Gijón to Candas

We slept well at the Parador and lingered over their outstanding breakfast buffet before making our way across town to check into an albergue in Cimavilla. For €20 each, including breakfast, we weren’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. We had our own dorm-style room with a private bathroom. Andrew especially appreciated the full-size lower bunk—much better suited for someone who’s 6’4”. I opted for the couch rather than climbing into the top bunk.

To give Andrew a taste of the Camino, we set out on a walk from Gijón to Candas, a small fishing village along the coast. With only daypacks and a train ride back to Gijón planned, our loads felt delightfully light compared to the previous week.

The stage between Gijón and Avilés is known for being industrial, so it was nice to tackle part of it with a companion before turning north toward the sea. Once we reached the coast, we rewarded ourselves with a leisurely seafood lunch featuring pulpo and scallops while watching the fishing boats come and go.

It was a perfect introduction to Camino life for Andrew—a mix of walking, conversation, changing landscapes, and a meal that tasted even better after earning it on foot.Read more