The stage, step by step
Leaving Colunga
Set off from Colunga with breakfast and provisions sorted: Cafe La Esquina, Cafe Las Palmeras, El Llagar - Sidreria and several supermarkets are close to the start. You can also visit Iglesia de San Cristóbal de Colunga before setting off.
The first climbs and descent
A gentle climb begins at around km 0.8 and continues to km 4.2, gaining 83 m at an average gradient of 2.4%. A short descent follows, then between km 5.1 and 7.1 comes the day's most serious climb: 125 m at an average of 6.4%.
Fuente Santagueda and the middle section
The descent between km 7.1 and 9.6 is long and accounts for 134 m of loss. Near km 9, you will find Fuente Santagueda; further on are Albergue de peregrinos La Oveja Negra and Albergue de Peregrinos de Sebrayu, useful landmarks when planning your day.
The final effort and arrival
There is still a climb between km 11.4 and 12.9, gaining 55 m, followed by the descent towards Villaviciosa. At the entrance you will find El Peregrin Cansau and, in the town itself, Albergue El Congreso, El Gallineru, Sidrería el Garitu and the town-centre services.
What to see on stage 19
Iglesia de San Cristóbal de Colunga
This Romanesque church in Colunga makes a good first stop before setting off. It is right at the starting point, so there is no significant detour.
Capilla de San Antolín de Bedón
Capilla de San Antolín de Bedón is a small medieval Asturian chapel linked to the route. Its scale and setting suit the rural character of this day's walk.
Asturias's inland valleys
The route passes through inland valleys and Atlantic woodland. This is not an open coastal stage: its appeal lies in the constant changes in elevation and the lush green surroundings.
Villaviciosa
The finish is Villaviciosa, known as Asturias's cider capital. It is a good place to end the day without rushing, replenish your energy and prepare for the following stage.
Where to sleep in Villaviciosa
This is one of the Asturian stages where you can sleep almost wherever you like. From halfway onwards, you will find Albergue La Rectoral de Priesca, Albergue de peregrinos La Oveja Negra and Albergue de Peregrinos de Sebrayu one after another, followed further on by Albergue La Llamarga and Albergue La Casa de Montse. If you continue to the end, Villaviciosa has Albergue El Congreso, Albergue de Villaviciosa and Hostal Café del Sol. At 17.5 km, most people arrive early and the destination fills up, so book ahead in high season or set off early.
Where to eat and refuel
Colunga has plenty of options at the start: have breakfast at Cafe La Esquina or Cafe Las Palmeras, and eat at El Llagar - Sidreria, Restaurante Casa Laureano or Restaurante La Taberna. The middle section has far fewer options; El Peregrin Cansau is an isolated reference point. Once you reach Villaviciosa, you will have more choice, including El Gallineru, Sidrería el Garitu, Sidrería la Tierrina, Koxka and several cafés and supermarkets.
Practical tips for this stage
Set off with water
Fill your water bottle in Colunga. The main mid-stage reference is Fuente Santagueda, roughly halfway through the stage; near Villaviciosa there are also a couple of fountains beside the route.
Save your energy for the first half
The climb from km 5.1 to 7.1 is the most demanding, gaining 125 m at an average gradient of 6.4%. Do not be misled by the short distance: the profile includes 273 m of ascent.
Make the most of this manageable day
With an average duration of 3.9 hours, this stage lets you avoid an extremely early start and rest after longer days. Even so, arrange your bed in advance if you plan to finish in Villaviciosa.
Do not carry too much food
You can shop in Colunga and find supermarkets again when you reach Villaviciosa. For the middle section, carry something simple in case El Peregrin Cansau is closed when you pass.
Frequently asked questions about stage 19
Is it an easy stage because it is only 17.5 km?
It is short, with an average duration of 3.9 hours, but it is not completely flat: there are 273 m of ascent, 290 m of descent and several concentrated gradients before halfway.
Where is the hardest climb?
The steepest climb is between km 5.1 and 7.1, gaining 125 m at an average gradient of 6.4%. Afterwards, there is a 134 m descent between km 7.1 and 9.6.
Is there water along the stage?
The clearest reference is Fuente Santagueda, roughly at km 9. Near Villaviciosa, you will find another couple of fountains beside the route. Set off from Colunga with enough water.
Is it worth staying in Villaviciosa?
Yes, especially if you want to make use of its services and continue the following day. You have Albergue El Congreso and Albergue de Villaviciosa there, as well as mid-stage options such as Albergue La Llamarga and Albergue La Casa de Montse.