The article in brief:
Asturias is full of cute little villages! Cudillero, Llanes, Lastres, Taramundi, Cangas de Onis, Bulnes and Ribadesella are, in my opinion, some of the region’s must-sees!
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Look out! Do you have a thirst for discovery? Do you want to take in the sights? Let’s go to Asturias, in the North-West of Spain.
Asturias: a region not to be missed in Spain
Asturias is a real little corner of paradise in Spain! With its mountain scenery (the Picos de Europa), white sandy beaches, secret coves and historic towns, this region has everything to seduce you. If you’re looking for a sunny getaway without the crowds and hustle and bustle of the more touristy destinations, Asturias is the place for you.
The prettiest Asturian villages
Cudillero
Cudillero is a small village worthy of a postcard picture. Situated on the coast, this former fishing village attracts visitors with its small colourful houses lining the cliffs and its picturesque streets. There are plenty of restaurants serving local specialties, and I recommend a trip to La Gijonesa grocery shop. You can also climb up to the Mirador de Cimadevilla for a view of the whole village and the ocean.
You can also park easily at the port (free of charge) and walk about 10 minutes to reach the village.
Lastres
Lastres is also an old fishing village on the Atlantic coast, with narrow streets and stone buildings that are typical of the region. The Lastres region can also be an ideal stopping-off point during your stay in Asturias. I particularly like the Griega beach, which is ideal for families. A few minutes’ drive from Lastres is also the Jurassic Museum of Asturias, a must-see with children (and big children!).
There is a large free car park next to the market at the entrance of the town.
Llanes
Llanes is … a fishing village! It’s a great place to take a stroll, especially along the Paseo de San Pedro, a long cliffside walk with magnificent views!
Take a trip to the harbour too, and you may be lucky enough to see the fishing boats returning with the day’s treasures. This is, of course, the ideal place to eat fresh fish and seafood.
You can reach Llanes by train from Oviedo or Santander.
Taramundi
Taramundi is a hidden gem that really deserves a visit. What’s there to see? The old village church, the former town hall and the oldest watermill. You can also explore the surrounding hills and forests, where you can discover a variety of flora and fauna.
Taramundi is also famous for its handmade knives. In fact, there’s a museum dedicated to this unusual craft!
For parking, I recommend the cemetery car park at the entrance of the town.
Cangas de Onís
The village of Cangas de Onís is well worth a stop if you’re touring Asturias. It’s a historic town full of exciting activities for hiking and exploring enthusiasts. A few kilometres from Cangas de Onis is the starting point of one of the most beautiful hikes in the Picos de Europa region: Covadonga (and its lake). There are plenty of places to stay here.
Bulnes
Set in the mountains inland from the Picos de Europa, Bulnes is a traditional village. It’s an ideal starting point for mountain hiking and even mountaineering! In fact, there’s a funicular railway that takes you up to the village from Poncebos.
Ribadesella
Let’s return to the coast with this small village where it’s great to stroll around and, above all, enjoy the white sandy beach! You can also climb up to the viewpoint at Ribadesella to enjoy the view over the town. Ribadesella is also accessible by train, and there is a large free car park at the entrance to the village (station).
Asturias is full of picturesque villages that are well worth a visit. Whether you prefer small coastal towns or sheltered mountain villages, you’re sure to find a place that will make you feel like you’re in another world. So don’t wait any longer and set off to explore the prettiest villages in Asturias!
