The stage, step by step
Avilés and the way to Castrillón
Make the most of Avilés to have breakfast, shop and deal with anything still outstanding. You can visit Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari before setting off; the route then descends between km 1.3 and 3.3 before climbing again to km 5.5.
Castrillón and Salinas
The route passes through Castrillón and Salinas while linking a series of small changes in elevation. Between km 6.3 and 9.5, you climb 77 m, then descend to km 11 before tackling the next uphill section.
Towards the Nalón valley
Between km 11 and 14, the Camino gains 103 m at an average gradient of 3.4%. A clearer descent follows between km 14 and 16.5, losing 149 m; this is where the transition towards the low mountains becomes most apparent.
The final climb to Muros de Nalón
After one last descent and a short rise, the climb between km 19.3 and 21.8 gains 123 m at an average gradient of 4.9%. Save some energy for this final section and reach Muros de Nalón with food and accommodation already organised.
What to see on stage 22
Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari
Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari is a medieval church in Avilés and an easy stop before setting off. It is in the starting city, where you can also finish your shopping.
Nalón valley
The Nalón valley gives the destination its name and explains the change in atmosphere during the stage. The route leaves Avilés behind and gradually approaches a landscape between the coast and the inland mountains.
Salinas
Salinas is one of the towns on the route and a clear landmark in the first half. From here, the stage continues to alternate climbs and descents before entering the valley.
Muros de Nalón
Muros de Nalón is the destination and a good place to recover for the coastal stages ahead. The day ends after one final sustained climb.
Where to sleep in Muros de Nalón
You can leave Avilés from Albergue de Peregrinos Pedro Solìs or Hostal La Fruta, and reach Salinas after two hours: there you will find Salinas Surf Camp, Horizonte Surfcamp, Hostel Las Dunas and Albergue Iglesia de san Martin de Laspra, useful only if you want a very short day. After that comes a long gap: there is nowhere to stay until Albergue Las mimosas del Nalón, already past halfway. Accommodation at the end is concentrated in Muros de Nalón, with Albergue La Naranja Peregrina, Albergue Casa Carmina and Albergue Camino de la Costa. Book before setting off and do not rely on finding availability on the day.
Where to eat and refuel
Avilés has plenty of options for breakfast and shopping: La Smash, La Quinta Araña, El Buen Corte, La Botella and El Piano de Santa Mónica are useful references. The middle section is less reliable, so do not set off without some food. Once you reach Muros de Nalón, organising dinner and the following day's breakfast becomes easier again.
Practical tips for this stage
Make use of Avilés's water points
Before leaving, fill your bottles in the city and locate Fuente de Doña Rolindes or Fuente de los Caños de San Francisco. Do not plan the stage around finding more convenient points in the middle section.
Spread the effort
There is no single wall, but several sections: the climb from km 6.3 to 9.5, the one from km 11 to 14 and the final climb from km 19.3 to 21.8. Keep a steady pace and do not spend all your energy in the first half.
Carry backup food
Avilés concentrates the most reliable services at the start. Between Castrillón, Salinas and Muros de Nalón, options are less continuous, so carry a sandwich or something you can eat without depending on opening times.
Book in high season
The day ends in Muros de Nalón and the alternatives are fairly spread out. Having a confirmed bed avoids extending the stage after the final climb.
Frequently asked questions about stage 22
How much climbing is there on this stage?
Over 23.2 km, you climb 430 m and descend 338 m. The altitude ranges from 6 to 175 m, with several shorter climbs and a final ascent of 123 m.
Where is the final effort?
The main final climb is between km 19.3 and 21.8: 123 m of ascent at an average gradient of 4.9%. It is best to reach this section with some energy in reserve.
Can I buy food along the way?
Avilés is the most reliable place to shop. You then pass through Castrillón and Salinas, but the services are not as continuous as in the city, so it is better to leave with backup food.
What sort of landscape will I see?
It is a transitional stage: you leave Avilés's urban surroundings, pass through Castrillón and Salinas, and approach the Nalón valley through low mountains and gradually changing elevations.