Castrillón, municipality (concejo) in Asturias, Spain
This council is located on the northern coast of Asturias, comprised of several villages and coastal towns spread across flat terrain meeting the sea. Multiple beaches such as Bayas, Salinas, and Arnao line the shoreline, while Piedrasblancas serves as the main center offering shops and local services.
First mentioned in writing in 857 in a cathedral document, the area has ancient roots with pottery and coins found from Roman times. The castle of Gauzón, built in the 7th century, stood as a coastal stronghold, while the Arnao mine of the 19th century became Spain's first underwater coal extraction operation.
Culture here is rooted in traditions of the sea and mining. Festivals throughout the year feature folk music, regional dishes, and celebrations that bring the community together, while the architecture and daily rhythms reflect generations of work connected to fishing and coal extraction.
The nearest airport is Asturias Airport, and roads connect well to nearby cities like Gijón and Oviedo for easy exploration. A weekly market runs on Wednesdays in Piedrasblancas where local food and crafts are sold, offering a practical way to experience daily life and sample regional products.
The Arnao mine was groundbreaking as Spain's first underwater coal operation, drawing workers from across Spain and even the United States. Today it functions as a museum preserving the hard labor and lives of miners, offering visitors a rare look into this unusual mining history.
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