Stage 20. Villaviciosa – Gijón (29.8 km)

Taking as a reference point the Church of Santa María de la Oliva we leave Villaviciosa along the streets Cabanilles and Maximino-Villar to advance along the river Linares, until we reach the Romanesque church of San Juan de Amandi, in the direction of Gijón. From Amandi, we continue until we reach La Regatina cider house, from where we turn off to the right, crossing a medieval bridge over the Linares river, until we reach Casquita.

Once in Casquita, we follow indications for Gijón, having as following point of reference the village of Niévares. In Niévares we begin the hardest part of the stage with the ascent to the Alto de la Cruz. From the Alto, we will have impressive views of the valley of Valdediós. Afterwards we will continue downhill to the village of Peón. Now we are going to continue advancing taking the AS-331 road as a reference. You will have to cross El Requexu and the Collado del Infanzón, before reaching Deva.

In Deva we are already very close to Gijón and we have two options to get to the city centre: we can take the Peñafrancia path or continue along the official route entering the city through the Cabueñes Hospital and the Universidad Laboral.

To consider

There are some pilgrims who decide to do the stage from Villaviciosa to Pola de Siero, to reach Oviedo the following day and link up with the Primitive Way, as an alternative to reaching Gijón.

Places of interest

• Roman Baths of Campo Valdés – Gijón
• Jovellanos House Museum – Gijón
• Jovellanos Theatre – Gijón
• Clock Tower
• San Lorenzo Beach
• Neighbourhood of Cimavilla
• The praise of the horizon

Typical dishes

• Escalopines with cabrales cheese
• Cachopo
• Lamb on the stake
• Fish and seafood stew from Gijón
• Chopa with cider
• Pregnant buns
• Dessert: Chaponas