San Juan de la Arena: history, seafaring tradition, and one of Asturias' most spectacular beaches
A village where the River Nalón meets the Cantabrian Sea. There are places that don’t need grand monuments to capture your heart. San Juan de la Arena is one of them. Situated at the mouth of the River Nalón, in the municipality of Soto del Barco, this small fishing village retains the essence of authentic Asturias: the sea, tradition, cuisine, tranquillity and nature. Here, the days begin with the sound of the waves, the movement of the fishing boats and the light of the Cantabrian Sea glinting off the damp sand of the beach. It is the perfect destination for those looking to discover Asturias at a leisurely pace, enjoying open landscapes, fine cuisine and hidden corners that still retain their identity. And it is precisely here that you’ll find Las Mimosas del Nalón, a place from which to enjoy everything this special corner of Asturias has to offer. A bit of history The history of San Juan de la Arena is closely linked to the River Nalón. For centuries, this estuary was a major hub for transport and trade in central Asturias. Fishermen found a natural haven here, and the harbour grew up around fishing and maritime activities. The seafaring tradition remains very much alive in its streets, its boats and its cuisine, where fish and seafood continue to take centre stage. A stroll around the harbour gives you a sense of how the sea has shaped the lives of entire generations of locals. What to see in San Juan de la Arena The fishing harbour One of the town’s most iconic spots. The boats, the nets and the comings and goings of the fishermen remain part of the everyday landscape. It’s particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when the light completely transforms the surroundings. The seafront promenade Ideal for a stroll by the sea whilst taking in the view of the beach, the mouth of the River Nalón and the changing colours of the Cantabrian Sea. It’s one of those walks that invites you to pause and simply take it all in. In summer, we recommend the ice-cream parlour and a stroll around the harbour with one of their ice creams. They’re absolutely delicious! The lighthouse and the harbour mouth From the breakwater area, you can enjoy some of the best views of the village. On days when the sea is rough, it’s a spectacular sight to watch the waves crashing against the breakwater. The Deva viewpoint and the surrounding area Very close to San Juan de la Arena, you’ll find some of the best viewpoints in central Asturias, with stunning views over the coast and the Nalón valley. And above all, our own viewpoint 😉 from where we can see the whole of San Juan de la Arena, as well as our neighbours in San Estaban, with the mouth of the River Nalón in between. Los Quebrantos Beach: the great treasure of San Juan de la Arena If there’s one place that defines San Juan de la Arena, it’s Los Quebrantos Beach. Stretching for over three kilometres, it is one of the longest beaches in central Asturias. Its vast expanse allows you to enjoy long walks by the sea, even in high season. It is the perfect beach for: One of its greatest attractions is the sense of space and freedom it conveys. Here, the horizon seems endless. Playón de Bayas: a natural extension of Los Quebrantos Many people are unaware that Los Quebrantos flows naturally into another spectacular beach: Playón de Bayas. Together, they form one of the largest stretches of sandy beach in Asturias. Playón de Bayas is known for its wilder, more natural character, surrounded by dunes and protected areas. What’s more, it’s considered by many travellers to be the best beach in Asturias for enjoying with your dog all year round, thanks to its vast expanse and the freedom it offers for walking by the sea. For those travelling with a pet, it’s one of those places you’ll find hard to forget. And if you’re staying at Las Mimosas del Nalón, it’s just a few minutes away. Traditions and cuisine San Juan de la Arena keeps many traditions linked to the sea alive. During the summer, local festivals fill the streets with music, a lively atmosphere and traditional activities. The local cuisine is another of its great attractions: sitting by the harbour and savouring the local fare is one of the best ways to get to know the village. A place to discover Asturias from a different perspective San Juan de la Arena has something special about it. It’s not a destination for those in a hurry. It’s a place to stroll along the seafront, watch the sun rise, listen to the waves, sample the local cuisine and discover the real Asturias. And that’s precisely why those who visit tend to come back. Because here, it’s still possible to find that feeling which is becoming increasingly hard to come by: the feeling of being at home. Discover San Juan de la Arena from Las Mimosas del Nalón. Situated just a few minutes from Los Quebrantos Beach, Las Mimosas del Nalón is the perfect base for exploring this unique corner of Asturias, enjoying Playón de Bayas, touring the coast and enjoying authentic experiences by the sea. Indulge your senses in your home away from home in Asturias. Would you like to find out more about our apartments? www.lasmimosaselnalon.es