Llanes

Day Trips

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.

Depart Llanes early for a scenic drive into the Picos de Europa mountains. Stop at miradores to marvel at deep ravines and snow-tipped peaks. Warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and a traditional carbayón pastry in Arenas de Cabrales.

Hike the Ruta del Cares, a spectacular trail carved into limestone walls above a turquoise river gorge. Feel the rush of fresh mountain air and spot chamois on distant ledges. Pack picnic bread, cured lacón, and Asturian cheese to enjoy riverside.

Return to Llanes and unwind with a soak in a thermal spa or a soothing massage. Dress for dinner at a rustic mountain-style restaurant serving hearty stews. End the day with a glass of local orujo by a stone fireplace.

Set off on foot to discover the hidden coves along the Costa Verde, like Cuevas del Mar. Wander through natural sea arches and caves sculpted by centuries of waves. Enjoy a light breakfast of churros dipped in thick hot chocolate.

Kayak or paddleboard through the narrow inlet of La Llosa, flanked by verdant cliffs. Explore secluded rock pools teeming with marine life and breathe in fragrant eucalyptus. Stop on a pebble beach for bocadillos de tortilla made by a local vendor.

Join a guided canyoning tour in the nearby Desfiladero de los Beyos, feeling the thrill of rappelling into deep gorges. Warm up afterward with a pint of local cider. Return under starry skies to dine on grilled meats and seasonal vegetables.

Drive inland to the quaint village of Porrúa, admiring slate rooftops against green hills. Visit woodcarvers’ workshops where artisans craft traditional stools and ornaments. Sip a latte alongside homemade bizcocho in the central plaza.

Continue to Andrín and discover hand-woven baskets and pottery at a local cooperative. Stroll olive groves and meet farmers pressing their own oil. Taste freshly baked pan de escanda with artisan cheese and quince paste.

Return via the scenic route through Cabrales, watching village lights flicker on hillside homes. Dine at a family-run cider house and learn the art of pouring sidra by hand. Conclude with a slice of casadielles and a nightcap of herbal liqueur.

Join a cooking class in Llanes to prepare traditional Asturian dishes like pisto and cachopo. Shop at the local market for fresh tomatoes, peppers, and artisan cheese. Savor your creations alongside freshly baked bread.

Visit a nearby sidrería for a guided tour of the cellar and learn sidra-making secrets. Sample multiple brews, from dry to sweet, and practice the art of ‘escanciar’ at the bar. Pair each pour with slices of Manchego and Empingada pastries.

Sit down for a gourmet tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Llanes. Experience modern interpretations of pickled anchovies and scallop carpaccio. End on a sweet note with a refined carbayón and a glass of dessert wine.

Launch kayaks from Bardón Beach and paddle along rugged cliffs streaked with yellow lichen. Feel the spray of the Cantabrian Sea as you slip into hidden grottos. Enjoy a packed breakfast of jamón ibérico bocadillos.

Moor near Cuevas del Mar and explore sea caves by snorkel, discovering shoals of fish and starfish. Admire stalactite formations carved over millennia. Dry off on a sun-soaked rock and feast on calamari a la plancha from a seaside shack.

Return to Llanes harbor as the tide turns and stroll along the ribera admiring illuminated fishing boats. Dine al fresco at a waterfront terrace, sampling delicious mullet and razor clams. Toast the day with a crisp local Albariño wine.

Drive eastward to Ribadesella and walk the scenic Senda Costera, tracing cliffs above the sea. Spot ancient cliffs where prehistoric art was discovered at Tito Bustillo cave. Refuel with churros and café con leche at a cliff-top café.

Continue to Colunga and visit the Jurassic Museum, marveling at life-size dinosaur reconstructions. Wander white-washed streets and pause for a seafood fideuà at a family tavern. Capture panoramic views of San Martín de Area beach.

Return to Llanes via the coastal road, stopping at small hamlets like Naves del Marqués. Indulge in a tasting flight of local cheeses and charcuterie in a rustic bodega. End with an artisanal ice cream flavored with Asturian honey.

Explore Castillo de San Salvador in nearby Pravia, learning about medieval defenses and noble families. Wander the castle grounds and admire views over the estuary. Enjoy a pastry and café at a café housed in a stone tower.

Visit El Puerto de Llanes Museum to delve into regional history, from fishing traditions to maritime trade. Admire local art and handcrafted ship models. Stop at a nearby sidrería for a plate of chorizo a la sidra.

Attend a live folk music performance in Llanes’ Plaza Santa Ana under twinkling lights. Sample tapas of pickled anchovies, marinated mushrooms, and pantrucu. Conclude with a digestif of pomada (gin and cider) at a lively pub.

Sleep in and head to Playa de Barro for a lazy morning sunbathing session on fine golden sand. Listen to the gentle surf as you read a book or simply relax. Grab a smoothie bowl topped with seasonal fruit at a beach café.

Take a final stroll along the Mar Cantábrico coast, collecting mementos like smooth pebbles and driftwood. Revisit favorite overlooks for one last photo of the rugged coastline. Enjoy a farewell lunch of arroz con bogavante in a seaside restaurant.

Return to town for a leisurely dinner in Llanes’ casco antiguo, sampling small plates of local specialties. Reflect on highlights from your adventure over a glass of rosé cider. End the trip with a peaceful moonlit walk along El Sablón beach.