The Council of Tapia de Casariego belongs to an area called “The Historical Park of the Navia River”. This refers to an area of different councils with a common historical past stemming from the ancient inhabitants of Asturias. The west of Asturias is full of legends, mystery, magic and myth. This is largely because their location between the sea and the mountains of Galicia and Leon and their welcoming character as a land of travelers, farmers, fisherman, shepherds, sailors and craftsmen.
The whole area is like a living museum with exhibits of mountains, beaches, valleys, rivers, towns and forests where you can find history in every step through the remnants of the Celtic, Roman and Christian cultures.
If we had to define this area in few words then it would be inspirational, relaxing, spiritual and mystical
Other common denominators to all these areas are the mix of Galician and Asturias architecture, with stone structures and slate roofs. The traditional Asturian stores called “horreos” or “paneras” live side by side with Galician Style Barns. You will find these constructions right next to the houses and were designed protect cured meats and vegetables from animals and insects.
During the middle Ages the nobility and clergy governed the land and left testimonies of their wealth in the form of Palaces, Large Stately Houses, chapels and sanctuaries. You will find a lot of examples of this throughout the enchanting small coastal and inland country villages.
The Council of Tapia de Casariego, is another of the entrances to the Historical Park of the River Navia, through a museum called “The Lords of the Palace-Houses” dedicated to the interpretation of the Palaces, Nobility and their Large Houses, Indiano Houses and the history of emigration and ownership of the land.
Tapia de Casariego is a very popular area for tourism with very nice landscapes, beautiful beaches and archaeological settlements. The seaside village of Tapia de Casariego, just beside an old fortified settlement, is a modern and lively fishing port and Marina.
The main Patrimony is the Constitution piazza, the Church of San Blas, the Church of San Sebastian and the Parish Church of San Esteban. The true charm of Tapia de Casariego lies in its promenade and the walk through the port and onto the lighthouse.
In the area you will find Palaces and Large Houses like Campos, Sta Maria, Lindoy, Casariego, Donlebun and As Nogueiras.
The beaches of this area are very beautiful and popular especially Penaronda Beach, Serantes Beach and Anguileiro Beach.
Tapia de Casariego is also very popular for surfers and plays host to the International Surf Competition every Easter since 1971. At the same time they celebrate the Memorial for Peter Gulley, the Australian citizen who introduced the surf in Tapia de Casariego. There are surf schools in Tapia de Casariego with qualified teachers.
Also, you will find different vantage points where you can appreciate the beauty of this area such as Os Cañois, Represas, The Lightouse and Del Monte. Finding these vantage points is simply a matter of following the different available Routes such as “The Route of the Iron and the Gold”, “The Route of the Corn” and the “Coastal Route of Tapia”. The area is also one of the stages of the famous “Route of Santiago” passing through Tapia de Casariego in a section of “The Northern Route“.
Tapia de Casariego has a 9 holes golf course in Rapalcuarto celebrating many tournaments during the year.
The Gastronomy of the area is mainly traditional Asturias cuisine with some Galician influence. It is mainly based on Casseroles, Asturian reared beef, fresh fish from their rivers and the sea, shellfish, cheeses and desserts from the area. In this area it is very important the chestnut and when it comes to season they do a lot of dishes, casseroles and especially very nice desserts with it.
Tapia celebrates every summer the International Interceltic festival with a Medieval Market.
More info: Tapia de Casariego Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Ayto de Tapia de Casariego, Parque Historico del Navia and Turismo Asturias: Arnaud Spani
