its location between the sea and the mountains. You can enjoy a traditional Asturian fare with some influences from Galician gastronomy but it is highly recommended that you try the seafood from the estuary of the river Eo. The Eo estuary is a rich and clean habitat that provides shellfish to restaurants throughout all of Spain such as razor fish, clams and their star product, oysters!
More info: Castropol Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Ayto de Castropol and Turismo Asturias: Arnaud Spani.
