Things To Do
in Llanes
Llanes is a picturesque fishing town on the Cantabrian coast framed by dramatic cliffs and sandy coves. Its historic old town, colorful houses, and lively harbor are a gateway to Asturias’ rugged coastline. The area blends traditional cuisine, seaside traditions, and access to nearby natural wonders like the Picos de Europa.
The sea, wind, and green hills create a year-round destination that shines in both sunny summers and misty winters.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with a stroll along Paseo de San Pedro, taking in dramatic cliffs and the bracing Cantabrian breeze. Spot seabirds riding the updrafts and admire the interplay of limestone and sea. Pause at a seaside café for a café con leche and a freshly baked croissant.
Roam Llanes’ medieval old town, wandering narrow cobbled lanes lined with stone houses and colorful shutters. Discover the Gothic Santa María church and browse local artisan shops for hand-painted ceramics. Refuel with a hearty bowl of fabada asturiana in a family-run taberna.
Dine at a harbor-front restaurant, sampling grilled sardines and octopus a la gallega. Watch fishing boats return with the day’s catch as the sun dips below the horizon. Finish with a glass of chilled Asturian cider in a traditional sidrería.
Head to Playa de Toró at first light to feel soft golden sands beneath your feet. Swim in calm, crystal-clear waters and hunt for colorful shells along the shore. Refuel with freshly squeezed orange juice from a beach chiringuito.
Explore the secret inland bay of Playa de Gulpiyuri, where the sea surges into a grassy hollow. Photograph the emerald pool surrounded by wildflowers and relax on its cool, green lawn. Snack on local Cabrales cheese and crisp Asturian apples.
Arrive at Playa de Ballota for a dramatic sunset framed by towering rock formations. Listen to waves crashing against the cliffs as the sky turns fiery orange. Indulge in fritos de pescado at a nearby tavern, sipping cider as darkness falls.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥗Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $2-4 |
| 🚆Public transport fare (one-way) | $1.5-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room (per night) | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning coastal scenery and beaches
- Charming old town with seafood and cider culture
- Close access to the Picos de Europa for day trips
- Relaxed, walkable town center
- Crowds in peak season and limited parking
- Some services close during the siesta or off-season
- Weather can be unpredictable and windy on the coast
- Smaller nightlife compared to larger cities
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Llanes
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic promenade around the headland offering sea views, the harbor, and cliffs, especially cinematic at sunset.
Golden sands framed by striking rock formations; a favorite spot for golden-hour photography.
Colorful boats, fishing sheds, and the old town as a backdrop; great for morning light.
Coastal blowholes with dramatic spray during strong waves; dramatic shoreline photography.
A tiny inland sea tucked behind green pastures; a quirky, photogenic coastal feature.
Food in Llanes
Llanes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich bean stew with chorizo and morcilla; a staple of the region (contains pork).
Must-Try!
Hake cooked in Asturian cider, a bright, savory coastal classic.
Two beef fillets stuffed with cheese and ham, breaded and fried.
A hearty bean, cabbage, and meat stew, especially comforting in cooler months.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
City market offering fresh seafood, cheeses, produce, and local cider; great for a quick bite or to pick up provisions.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple greeting like Buenos días or Hola is polite; when entering a shop, say hello and thank you when leaving.
Lunch is typically between 1 and 3 pm; dinner after 8 pm. Dress more casually in seaside towns; keep voices moderate in public places.
While many shops stay open longer in tourist season, some smaller establishments may close briefly in early afternoon.
Safety
Tipping in Llanes
Ensure a smooth experience
In Spain, tipping is customary but not mandatory. A 5-10% tip in nicer restaurants is common if service is good; many places include a service charge.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is still used in markets and small eateries. ATMs are common in town; keep some cash for markets and cider houses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming scenery; great for hiking and city strolls before the crowds arrive.
Warm days, long daylight hours, and busy beaches; expect crowds and higher prices but excellent sea swimming.
Moderate weather with Atlantic mists; harvest season for cider and seafood; sea breezes remain refreshing.
Cool, windy, and wetter; many coastal trails stay open but daylight is shorter; dramatic sea storms can be spectacular but hazardous.
Llanes at Night
Hiking in Llanes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trail that links multiple beaches and viewpoints along the cliffs.
Hike to the blowholes and dramatic ocean scenery; great for photography.
Short, scenic route to the famous inland sea beach near Niembro.
Airports
How to reach Llanes by plane.
Main airport serving the Asturias region; drive or take a regional bus to Llanes; offers domestic and international flights and car rental.
Situated to the east of Llanes, about a 2.5–3 hour drive; good connections to Europe and domestic routes.
Major international gateway about 3–4 hours away by car; frequent flights to Europe and beyond.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly families and retirees, with seasonal workers in summer.
Tourists from Spain and abroad who come for beaches, hiking, and cider culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cantabrian Sea waves attract surfers; several beaches near Llanes host surf schools for all levels.
Coastal and inland trails, including sections of the Senda Costera and nearby mountains.
Popular among locals; casual games and matches can be found in town parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Llanes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Asturian cooking leans toward pork and seafood, so look for vegetable dishes, grilled vegetables, salads, and fish; ask for no chorizo or tocino and request alternatives like queso, patatas, or setas.