Lastres - Cudillero - Luarca

At around 9:30 AM, we said goodbye to the charming town of Lastres and continued our journey westward along Spain’s northern coast. Following the excellent A-8 highway, we passed Oviedo and traveled through the beautiful region of Asturias. About 90 minutes later, we descended toward sea level and arrived in the picturesque fishing village of Cudillero.

Known for its local produce, including kiwis, apples, plums, and blueberries, the area provided an opportunity to browse fruit stands and sample some of the region’s harvest.

Like Lastres, Cudillero immediately captured our attention. The village is built into the steep hills surrounding a small harbor, with colorful houses stacked above one another in a natural amphitheater. Visiting during the pre-season proved to be an excellent decision. We were able to enjoy the town’s beauty without large crowds, and once again, we were impressed by the cleanliness of everything around us, from the streets and shops to the public facilities.

Continuing along the CU-3, A-8, and N-634, we eventually reached our destination for the day: the fishing town of Luarca. The roads were in excellent condition, making for an easy drive. Finding parking took a little patience, but we eventually secured a spot in a municipal garage about a quarter mile upriver.

From there, we explored the town on foot, wandering through narrow streets and alleyways that eventually led us to the lively harbor area. There, we found a pleasant restaurant where we enjoyed a light late lunch while watching the activity around the port.

Our accommodation for the night was Casa Manoli, located about 1.6 miles inland amid rolling countryside dotted with orchards and green pastures. The property was once a strawberry farm during the 1990s and now offers simple but spacious accommodations. Our room cost just €45 for the night, making it another excellent value along Spain’s northern coast.

After checking in and relaxing for a while, we discussed the next day’s route, which would take us farther west to the coastal town of Viveiro.

Kurt decided to stay at the hotel that evening, but Renata, Ursula, and I returned to Luarca for dinner. It turned out to be an enjoyable culinary experience. I ordered Fabada Asturiana, the region’s famous bean stew, while Ursula chose grilled sardines and Renata enjoyed grilled baby squid. A few glasses of house wine complemented the meal perfectly.

Adding a bit of entertainment to the evening, an especially bold seagull repeatedly attempted to steal food from a neighboring table, much to the amusement of everyone nearby.

As the sun began to set, we returned to Casa Manoli just in time for me to capture a beautiful sunset photograph over the countryside. It was a fitting end to another memorable day exploring the remarkable coastline of northern Spain.Read more