The Spanish Province of Asturias is one of my favorite regions in the whole country, let´s check the most beautiful villages in Asturias that simply belong on every Spain Bucket List.

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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 forestsRobledal 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 colorful places in Spain.

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.

Panoramic views of Cudillero in Asturias, one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias
Cudillero – one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias
cudillero northern spain
Visiting Cudillero during our stunning Asturias road trip

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.

Houses and colorful boats in Luarca, one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias
Luarcaone of the most small towns in Asturias
river and houses in Luarca, one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias
Luarca – one of the top places to visit in Asturias

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.

Llanes, one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias
Beautiful coast of Llanes
Flowers and plants in Llanes, Asturias, Spain
Nature in Llanes
boats in Llanes, one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias
The tiny port of Llanes in Asturias

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)

Lastres one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias, Spain
Lastres is often called one of the most charming villages in the whole of Spain

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.

Ribadesella, one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias
Ribadesellaone of the most beautiful villages in Asturias
Cuevona of Cuevas del Agua in Asturias, Spain
La Cuevona near Ribadesella

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.

Cangas de Onis in Spain one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias
Exploring Cangas de Onis
asturias spain nature
Evening Primrose in Cangas de Onis, for the fans of Flower Fields in Spain
asturuas travel guide
Puente Romano in Cangas de Onis

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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