A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Navia: The Hidden Gem of Asturias

Introduction

Located on the western coast of Asturias, Navia is a town that perfectly combines the beauty of its natural landscapes with a rich historical and cultural heritage. This charming municipality, bathed by the Navia River and the Cantabrian Sea, offers a wide variety of tourist attractions ranging from paradisiacal beaches to historical monuments and hiking trails.

Beaches of Navia

Navia has several beautiful beaches, the most notable being Navia Beach. This beach, with its fine golden sand and crystal clear waters, is perfect for enjoying a day of sun and sea. Other beaches worth visiting are Frexulfe Beach, declared a Natural Monument, and Barayo Beach, a protected area that combines beach, dunes and a beautiful forest.

Historical Heritage

The historical heritage of Navia is another of its great attractions. The Ethnographic Ensemble of Teixois stands out, a set of traditional buildings that includes a mill, a mallet, a fulling mill and a saw, all of them moved by the force of water. It is also worth visiting the Castro de Coaña, a fortified settlement from the Iron Age, and the Church of Santa María de La Barca, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.

Hiking Trails

For nature lovers, Navia offers several hiking trails that allow you to discover the beautiful landscapes of the area. One of the most popular is the Naviega Coastal Route, which runs along the coast of the municipality offering spectacular sea views. Another interesting option is the Hoces del Esva Route, which runs along the Esva River and its impressive gorge.

Gastronomy

Gastronomy is another of the great attractions of Navia. Seafood is the star of its cuisine, with dishes such as rolled bonito, hake in cider or clams a la marinera. Meat dishes are also very popular, such as Asturian pot or fabada, and traditional desserts, such as rice pudding or frixuelos.

Festivals and Events

Navia is also known for its festivals and events. The Navia Estuary Swim Downstream stands out, an international open water swimming competition held in August. The carnival festivities, with their traditional "Galiana Descent", and the patron saint festivities of Santa María de La Barca, which include processions, concerts and fireworks, are also very popular.

Gastronomic Products of Navia

• Asturian Fabada

  Navia, like the rest of Asturias, is famous for its fabada. This dish is a stew of white beans, chorizo, black pudding, bacon and sometimes pork ribs. It's a hearty and very tasty dish, ideal for cold winter days.

• Los Beyos Cheese

  Los Beyos cheese is a cow, sheep or goat milk cheese, or a mixture of them, that is produced in the Los Beyos area, on the border between Asturias and León. It has a firm texture and an intense and slightly spicy flavor. It is a cheese highly valued in Navia's gastronomy.

• Asturian Cider

  Cider is the drink par excellence of Asturias and Navia is no exception. It is made from the fermentation of apple juice and has a refreshing and slightly acidic taste. In Navia, you can visit several cider houses where cider from the region is served.

• Tuna Pie

  The tuna pie is another typical dish of Navia. It is a pie filled with tuna, onion, pepper and tomato. The crust is crispy and the filling is juicy and tasty. It is an ideal dish to share and enjoy at any time of the day.

Sports Activities in Navia, Asturias

Hiking

Navia offers stunning hiking routes that will allow you to enjoy nature in all its splendor. The Coastal Route is one of the most popular, with spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea.

Surfing

The beaches of Navia are ideal for surfing. Frexulfe beach, with its constant waves, is a meeting place for surfers of all ages and skill levels.

Canoeing

The Navia river is perfect for canoeing. You can rent a canoe and explore the river at your own pace, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings.

Cycling

Navia has numerous cycling routes that will allow you to discover the beauty of the region. You can rent a bicycle and travel the rural roads, enjoying the panoramic views and the tranquility of the surroundings.

Places near Navia

If you are in Navia and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Puerto de Vega, in Asturias, is a charming fishing village overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. It offers a unique culinary experience with its famous fresh seafood, Asturian cider and traditional dishes, in a setting of natural beauty and historic architecture.

Tapia de Casariego, a charming coastal village in Asturias, Spain, is famous for its stunning beaches and exquisite cuisine, highlighting fresh seafood and Asturian cider, offering an unforgettable culinary experience in a setting of natural beauty.