Ayuntamiento de Castrillón

Ayuntamiento de Castrillón is the town hall of the Castrillón municipality, whose capital, Piedrasblancas, sits on the northern coast of Asturias right next to Avilés. The municipality blends a maritime and industrial past with one of the region's longest beaches, making it a practical reference point for travellers following the Asturian coast — a place to ask about nearby sights, pick up a local map, or simply figure out what's worth seeing within a short drive.

Where exactly is Piedrasblancas, and what makes Castrillón different?

Piedrasblancas sits on the central Asturian coast, between the Avilés estuary and the open Atlantic. For centuries Castrillón lived off the sea and industry — fishing, shipping, and mining — and that maritime identity still shows in the local architecture and place names. It's precisely this working-coast character that draws visitors looking for an unpolished side of Asturias, away from the crowds of the bigger resorts.

Which beaches belong to the municipality?

The Castrillón coastline holds several beaches, each with its own character. Playa de Bayas is one of the longest beaches in all of Asturias — open, sandy, and popular with long-walk and surfing crowds alike. Closer to the town centre lies Salinas, historically nicknamed "the beach of Avilés" because of its proximity to that city and its former role as a summer resort. The municipality's remaining beaches — San Juan de Nieva, Arnao, and Santa María del Mar — range from quieter coves to spots better known among surfers.

What is there to see beyond the beaches?

The area's history reaches well past the 19th century. Castillo de Gauzón, a medieval fortress now in ruins, is one of the region's key historical sites, tied to the salt production once carried out nearby — the very origin of the name Salinas. In Salinas itself, the church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen and the Casona de Arnao are worth a stop as examples of local residential architecture. Anyone drawn to maritime history should visit the "Philippe Cousteau" Anchor Museum in Salinas, which traces the municipality's seafaring identity through its collection of anchors.

How did Salinas become a resort town?

Salinas developed into a holiday destination starting in the last quarter of the 19th century, driven by three factors: the activity of the Real Compañía Asturiana de Minas, a summer colony drawn by the beach, and the University of Oviedo's choice of the town for school colonies and staff summer breaks. In 1921 an electric tram line connected Salinas to the surrounding area, a nautical club was founded, and regional authorities together with the Avilés and Castrillón councils drew up plans for a palace for the Prince of Asturias — a project that gave the town new standing.

Is Castrillón worth a longer stay?

The municipality works well as a base for exploring the coast — it's close to Avilés and Oviedo, has its own tourist infrastructure, and moves at a slower pace than the bigger coastal cities. It suits travellers who want to combine time on the beach with sites of genuine historical weight, without the rush that comes with more crowded resorts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Castrillón town hall located? In Piedrasblancas, the municipality's capital, on the central Asturian coast next to Avilés.

What is the longest beach in the municipality? Playa de Bayas, considered one of the longest beaches in Asturias.

What should visitors see in Salinas? The church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the Casona de Arnao, and the "Philippe Cousteau" Anchor Museum, dedicated to maritime heritage.

Where does the name Salinas come from? From the salt production once carried out in the area during medieval times, near Gauzón Castle.