As someone who loves returning to Asturias, here are some of the prettiest villages I’ve discovered in the region so far and highly recommend adding to your Northern Spain itinerary.

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7 Must-see Small Towns in 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.

When is the best time to the villages of Asturias

Asturias, like much of Northern Spain, is known for cooler temperatures than many travellers might expect when packing for a trip to Spain.

Even during the summer months, temperatures typically stay around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with occasional rain. During my first trip in July, it rained all three days in a row, while on another recent visit with the kids, we only had one rainy morning, and the rest of the trip was cloudy. However, I’d say that this only added to the beauty of the landscape, as you can see in my YouTube vlog, especially when walking along the cliffs or staying at the countryside house, where I spent time reading on the terrace.

While summer in Asturias 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). Asturias also has beautiful autumn foliage, so despite the cooler weather and more rainfall, I love visiting the region in fall, too.

However, years ago, during another visit, I witnessed snowfall in Oviedo during Easter Week in March, which is unusual but possible.

To visit all the villages of Asturias, I recommend renting a car. While you can visit Asturias all year round, I would choose winter for city breaks in Oviedo and Gijon or a more unplugged holiday, finding a countryside house and simply enjoying the slower pace of rural life. If you want to explore the region by car and visit its villages, I’d recommend late spring, summer, or early autumn.

Staying in a local countryside house in Asturias in October and enjoying a good book on a rainy day
Staying in a local countryside house Casa Cintha in Asturias in October and enjoying a good book on a rainy day

Where to stay in Asturias

You can find accommodation to suit any taste and preference by zooming in on the map below, but I would highly recommend finding a countryside house and experiencing the region’s quiet rural lifestyle firsthand.

On my last trip, we stayed at Casa Cintha near Luarca, one of Asturias’s charming villages, and it was such a convenient base for exploring the region. Since the house was in the countryside, we had no traffic or parking problems. It also had a lovely terrace, perfect for breakfast, reading, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet after a full day of sightseeing.

Countryside accommodation in Asturias
Casa Cintha near Luarca
Where to stay in asturias with family
Casa Cintha near Luarca

Top 7 Beautiful Villages in Asturias

Exploring the charming villages of Asturias was one of my favourite parts of visiting the region and Northern Spain. It’s also one of the reasons I keep returning year after year, always looking for new hidden gems.

Here are some of the prettiest Asturian villages I recommend adding to your itinerary, especially if it’s your first time visiting Asturias.

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.

On my most recent family getaway to Asturias, we based ourselves in this area while staying at Casa Cintha, near Luarca.

Where to eat in Luarca: La Perla Negra and Barometro.

Where to stay near Luarca: Casa Cintha.

Houses and colorful boats in Luarca, one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias
Luarca – one of the most small towns in Asturias
Rural spain asturias cows
The peaceful Asturian countryside around Luarca
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
Ribadesella – one 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

7. Taramundi

Taramundi is one of Spain’s most famous destinations for rural tourism. This charming village is also home to Spain’s oldest watermill museum and the beautiful Ruta del Agua forest hike. You can get a glimpse of both in my recent YouTube vlog here.

Where to eat in Taramundi: Sidrería Solleiro or Casa Paulino.

Where to stay in Taramundi: Hotel La Rectoral.

Watermills museum in taramundi asturias
The Historic Watermills Museum in Taramundi, which we visited on our most recent trip to Asturias
Taramundi spain house
Traditional village houses in Taramundi

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