The dream of steel

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Like no other, the territory of Avilés exemplifies the past, present and future of Asturias due to its working-class and steelworks tradition.

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The dream of steel
GPS: 43.55446433167695, -5.920411942846158

Avilés - Trasona - Arnao - Salinas - Castrillón

Day 1: Avilés - Trasona 31,8

The old quarter of Avilés, with a must detour towards the estuary to visit the Niemeyer Cultural Centre, is well worth a morning. Starting and finishing in Plaza de España, where the town hall is located, the traveller can make a foray into the old quarter which has been a listed Historic-Artistic Site since 1955. The walk can proceed along San Francisco and Galiana Streets, to contemplate the Caños de San Francisco Fountain, the Marquis de Ferrera Mansion, the Church of St Nicholas of Bari, Ferrera Park and the Museum of Urban History in La Ferrería Street. La Cámara Street houses Maqua Mansion, while Armando Palacio Valdés Street, named after the Asturian writer, accommodates an imposing theatre bearing the same name, where plays are premiered nationally. The next stop is the Niemeyer Centre. Located right on the estuary, it forms an architectural ensemble designed by Brazilian Oscar Niemeyer, with three different buildings situated around a public plaza.

After lunch, it's worth getting behind the wheel to head deeper into the territory. Pay a visit to Trasona Reservoir, which can be accessed from the AS-19 regional road. This kilometre-wide reservoir was built by Ensidesa Steelworks in the 1950s. Although it initially had an industrial use, it is now a leisure area, ideal for practising water sports. Professional canoeists and rowers train in its waters and many international championships are held here. Back in the car, you can return to the surroundings of Avilés and follow the AS-237 road to wander through the beautiful villages of Illas, land of the famous La Peral cheese, which takes its name from a small village.

Day 2: Salinas - Playón de Bayas 14,1

The second day in the territory will be marked by the sea and the mine, a combination which also defines Asturias. Salinas, which boasts a magnificent promenade from the Philippe Cousteau Anchor Museum to El Espartal Beach, is protected by a grey and white Quaternary dune formation that has been declared a Natural Monument. Salinas is also one of Asturias' surfing meccas. Near Salinas, the Arnao Underground Mine Museum includes a descent into the actual pit that was mined. The late afternoon can be reserved to discover the region's longest beach. Bayas Beach, situated in the westernmost point of Castrillón, near the airport, is a continuation of Los Quebrantos Beach. Together, these two beaches are almost 4 kilometres in length and also include protected dunes.

The late afternoon can be reserved to discover the region's longest beach. Bayas Beach, situated in the westernmost point of Castrillón, near the airport, is a continuation of Los Quebrantos Beach. Together, these two beaches are more than 5 kilometres in length and also include protected dunes.