The Councils of Villayon, Coaña and Boal, belong 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 travellers, 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 the 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 Villayon is an ideal location to find the true essence of rural lifestyle and tradition in Asturias and is also home to some magical landscapes.
In Villayon you will find the archaeological sites of Neolithic and Celtic times such as the Dolmen of Barandon. Also it has many examples of medieval and religious architecture such as the Church of Arbon, the emblazoned houses in the beautiful high mountain pastures of Lendequintana and the Coat of Arms in Illaso.
But one of the most characteristic things about Villayon is the many collections ethnographic rural houses, Asturian food stores and other traditional rural buildings. It is especially worth mentioning the spectacular natural waterfalls of Mexica or Oneta as a great place to visit.
Villayon is crisscrossed by several rivers so you can enjoy plenty of different water sports like canoeing, paddling, sailing etc. Also there are many Routes to walk like the Route of the Waterfall of Oneta, The Route of the Waterfall of Mexica, The Route of the Dolmen of Barandon, or the Route of Villayon peak.
The Gastronomy of Villayon is mainly traditional Asturias cuisine with some Galician influance. It is mainly based on Casseroles, Asturian reared beef, fresh fish from their rivers, cheeses and desserts from the area.
More info: Villayon Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Parque Historico del Navia and Turismo Asturias: Camilo Alonso and Eduardo Velasco
