A town where the Nalón river meets the Cantabrian Sea
There are places that don't need grand monuments to win you over.
San Juan de la Arena is one of them.
Situated at the mouth of the Nalón River, in the municipality of Soto del Barco, this small fishing village preserves the essence of authentic Asturias: sea, tradition, gastronomy, tranquillity, and nature.
Here, the days begin with the sound of the waves, the movement of fishing boats and the Cantabrian light reflecting on the wet sand of the beach.
It's a perfect destination for those looking to discover Asturias at a leisurely pace, enjoying open landscapes, excellent gastronomy, and corners that still retain their identity.
And precisely here is found The Mimosas del Nalón, a place from which to enjoy all that this privileged corner of Asturias has to offer.
A little bit of history
The story of San Juan de la Arena it is closely linked to the River Nalón.
For centuries, this river mouth was an important point of communication and commercial activity for central Asturias.
Fishermen found a natural shelter here and the port grew around fishing and maritime activity.
The maritime tradition remains very present in its streets, in its boats, and in a gastronomy where fish and seafood continue to take centre stage.
Strolling around the port allows you to understand how the sea has shaped the lives of entire generations of locals.
What to see in San Juan de la Arena
The fishing port
One of the most representative places in the village.
The boats, nets and the coming and going of fishermen continue to be part of the daily landscape.
It is especially beautiful at dawn and dusk, when the light completely transforms the surroundings.
The promenade
Ideal for walking along the sea while observing the beach, the Nalón estuary and the changing colours of the Cantabrian Sea.
It's one of those walks that invite you to stop and simply contemplate. In summer, we recommend the ice cream shop and a stroll around the harbour with one of their ice creams. They're very good!
The lighthouse and the harbour entrance
From the pier area, you get some of the best views of the village.
On days with rough seas, it is a spectacle to watch the waves break against the breakwater.
The Deva viewpoint and the surrounding area
Very close to San Juan de la Arena, we find some of the best viewpoints in central Asturias, with privileged views over the coast and the Nalón valley.
and above all our viewpoint 😉 from where we see all of San Juan de la Arena, and our neighbours in San Esteban, with the mouth of the Nalón in between
Los Quebrantos Beach: the great treasure of San Juan de la Arena
If there is one place that defines San Juan de la Arena, it is Los Quebrantos Beach.
Stretching for over three kilometres, it is one of the longest beaches in central Asturias.
Its size allows for long walks by the sea, even in high season.
It’s the perfect beach for:
- Walking for miles.
- Enjoy breathtaking sunrises.
- Surf.
- Birdwatching at the mouth of the River Nalón.
- Relax away from the crowds.
One of its greatest attractions is the sense of space and freedom it conveys.
Here the horizon seems infinite.
El Playón de Bayas: a natural extension of Los Quebrantos
Many people don’t realise that Los Quebrantos flows naturally into another spectacular beach: Playón de Bayas Beach.
Together they form one of the largest sand dune systems in Asturias.
Playón de Bayas is known for its wild and unspoilt nature, surrounded by dunes and protected areas.
Furthermore, it is regarded by many travellers as The best beach for enjoying with a dog all year round in Asturias, thanks to its enormous expanse and the freedom it offers for strolling by the sea.
For those travelling with a pet, it's one of those places that's hard to forget.
And if you stay at Las Mimosas del Nalón, it’s just a few minutes away.
Traditions and gastronomy
San Juan de la Arena keeps many sea-related traditions alive.
During the summer, local festivals fill the streets with music, atmosphere and popular activities.
Gastronomy is another of its great attractions:
- Fish from the Cantabrian Sea.
- Fresh seafood.
- Seafood rice dishes.
- Nice.
- Asturian cider.
Sitting by the harbour and enjoying the local cuisine is one of the best ways to get to know the town.
A place to discover Asturias from another perspective
San Juan de la Arena has something special.
It is not a place to rush.
It is a place for walking by the sea, contemplating sunrises, listening to the waves, tasting local cuisine and discovering authentic Asturias.
And precisely for that reason, those who visit it usually return.
Because here it's still possible to find that increasingly hard-to-get feeling: the one of feeling at home.
Discover San Juan de la Arena from Las Mimosas del Nalón
Located just a few minutes from Los Quebrantos Beach, Las Mimosas del Nalón are the perfect starting point to explore this unique corner of Asturias, enjoy Playón de Bayas, tour the coast, and experience authentic seaside adventures.
Feed your senses in your home in Asturias.
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