Asturias is a natural paradise that combines the sea, mountain, and green landscapes with mastery. We must add to this unbeatable environment picturesque towns that form the principality and supply the charm necessary to be one of the most beautiful areas of Spain. If you have some free days and you want to travel through the tierrina, we propose you visit these beautiful towns in Asturias, taking full advantage of your visit to Spain.
We cannot miss Llanes in our list of the must beautiful towns in Asturias. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, this little seaside village is ideal for a day trip. Even though this village is one of the most touristy, it maintains its natural essence, making it a very photogenic village. It’s marvelous to let yourself get lost in its medieval old town, declared a World Heritage site. Another luxury of this town can be found in its spectacular beaches, above all the famous Gulpiyuri Beach, and its impressive cliffs. You cannot leave without passing through Barqueras Bridge area having a cider from one of its cideries. It is not only tourists that love Llanes, but also the filmmakers. Movies like The Orphanage, The Grandfather, or History of a Kiss were filmed here.
At 60 kilometers (37 mi.) from the capital, we find this picturesque village with only 5,000 inhabitants. Situated on the edge of a cliff, Cudillero will have your heart from the first moment. It’s narrow streets and steep slopes, as well as its colorful and crowded houses, are what characterize this fishing village. You can enjoy all of the port activity first thing in the morning, while for the rest of the day, you can walk through the streets and discover the beauty of its quiet corners. Among its attractions, you can find the Palacio de la Quinta de Selgas, known as “the Versailles of Asturias,” and the Chapel of the Humilladero. In addition, you can’t leave without admiring the views from its cliffs, where the mountains meet the sea.
Cangas de Onís is a city filled with history that many consider “the first capital of Spain.” Located just a few kilometers from Covadonga, the town is in a beautiful natural enclave: that of the Picos de Europa. This special city receives its visitors with its famous Roman bridge, the most well-known image of Cangas de Onís. From there, its people and its tiny streets welcome you into their city for a wonderful day. Among its most distinguished monuments is the Ermita de Santa Cruz (one of the oldest temples in Spain), the Plaza del Mercado, and the Palacio Pinto. Also, the geographic conditions of Concejo turn its gastronomy into a first-rate ample and varied menu. All of these characteristics makes Cangas de Onís is one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias.
The steep, cobbled streets filled with traditional houses make Lastres one of the most beautiful Asturian villages to visit in a day. This picturesque coastal village has been declared a World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. The TV show Doctor Mateo showed the whole world the beauty of this village, which helped to bring in many visitors. It is a real pleasure to walk through the labyrinth of streets until you reach the Iglesia de Santa María de Sábada. You also can’t miss the marvelous views of the town from the Mirador de San Roque, where you can enjoy a unbeatable panoramic view.
This town hardly needs an introduction as it is location of the last stop of Descenso Internacional del Sella, a festival of canoeing, cider, and preñaos buns. Ribadesella is thus one of the most visited villages in Asturias, for many other reasons in addition to the festival. Its historic center, full of mansions and cider, leaves is visitors fascinated by the village. If you prefer the sea, you will love its cliffs and calm coves that create unsurpassed landscapes. Let yourself be amazed by the famous Cave of Tito Bustillo, a jewel of a rock art, which has been declared a World Heritage Site. Near Colunga and Villaviciosa, Ribadesella forms the Coast of the Dinosaurs, so if you have time, you cannot miss the traces left in the area by the creatures.
Along the northern road of Way to Santiago, there lies this small town that you absolutely have to visit. It combines the beach and mountains to give us beautiful landscapes that few can boast. In addition to its fishing port, the town offers houses with slate roofs, making Luarca one of the most picturesque places. Birthplace of Nobel Laureate Severo Ochoa, Luarca has one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Spain. Among its marvels stands the Casa Guatemala, the Palacio de los Marqueses de Ferrera, the marine neighborhood of La Pescadería, and the region called La Atalaya. Neither can you miss trying a culín of cider in any one of its bars.
Author: Sara Marquiegui
