Llanes

A charming coastal town with a medieval harbor, colorful cube-painted breakwater, and numerous nearby beaches. It's a great base for exploring the eastern Asturian coastline.

Things to do

• Walk Los Cubos de la Memoria — Stroll the harbor breakwater painted by artist Agustín Ibarrola in bold geometric colors, one of Llanes' most photographed spots.
• Explore the medieval harbor — Wander the old fishing port lined with colorful boats, cafes, and the 13th-century town walls.
• Relax at Playa del Sablón — This small sandy beach sits right in town, framed by cliffs and easily reached on foot from the harbor.
• Visit Playa de Toró — A dramatic beach split by a rocky outcrop, popular for its turquoise water and coastal path views.
• See the Bufones de Arenillas — Watch seawater blast dramatically through natural blowholes in the cliffs near Llanes, especially impressive at high tide with swell.
• Climb the Torreón medieval tower — This 13th-century defensive tower near the Basílica is a remnant of the town's old fortifications.
• Walk the Paseo de San Pedro — A cliffside promenade offering sweeping views over the harbor, sea, and Picos de Europa in the distance.
• Beach-hop to Cuevas del Mar — A striking beach with a natural rock arch and tidal caves just outside Llanes, best visited at low tide.

Food to try

• Fabada asturiana — A hearty bean stew with chorizo, morcilla, and pork, the signature dish of the region.
• Queso de Cabrales — A pungent blue cheese from nearby mountain caves, often served with local cider or honey.
• Sidra natural — Asturian cider poured from height (escanciado) to aerate it, traditionally drunk standing at a sidrería.
• Arroz con leche asturiano — A creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and lemon, a beloved regional dessert.
• Sopa de pescado or marmitako — Fresh fish or tuna stew reflecting Llanes' strong fishing traditions and daily catch.
• Cachopo

Local customs & good to know

• Learn cider pouring etiquette — In sidrerías, cider is poured in small amounts and drunk quickly before it loses its fizz, a local ritual worth observing.
• Respect tide times at the coast — Beaches and blowholes like the bufones can be dangerous at high tide, so check schedules before exploring the shoreline.
• Expect an afternoon lull — Many shops and some restaurants close for a few hours in the early afternoon, typical of small Spanish coastal towns.
• Asturian language on signage — You may see bilingual Spanish/Asturian (bable) signs, reflecting local pride in the regional language.