Few journeys are as beautiful as a drive along the coast of Asturias. Sea, charming villages, nature in its purest form and picture-perfect landscapes straight out of a postcard.
Asturias is one of the most beautiful regions of northern Spain, with a long seafaring tradition, mountain scenery and wild beaches. And the best way to travel, especially if you prefer the beach to the mountains, is with a driving tour along the Asturian coast that goes from Llanes to Cudillero.
You don't have to do it all at once. If you have a few days to spare, drive from east to west through some of the most beautiful coastal towns and villages in all of Spain, make as many stops as you want and stay in each place to explore it in depth. And don't forget about the local food, because it is an essential part of the region's culture.
Llanes, the starting point of your driving tour along the Asturian coast
Llanes is one of the most touristic destinations in Asturias and also the starting point of this driving tour along the Asturian coast. The historic town centre still preserves the medieval walls, a Gothic basilica and streets where there is always a vibrant atmosphere. The fishing port, with the famous Cubos de la Memoria by Agustín Ibarrola, adds an artistic touch.
You will find some of Spain's most beautiful beaches nearby:
- Torimbia, shell-shaped. We recommend taking in the view from the top before descending to the sand.
- Gulpiyuri, a stunning natural phenomenon. It is a sandy cove connected to the sea by an underground tunnel.
Ribadesella, with a long seafaring tradition
Less than 30 minutes by car from Llanes sits Ribadesella, another fishing town. The promenade borders Santa Marina Beach, surrounded by old indiano mansions (Spaniards who emigrated to the Americas in search of riches) and a port that always has fishing boats at work.
If you like sports and exercise, take advantage of your time in this area to do the Descent of the Sella, which usually starts in Arriondas. Another of the great attractions of this stop on your driving tour along the Asturian coast is the cave of Tito Bustillo, declared a World Heritage Site.
Villaviciosa and Lastres, landscapes and cider
The next stop will take you to the home of Spanish cider. Villaviciosa is famous for its apple trees and llagares, where the Asturian drink par excellence is produced. It's the best place to experience the cider culture and, of course, to try it (if you haven't already) alongside a good tapa.
A few miles away is Lastres, considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Its white houses and red roofs sit on the slope of a hill that descends down to the sea. What's more, the road that connects Villaviciosa with Lastres offers beautiful landscapes of the coast.
Gijón, a city that opens to the sea
If you continue west, you will reach Gijón, one of the largest cities in Asturias and one of the most visited. Here are just some of the things to do here:
- San Lorenzo beach is a great spot for surfers.
- The Cimadevilla neighbourhood, a former fishing village, preserves the popular tradition and has spectacular views from the hill of Santa Catalina, presided over by the sculpture Elogio del Horizonte by Eduardo Chillida.
- It has a lot of culture, bars and restaurants. You will also find cider houses on every corner.
Avilés and its industrial-artistic contrasts
The penultimate stop on your driving tour along the Asturian coast is Avilés, a city with two faces. On the one hand, an industrial past that is heavily reflected around the estuary. On the other hand, a very well preserved historic centre with arcades, squares and palaces that will surprise you.
Cudillero, the maritime jewel of the Asturian coast
Cudillero is the best place to end your trip, because it is one of the most picturesque towns in Spain. Leave the car in the port area and walk until you see the stunning scenery that will leave you open-mouthed. The colourful houses that climb up the mountainside form a natural amphitheatre.
Take a walk through the narrow streets and you will find several viewpoints, the best way to bid farewell to this driving tour along the Asturian coast. In addition, the local cuisine is based around fresh fish and seafood.
It doesn't take much for Asturias to completely enrapture you. So, organise your driving tour along the coast of Asturias now and rent a car in Asturias with OK Mobility. Make as many stops as you like and enjoy some of northern Spain's most beautiful charms at your own pace.
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