The stage, step by step
Villaviciosa: your last chance to shop before the mountains
Leave Villaviciosa with water, food and breakfast sorted. In the town you will find supermarkets such as Pergamino, Spar, Alimerka and Mercadona, as well as Sidrería Casa Mery, El Gallineru and several cafés.
The first climb and the hard section ahead
The first few kilometres gain height gradually: between km 3.8 and 8.6, you climb 108 m at an average gradient of 2.2%. After a brief descent between km 8.6 and 9, the section requiring the most concentration begins.
The main climb and the long descent
Between km 9 and 11.4, you gain 325 m at an average gradient of 13.5%. Take it steadily and use the ramps to regulate your effort, because a demanding descent follows: between km 11.4 and 15.6, you lose 360 m at 8.6%.
The second climb and approach to Gijón
There is still another climb between km 15.6 and 17.9, gaining 188 m at an average gradient of 8.4%. From km 20.4, the route descends for 6.3 km; you pass through Somió and gradually enter Gijón/Xixón, where cafés, pharmacies and accommodation appear again.
What to see on stage 20
Iglesia de Santa María de Villaviciosa
Iglesia de Santa María de Villaviciosa is an easy stop before setting off. It is in the starting town and offers an insight into the historic identity of Asturias's cider capital.
Somió
Somió marks the final approach to Gijón/Xixón. You reach it after the mountainous section, when the surroundings begin to change and the city draws closer.
Gijón/Xixón
Arriving in Gijón/Xixón brings an urban finish to a mountain stage. It is a good place to recover and sort out shopping, pharmacy needs and accommodation for the following day.
Where to sleep in Gijón
In Villaviciosa, you can set off with a bed already booked at Albergue La Casa de Montse, Albergue El Congreso, Albergue de Villaviciosa or Hostal Café del Sol. In Gijón/Xixón, options include Albergue de Peregrinos La Ferreria, Surf Hostel, Hospedaje Don Pelayo and Albergue Universitario Cimadevilla. This is a long stage and the places at both the start and destination are the most practical, so do not wait until you arrive to look for a bed.
Where to eat and refuel
Villaviciosa is a convenient place to have breakfast and buy provisions before leaving: Sidería El Benditu, Sidrería El Furacu, Sidrería Casa Mery, El Gallineru and Restaurante Trébede are some useful references. The middle section is the most difficult for food, so plan the day as though you will not find a regular stop. Near Gijón, you will find Bar La Fontaine, El Güito, Café Oquendo FIDMA and Café Calua.
Practical tips for this stage
Fill your bottles before leaving
There are water points in the first few kilometres, including Fuente San Juan and Agua potable around km 2.3. After that, do not count on another marked reference until Agua potable, at approximately km 16.1.
Do not underestimate 13.5%
The ramp between km 9 and 11.4 gains 325 m at an average gradient of 13.5%. Walk slowly from the start and save energy for the second climb between km 15.6 and 17.9.
Set off early
The average duration is 6.6 hours and total ascent reaches 683 m. An early start gives you time to tackle the ramps without rushing and reach Gijón with plenty of time to settle in.
Look after your knees on the descent
Between km 11.4 and 15.6, you lose 360 m at an average gradient of 8.6%. Adjust your pace, especially if you are carrying a full pack, because the second climb comes immediately afterwards.
Frequently asked questions about stage 20
Is it a tough stage despite being relatively short?
It is one of the more demanding stages: it covers 29.8 km, includes 683 m of ascent and has a 325 m climb at an average gradient of 13.5% between km 9 and 11.4.
How long does it normally take?
The average duration is 6.6 hours. The actual time will depend greatly on how you tackle the two main climbs and how many breaks you take.
Where can I refill my water?
The first references are Fuente San Juan and Agua potable, around km 2.3. The next marked reference is Agua potable, at approximately km 16.1, so it is worth leaving Villaviciosa with plenty of water.
Do I need to book accommodation?
Yes. You can stay in Villaviciosa or Gijón/Xixón, with options such as Albergue de Villaviciosa, Albergue La Casa de Montse, Hospedaje Don Pelayo and Albergue Universitario Cimadevilla. On such a long day, it is best not to improvise.