The Council of Soto del Barco is a part of the Bajo Nalon Region formed for Muros del Nalon, Pravia and Soto del Barco, located between the centre and the west of Asturias at the estuary of the River Nalon.
This region is a very beautiful, relaxing and offers much potential which makes it a favourite amongst tourists.
The main village of Soto del Barco is San Juan de la Arena, a very nice fishing town with an old fish market still in use today, the Cultural Centre “Puerta del Mar”, and a nice sports Marina. The town can be quite lively with nice terraced restaurants and bars ideal for enjoying some down time.
In Soto del Barco you can also visit the Palace of the Magdalena from the 18th century which is now operating as a luxury hotel.
Also you can find fine examples of Indiano (Americas) architecture especially in the old Clarin cinemas from 1920. Asturias underwent large scale emigration at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century to America, especially Cuba, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela and the US. After the emigrants settled into their new homes and became wealthy they didn’t forget their roots and decided to build these magnificent houses to show off their new status as rich men. This style of very distinctive and characteristic architecture was almost always is accompanied by large ornate gardens of palm trees as a part of their identity. Also, a lot of the “Nouveau Riche” acted as sponsors and helped finance some basic needs in the towns like education, water or drainage.
Soto del Barco is home to the beach of The Quebrantos in San Juan de la Arena, a long sandy beach that has been awarded with the blue flag for the quality of its water and services. Here you can practice surfing and many other water sports.
Soto del Barco is a part of the «Northern Route« of the «Route of Saint James» and you can access many other walking routes such as The Water Route, The Santa Eulalia Route, The Sierra Pulide Route, The Veneros Route and The Sailors Route.
The Gastronomy of this area is based around the classic Asturian fare, with stews, Asturian reared beef, Chicken dishes, plenty of sweet treats and Asturian cheeses but the star of the area is fresh fish and especially baby eel (Angulas) which are very much a delicacy and very highly sought after.
More info: Soto del Barco Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
