Castrillon council lies between The Cabo Peñas and the mouth of the Nalón River and it is formed by the areas of Avilés, Castrillón, Corvera and Illas. This county is in very close proximity to the Airport of Asturias.
The impressive beauty of this area lies together with one of the most important industries in Asturias, the steel and chemical industry and plays host some of the most important international companies in these sectors such as Arcerol Mittal and Du Pont.
The Cabo Peñas is the most northern part of Asturias with cliffs over 100 metres high where stone and sandy areas alternate with dune ecosystems as Verdicio or Xago. It is one of the main attractions of Asturias for its beauty and impressive views to the Sea, the beaches and The Picos de Europa. The lighthouse becomes the Interpretation Centre of the area and its diverse and unique ecosystems. Another impressive lighthouse of the area is in San Juan de Nieva, overlooking the Aviles estuary.
Castrillon is a part of the «Northern Route« of the «Route of Saint James» and you can access many other walking route.
Castrillon council, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabric Sea, is well known as the county of the seven beaches.
One of the most important is the beach of El Espartal in the resort town of Salinas, which has the largest dune system in Asturias. Other beaches of special importance for their spectacular location are the Beachs of Bayas and Deva, both been declared Natural Monuments due to their landscape, vegetation and ornithology where you can spot among others European Shags, Peregrine Falcons and Yellow-legged Gulls.
Other beaches in Castrillon are Arnao, Bahinas, El Cuerno, El Puerto, Munielles, Reguero, Sablon and Santa Maria del Mar.
The gastronomy of Castrillon is traditional Asturian food but thanks to its proximity with the sea it enjoys a lot of fish dishes and amazing seafood. They have also their own cheeses and desserts.
Along with the city of Aviles, the most important villages and towns in the County of Castrillon are:
Castrillon: The main village in Castrillon is the modern and busy village of Piedras Blancas. At the end of Piedras Blancas you will find Salinas, a very stylish and relaxed maritime town with one of the best sandy beaches in Asturias, the Beach of the Espartal with the largest dune system in Asturias.
In Castrillon you can enjoy many driving, walking and biking Routes. Also you can visit the Arbedales Mountain Cave.
Salinas and its surrounds area are very popular with surfers from all over the world and during the month of July, the International Festival of Long board is held. The festival holds a long board surfing competition and also many quality music concerts and parties.
Also, you can’t leave this area without visiting the outdoor Anchor Museum of Philippe Cousteau (Son of the famous Jacques Cousteau), located in the “Peñona de Salinas”
Salinas is also home to one of the seven Michelin Stared Restaurants in Asturias.
More info: Castrillon Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Ayto de Castrillon, Ayto de Corvera, Ayto de Illas, and Turismo Asturias: Arnaud Späni, Camilo Alonso, Marcelo Alonso, Jose Antonio Carretero, Marcos Vega.
