Llanes - Lastres

We left our comfortable apartment in Llanes around 10:30 AM and began our journey westward. Our first stop was a small village nearby, where we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of coffee and fresh croissants before continuing on our way.

Rather than taking the fastest route to Lastres, we chose the more scenic option and followed the winding AS-115 through the coastal mountains. The road passed through quiet farming communities, rolling green hills, and countless cow pastures. Later, we joined the AS-260, which brought us to the spectacular Mirador del Fito, a mountain viewpoint perched about 1,100 meters above sea level.

A distinctive observation tower at the summit provided sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and coastline. The landscape felt remarkably untouched, with vast stretches of forest and pasture extending in every direction. While exploring the area, I even found a few wild strawberries growing along the trail and picked them for Ursula.

True to his adventurous nature, Kurt decided to take a small detour near Colunga in search of fresh fruit. That unexpected turn led us to a field where local farmers were displaying some of their cattle. It turned out to be a fortunate discovery. The Asturian Valley cattle, native to Spain’s northern coastal region, were impressive animals, and we spent some time admiring them and taking photographs.

After our detour near Colunga, we searched unsuccessfully for a suitable lunch spot. Eventually, we decided to continue directly to Lastres.

Lastres immediately impressed us. This picturesque fishing town clings to a steep hillside overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Many of its buildings date back centuries, and the narrow cobblestone streets, stairways, and tightly packed houses give the town a unique character. While the steep terrain provides plenty of exercise, it also rewards visitors with beautiful views at every turn.

Our home for the next few days was the charming Hotel Casa Eutimio, a historic stone building full of character. Inside, wooden staircases and polished hardwood floors added to its traditional charm. Our spacious room included a comfortable sitting area and a separate bedroom, while the window offered views across the town toward the surrounding mountains. Kurt and Renata were equally pleased with their room, which featured a balcony overlooking the harbor and beach.

Unfortunately, dinner did not quite live up to expectations. We ordered seafood paella, but the dish proved disappointing. There were very few shrimp and an abundance of small crabs that were difficult to eat. Even though I am usually easygoing about such things, this meal missed the mark. To his credit, the waiter acknowledged our concerns and graciously offered a 15% discount.

Thankfully, the evening ended on a much better note. Back at the hotel, we enjoyed rich espresso and delicious ice cream on the terrace while overlooking the harbor. It was a peaceful way to conclude a day filled with scenic drives, unexpected discoveries, and the first impressions of another beautiful corner of northern Spain.Read more