Iboya: Coast, Nature and Asturian Traditions

Iboya is one of the districts of the parish of Laviana de Gozón where notable traditional structures can be found. Those looking to combine the coast, nature observation, trails and traditional culture when choosing a destination will find several different points of interest here to incorporate into their own plans.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Iboya, the travel period, preferred room category and cancellation conditions can make it easier to assess specific offers. The focuses on the coast, nature, trails and culture can be considered separately.

Coast and Nature

The Pantalán de San Balandrán is a floating wooden footbridge built in 2001 over the waters of the Ría de Avilés, with a ramp leading to land. Playa de Xagó beach is surrounded by an extensive dune ecosystem of ecological and botanical value. Faro de San Juan stands at Punta del Castillo on the eastern side of the entrance to the Ría de Avilés and offers sunset views of Espartal beach and the town of Salinas.

The Charca de Zeluán and Ensenada de Llodero natural monument comprises a small pond and a bay on the right bank of the Ría de Avilés, near its mouth. The Cabo Peñas protected area was designated a protected landscape in 1995 and is also classified as a Site of Community Importance (LIC) and a Special Protection Area for birds (ZEPA).

Trails and Observation

The Ruta Parades runs through the parish of Laviana and incorporates ten restored former bus stops as artistic stations. It can be explored on foot, by bicycle, motorcycle, car or motorhome. The different ways of getting around and the artistic stations give the route different points of focus for planning your own day.

The Punta La Llera observatory is a special nature observation facility in the parish of Laviana de Gozón. Iboya also has a stop on CTA route 025-006 Romadonga–Esc. El Valle (CRA Cabo Peñas).

Culture and Traditional Structures

Espacio Portus in San Juan is an interpretation centre belonging to the Port Authority of Avilés that conveys the history of the Port of Avilés through heritage interpretation. The Church of Santa Leocadia in Laviana houses seven murals by the local artist Carlos Suárez Fernández.

In the parish of Laviana de Gozón, there are hórreos and paneras that served as schools during wartime; one was even used as a priest’s residence.

Fountains, Festivals and Flavours

La Canal Iboya is located in a wooded area near a reed bed and beside three houses in Iboya de Arriba, which belong to the parish of Laviana de Gozón. Iboya has this spring, along with a livestock watering trough and a washing place.

In mid-July, Laviana holds a celebration in honour of the Virgen del Carmen; it includes a solemn Mass, a procession and other festive activities. The Concurso Enramado de Fuentes in Gozón draws on the Asturian tradition of decorating fountains for the festival of San Xuan and aims to help preserve the ethnographic heritage.

In the parish of Laviana, cider is produced by traditional methods, and traditional foods such as “les marañueles” are widely available.

Other Places

For further destination options: Zancornio.

For the broader travel overview: Cabo Peñas.