Villaviciosa Attractions
From Gijón N 632 runs east, following a hilly and winding route which takes it over the Alto del Infanzón and then down to Villaviciosa, an old-world little port and fishing town on the Ría de Villaviciosa which is also a center of cider manufacture. In September 1517 the town was honored by an unexpected visit from the Emperor Charles V (Charles I of Spain), who was paying his first visit to Spain, when his ship put in here by mistake instead of Santander.
Santa María
In the attractive Plaza Mayor is the Gothic church of Santa María de la Oliva (13th century), with a richly decorated doorway. Nearby is a secluded little square.
Santa María de Valdediós
From Villaviciosa a detour (10km/6mi southwest) can be made to the old Cistercian abbey of Santa María de Valdediós.
