The Spanish Province of Asturias is one of my
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Must-see Small Towns in Asturias
Where is Asturias
Asturias is a Spanish autonomous community, located in the North of the Iberian Peninsula. It is one of my favorite places in the whole country and an absolute must-stop on every Northern Spain Road Trip.
What is Asturias known for
The region of Asturias has an important place in the Spanish history. The famous Reconquista (when the Christians took the country back from the Moors) started here, in Covadonga. To learn more – check my list of Top Spain Documentaries. Till the present day, the heirs to the Spanish throne are given the honorable title of Prince or Princess of Asturias following this sacred 1300s tradition.
The most iconic place in Asturias is Picos de Europa, one of the oldest National Parks in Spain, known for some of the most stunning trails in Spain, like Ruta del Cares.
Thanks to the endless local greenery, Asturias is home to some Spanish magical forests: Robledal de Muniellos (the biggest oak groove in Spain) and Hayedo de Montegrande.
Traditional food in Asturias
The most typical dishes of Asturias are fabada (a bean stew), cachopo (was one of my 2023 favorites in Spain), the Cabrales cheese (one of the top Food Souvenirs from Spain), casadiella (typical local dessert), and tarta de frixuelos (a cake from pancakes). The most typical local drink is sidra (e.g. cider), across the region of Villaviciosa you will find lots of apple tree fields.
When is the best time to visit Asturias
Northern Spain is known for cooler temperatures. Even in the summer months, it stays around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). My Asturias road trip took place in July, and with the rainy local weather, it wasn’t hot at all. While summer is considered the peak season, Asturias never gets as crowded as Costa Blanca or Costa Brava in Spain. Late spring and early autumn are also great times to visit, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). However, years ago on another visit, I witnessed snowfall in March in Oviedo during Easter Week, which is unusual but possible. Therefore, the closer your trip is to summer, the better your chances for mild weather.
How many days do you need in Asturias?
You can easily spend anywhere from 3 days to a full week exploring all the top attractions in Asturias. My most recent road trip lasted 3 days, but it was already my sixth time visiting Northern Spain. For first-timers, I recommend staying at least 4 days to truly experience the region. You can also combine your trip to Asturias with a visit to the Basque Country or as part of a broader Northern Spain road trip.
Top 6 Beautiful Villages in Asturias
Exploring the charming villages in Asturias was one of my favorite experiences during our stunning Asturias road trip. Let´s check these top 6 villages in Asturias you must see with your own eyes.
1. Cudillero
Cudillero is one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Asturias, known for its brightly colored houses that cascade down the hillsides toward the sea. The town is filled with narrow, winding streets and charming hillside homes, creating a truly unique and enchanting atmosphere. The small harbor below adds to its charm. It’s probably my favorite among all the villages in Asturias. Despite being quite popular with tourists, Cudillero maintains a peaceful, relaxing vibe, nestled between sheer cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. Also, Cudillero is often called one of the most
To enjoy the best panoramic views and explore the town fully, I had to climb up and down the stairs constantly. The next day, I could feel every muscle in my legs, but it was absolutely worth it!
Where to eat in Cudillero: Bar La Gijonesa, Sidrería El Remo, or Restaurante Cabo Vidio.
Where to stay in Cudillero: Apartamentos La Casa del Pintor.


2. Luarca
Luarca, a charming coastal town in Asturias, is often described as the “white village of the green coast” due to its whitewashed houses set against lush green surroundings. This village is known for its picturesque harbor, where colorful fishing boats provide a striking contrast to the white backdrop. Luarca boasts a rich maritime history and is home to the Puente del Beso, a bridge with a romantic Spanish legend – the story of the pirate Cambaral. Additionally, this small village was the birthplace of Severo Ochoa, the winner of the 1959 Nobel Prize in Medicine.
Where to eat in Luarca: La Perla Negra and Barometro.
Where to stay in Luarca: LUARCAPLAYA APARTAMENTO.


3. Llanes
Llanes is a beautiful coastal town in Asturias, known for its historic old town with narrow cobblestone streets and charming squares. The local church, the Basilica of Santa Maria, dates back to the 13th century, and the harbor is adorned with the Cubos de la Memoria – brightly painted cubes that add a modern artistic touch to the scenic waterfront.
Where to eat in Llanes: Casa Xico and La Tertulia.
Where to stay in Llanes: Hotel Pugide.



4. Llastres
Often regarded as one of the most beautiful small towns in Spain, Llastres is a traditional fishing village that has recently transformed into a popular tourist destination. Characterized by its charming narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, Lastres offers visitors a glimpse into the maritime heritage of Asturias.
Don’t miss the stunning views from the Mirador de San Roque; you might even catch a glimpse of one of Spain’s top national park, Picos de Europa, in the background. Keep in mind that exploring Llastres involves a lot of walking up and down its hills. Nevertheless, during our last road trip through Asturias, we enjoyed some delicious snacks with breathtaking views at a local restaurant called El Mirador.
Where to eat in Lastres: Eutimio.
Where to stay near Lastres: CoolRooms Palacio de Luces (1,8 km from Lastres)

5. Ribadesella
The town of Ribadesella is located in the bay formed by the estuary of the Sella River. It is known for its long promenade, which is a great place to enjoy a coffee while breathing in the fresh ocean air. You can also find several scenic viewpoints, including the Mirador de Ardines and the Mirador de la Cuesta.
Ribadesella serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Picos de Europa National Park, making it an ideal base for adventure lovers in Spain. Visitors can also explore the nearby prehistoric caves of Tito Bustillo, which feature remarkable cave paintings that showcase the region’s deep-rooted history.
Additionally, make sure to visit the nearest Cuevas, one of the few villages in the world that can only be accessed through the cave of La Cuevona.
Where to eat in Ribadesella: Sidreria El Tarteru.
Where to stay in Ribadesella: Hotel Villadesella.


6. Cangas de Onis
Cangas de Onis holds an important place in Spanish history, as it was once the Christian hub of the Iberian Peninsula during the famous Reconquista, when the territory was reclaimed from the Moors. The town is also known for its iconic Roman bridge, the Puente Romano. Its proximity to the renowned Lakes of Covadonga makes Cangas de Onis an ultimate hiking getaway destination in Northern Spain. This area is famous for cattle farming, so be sure to drive carefully – especially when heading towards the Lakes of Covadonga – because cows can unexpectedly wander onto the road.
Where to eat in Cangas de Onis: El Molin de la Pedrera.
Where to stay in Cangas de Onis: Hotel Santa Cruz.



The Map of Unique Villages of Asturias
The ultimate list of top villages in Asturias:
Here’s my extended list of Asturias’ top villages, excluding its capital, Oviedo, and Gijon, which are the main cities of the region (even though they are quite small compared to Madrid or Barcelona):
- Cudillero
- Llanes
- Luarca
- Llastres
- Ribadesella
- Cangas de Onis
- Tazones
- Arriondas
- Puerto de Vega
- Aviles
- Candas
- Bulnes (Cabrales)
- Salas
- Cangas del Narcea
- Taramundi
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This post is linked up with The Weekly Postcard and Feet Do Travel
This area looks so lovely and colorful. These towns look like great places to spend some time exploring.
The first picture you took reminds me of Scotland. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Thanks Anisa! It reminds me of Scotland a well, though it was not 😀
I’ve never heard of this area, but looks like some lovely little towns and villages, we love visiting the little villages in Spain!
Thanks for stopping by, Jessica!
So many failrytale like photos!
Thank you, Upeksha!
What beautiful places you’ve shared. It makes me want to go visit!
Thanks, Brianna!
I’ve never been to Spain, but this looks like a great place to start. Lovely photos!
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks for stopping by, Leigh!
I’ve never heard of any of these towns, but I hooked now! Theyr’re so cute and peaceful looking! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks, Lolo! Hope you´ll get a chance to visit these soon, you´d love it there for sure 😉
Asturias sounds (and looks) gorgeous; ocean & hidden beaches? My favourite things, I love a good beach! Darn rain though, but that’s what you get when there are mountains – it’s part of it’s charm. Thanks for showing this part of the world to me 🙂 Pinned for future reference. #feetdotravel
Thanks for stopping by, Angie!
Wow! I have heard about the beauty of Asturias but didn’t know there were so many cute towns around. For my next visit to Spain, I want to road trip around the northern part of the country. I have only visited the Basque Country but that was enough to fall in love with the north. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks,Ruth! I´ve also been to the Basque Country years ago, would love to go back! It´s probably gonna be one of my future trips in these next two years…
This little villages look so beautiful and colorful. Somehow I’ve never visited Asturias and your post really make me think that I should. Nice to have discovered you and your blog at #theweeklypostcard
Thanks, Maria! Glad to connect 😉
Gorgeous, we would love to visit any of those little villages. Your pictures were gorgeous and inspirational to us. Thank you 🙂
Thank you, Scarlett!
Such beauties! We can’t get enough of charming seaside villages like these, and just love exploring them. Definitely pinning this one for a Spain trip! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Thank you, Rob and Ann!
Pretty villages, beaches, harbours and forests – what more could someone ask for for -only sunshine I guess if it’s often rainy there! These villages really are hidden gems. #weeklypostcard
Yes, it´s often rainy, no wonder everything looks so green! But if you´re lucky with a sunny day – it´s just a perfect place!
Oh……that was a terrific nostalgia trip! I walked the Camino del Norte 3 years ago so literally know every inch of the way between those towns. Cudillero, Llanes, Luarca, Ribadesella all left something in my heart. Such a beautiful coastline and I was lucky to see it all in good weather too. Thanks for bringing it all back to me!
Thanks for stopping by, Marian! Would love to walk the Camino del Norte as well, should be such a walk with nature…
Great photos and you’ve explored the area really extensively! All these villages look so pretty and romantic. Love the roman bridge as well – stunning architecture. This is a region I would love to visit one day!
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, what a lovely place to visit. Love your photos!
Thank you, Urska!
The villages of Asturias in Spain looks so quaint and beautiful. I would love to visit all of them and just spend the day walking around in each village. Stunning photos and Thanks for sharing! I pinned this for later use 🙂
Thank you, Stephanie!
Asturias is a part of Spain I’ve yet to visit but I’d definitely like to. After seeing how different the Basque region and Galicia are from the south, I quite liked the cooler, greener side to the country which Asturias also seems to embody. Covadonga is actually on my list of places to visit although I didnt know it was in Asturias and now all of these may as well be too. Spain has so many hidden depths to it! #TheWeeklyPostcard
I also like a lot the North of Spain with all the cliffsides, ocean, mountains and forests! It has some of the less discovered and most beautiful Spanish landscapes…
I’m hoping to get to Spain next spring. Asturias looks so idyllic, I’ll have to work it into my travel plans!
Thanks for stopping by, Carmen!
Spain is one country in Europe we have seriously neglected (apart from Barcelona and the islands) we haven’t seen much – this are looks lovely and really appeals! #feetdotravel
Thanks, Tracy! It´s so true we all end up going to the same places and yet Spain has much more to offer…
Such a lovely list! Would love to visit these beautiful villages! Love the red roofs and the waterfront! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve booked my first trip to this unknown (to me) region, can’t wait to explore.
Is English widely spoken? I can make myself understood in Spanish but just in case…
It´s one of my favorite regions in Spain, mainly cause it is still unknown to many (and soooo beautiful)! I speak Spanish fluently, but I have several friends who went with very basic Spanish and they sad it was fine! Good luck with your trip!
Beautiful pictures!!