Free walking tours in Cudillero and what to see

Must-sees

Cudillero is a fishing village in western Asturias that you can see almost entirely from the water. Its colourful houses rise in an amphitheatre from the harbour, and everything revolves around Plaza de la Marina, by the slipway where boats were hauled up. From there, slopes and steps lead to the viewpoints. It is worth climbing to the Pico and Atalaya viewpoints to see how the village fits into the valley.

In the upper part is the church of San Pedro, Gothic in origin, and near the harbour the very old chapel of El Humilladero. A walk along the quay to the lighthouse rounds off the visit. A few kilometres outside the village are Silencio beach, a pebble cove between cliffs, and Cabo Vidío, with sweeping views of the coast. In nearby El Pito is the Selgas Palace, with its gardens.

Free tours and guided visits

Cudillero is small and pay-what-you-wish free tours are not usual here. Most people explore the village on their own or join a guided visit explaining its fishing history, customs and the local dialect, pixueto. Trips along the western coast, walks on the coastal paths and boat trips when the sea allows are also worthwhile. From here it is easy to visit Avilés, Luarca or Cabo Peñas in a morning.

How long to spend

Three or four hours are enough for the village: an hour for the harbour and the square, another to climb to the viewpoints and the rest for lunch at one of the places on the quay. If you add Silencio beach and Cabo Vidío, allow a full day. With two days you can combine Cudillero with Luarca and a stretch of the coastal path, and come back in the evening to see the harbour with fewer people.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is to sleep in the village itself, near the harbour, so you can stroll at night once the day visitors have left. Bear in mind there are many slopes and parking in the centre is difficult, so ask about access with luggage. Another option is to stay in El Pito, up the hill, or in rural houses in the surrounding area, quieter and with parking, a few minutes’ drive from the coast.