Castropol

Castropol, belonging to the council of the same name, looks stately on a stepped promontory that flows into the majestic Eo estuary, the natural border between Asturias and Galicia.

This illustrious town is the noble frontier between two related territories and its streets, which every year are decorated with floral carpets - coinciding with the Corpus Christi festivities - are a sample of an interesting historic quarter in which both civil and religious architecture from the last three or four centuries stands out. Palaces and emblazoned houses, chapels, churches, squares, parks, everything in Castropol takes us back to a past of glory and splendour.

The antiquity that its stones exude, together with the seafaring aroma of its kitchens and its nautical vocation make this town a unique place, with spectacular panoramic views, as its elevation above the Eo estuary turns the upper part of Castropol into an imposing viewpoint whose perspective leads to the Bay of Biscay.

But Castropol is also unique for its oysters - of unequalled flavour -, so much so that this mollusc is cultivated off the coast, and it is also possible to enjoy a guided experience of the world of aquaculture. At the same time, you can visit the Ría del Eo Interpretation Centre to learn about the history, culture, flora and fauna of this protected environment. Other places of special interest are, for their charm, the port, the Vicente Loriente Park, the Mirandilla viewpoint, the chapel of Santa María del Campo (the only one that was saved from the fire of 1587 that devastated the town), as well as its Indian architecture.

Castropol has a striking atmosphere of rowing boats training and competing in the middle of the estuary, or its vocation for river and maritime sport, which means that from its port the classic lateen sailing boats take to the estuary and the sea. It is also common to see windsurfing - when there are good winds -, river and sea kayaking, water skiing, fishing and an endless number of possibilities, according to the natural scenery of the great estuary of the Eo, where legend has it that, in its depths, two Spanish galleys full of jewels are preserved...