In the heart of Asturias, in the municipality of Villaviciosa, lies a place that has become synonymous with tranquility and harmony with nature. This is Peón, a tiny parish with fewer than four hundred inhabitants. Nestled in a valley among majestic mountains, this picturesque village has recently become a real magnet for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
This corner of the world owes much of its fame to the artist Blanca Romero. After spending much of her life in big cities and on film sets, she decided to return to her roots. Here in Peón, just twenty minutes from Gijón, she found her home. Together with her father, she built a two-story house she had dreamed of since childhood. Surrounded by lush meadows and dense forests, this home became much more than just a place to live; it is her fortress and source of strength.
Today, Blanca shares her life in this idyllic enclave with her younger son and two dogs she adopted from a shelter. Their well-being means more to her than any media commitments. Her simple, measured lifestyle, focused on peace, enjoying the landscape, and rural routines, explains her recent public wish to return home as soon as possible after competing in a televised dance show. For her, Peón is not just a spot on the map—it’s an entire world.
In 2023, Peón, also known as Pión, together with the neighboring parishes of Arroes and Candanal, received the prestigious ‘Exemplary Village of Asturias’ award. This prize recognized the collective efforts of local residents to preserve the environment, protect their cultural heritage, and maintain a traditional economic model. The backbone of the local economy remains family-run livestock farming and other classic rural trades. After the official visit by the royal couple, interest in this area from tourists surged significantly.
Reaching this oasis of tranquility from Gijón is easy. The drive along the AS-331 highway takes no more than 20 minutes. The road itself is part of the adventure, winding through emerald landscapes before descending into the valley where the parish is nestled. Its proximity to the city makes it simple to combine a secluded getaway with all the urban amenities. Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of popular routes here, such as the trail from the Peón recreation area to the geodetic peak of Curviella, or the path along the Cordal del Peón ridge, passing through the summits of Pico Curviella and Alto de la Cruz.
The gastronomic experience in this area fully reflects Asturian traditions. Visitors can expect homemade dishes prepared with local ingredients, along with the region’s famous cider produced near Villaviciosa. The parish and its surroundings preserve the authentic spirit of the cider region, making it an especially attractive destination for an unforgettable trip.
