A guide to Aviles in Asturias, Spain

Aviles is a town (Although historically Aviles is a village – ‘La Villa de Aviles’) situated on the central strip of the coastline of Asturias, to the west of the Cape of Penas. Its location is a favourable position to reach the natural and cultural wealth that Asturias offers

It is the third major city in the Principality of Asturias. It is a picturesque and old-fashioned town, containing several ancient palaces and gothic churches. The historic quarter has been declared a Historic-Artistic site with splendid examples of civil and religious architecture.

Places to see and visit in Aviles

Avilès main attractions are the pedestrian streets of Galiana and Rivier, as well as the Plaza de Espana with its City Hall, the Old church of Sabugo and the Modern Santo Tòmas de Canterbury.

Avilès boasts three palaces:

Valdecarzana,
Camposagrado
and the Palico Valdès theatre.

Modern life and the industrial boom means that Avilès is now a modern city and a major industrial centre.

The bay, which is crossed by a fine bridge, is the headquarters of fishing Eleet and a port of call for many coasting vessels. Coal from the mines is exported to the coast and in 1904 shipments from Avilès exceeded, or the first time, those from Gijòn, its neighbour. Glass, coarse linen and woollen material is also manufactured there and there are also valuable stone quarries in the neighbourhood.

Aviles, well known for its exhibitions and concerts, is now a mixture of modern times with evident historical influences.

The ‘Fiesta del Bollu’ is celebrated at Easter; a Carnival parade that cruises along Galiana Street with bright floats and street bands.

Most of the streets are made of cobblestones and are barely two cars wide. Many of the buildings have been renovated to display and represent the colourful life of the village.

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