Free walking tours in Puerto de Vega and what to see

Must-sees

Puerto de Vega is a fishing village in the municipality of Navia, in western Asturias, with a whaling past you notice at every turn. The streets run down from the Plaza de Cupido to the harbour, among fishermen's houses and the odd building put up by returning emigrants, such as the old casino. The church of Santa Marina, one of the best examples of rural Baroque in the area, held for years the tomb of Jovellanos, who died here in 1811 in the mansion now marked by a plaque.

At the La Riva viewpoint and on the Baluarte promenade you will see old cannons, whale jawbones and reminders of whaling. The old canning factory houses the Museo de las Historias del Mar and the Juan Pérez Villamil Ethnographic Museum. The La Atalaya chapel, above the harbour, has good views. Following the coastal path you reach Frexulfe beach, and a little further is the Barayo nature reserve.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Puerto de Vega, but there is an interesting guided visit: the fish market runs tours explaining how the fish is auctioned and the importance of goose barnacles in this port, booking required. The rest of the village and its museums are easy to see on your own. If you are staying in Luarca or Navia, you can include it in your own route along the western coast.

How long to spend

Half a day lets you see the village, the church, the viewpoints and the museums at leisure. If you add the fish market visit and a walk along the coastal path to Frexulfe, allow a full day. Over a weekend you can add Barayo, Navia and the route through the Navia valley.

Where to stay

Puerto de Vega itself has apartments, rural houses and a small hotel or two, mostly near the harbour or on the outskirts, among meadows with sea views. Sleeping here lets you see the village at peace at sunset. In summer it fills up early; if you cannot find a room, Navia, a few kilometres away, has more choice, and Luarca is another good base.