Barcia: Coastal Path, Beaches and Culture in Valdés

Barcia offers a direct introduction to the west Asturian coast: the Ruta de la Cangrexa begins here and leads, among other places, over the beaches of Portizuelo, Chao, La Polea and Los Molinos. The route officially starts at the Iglesia de San Sebastián de Barcia. Those wishing to plan different kinds of days can consider the coastal path, pilgrimage routes, cultural monuments and recreational areas as separate focal points.

Nature and Coast

The Playa de los Molinos de Barcia is a roughly 200-metre-long, straight beach of pebbles and sand. It lies northeastwards at the foot of high cliffs and forms part of the Paisaje Protegido de la Costa Occidental. About 200 metres from the Playa de los Molinos de Barcia are old mills that were powered by the water of the Ricante stream.

Culture and History

The Iglesia de San Sebastián in Barcia houses significant altarpieces from the 17th and 19th centuries. The church also venerates a Gothic image from the 13th century known as the Virgen de las Nieves or “Virgen de la Leche”. The hórreos in Barcia reflect the typical style of western Asturias and are distinguished by roofs made of black slate.

The Cementerio Musulmán de Barcia in Valdés, Barcia, bears the designation IPCA-EI-34-59. It was built in 1936 to bury Muslim soldiers who had fought in the Spanish Civil War. The main entrance has a horseshoe arch characteristic of Islamic architecture.

Pilgrimage Routes

The Camino de Santiago del Norte, also known as the Camino de Santiago de la Costa, passes through Barcia in the municipality of Valdés. The Camino Real de Concilleiro descends Monte de Barcia and subsequently reconnects with the Camino de la Costa. The different route variations can be compared for personal planning according to landscape and pilgrimage themes.

Recreational Areas

The Área recreativa de Los Lagos in Barcia offers parking spaces, tables, barbecue facilities, an area accessible to people with reduced mobility and a children’s playground. The Área recreativa de El Pradón is located next to the Iglesia de San Sebastián and offers parking spaces, tables, a children’s playground, outdoor fitness equipment for older people and a football pitch.

Other Places

For further comparisons with other places, you can also include Brieves, Almuña, Luarca, Boronas, Cadavedo and Canero.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Barcia, you can check travel dates, room category and cancellation policies side by side on the booking pages. The different local landscapes and routes can be viewed as objective criteria for your own planning and the desired focus of your stay.

The Playa de los Molinos de Barcia can be reached from Caroyas via a 1.5-kilometre road towards the sea and then along an easy footpath; from Leiján, there is a longer alternative access route.

For the higher-level travel overview: Valdés.