Free walking tours in Llanes and what to see

Must-sees

Llanes is a seafaring town in eastern Asturias, between the sea and the Sierra del Cuera. Its old town keeps remains of the walls, a medieval tower and the Basilica of Santa María del Concejo. Walk to the harbour to see the Cubes of Memory, the breakwater blocks painted by Agustín Ibarrola. Then climb to the Paseo de San Pedro, a grassy path along the clifftops.

The coastline of the municipality is the main draw. Very close to the centre are El Sablón beach and Toró, surrounded by rocks. A little further away is Gulpiyuri, an inland beach that fills with the tide, and Torimbia, in a tightly enclosed shell-shaped bay. The blowholes of Pría and Arenillas shoot water up between the rocks when there is a heavy swell.

Free tours and guided visits

In summer there are guided walks around the old town and the harbour, sometimes tip-based. But in Llanes the usual options are guided visits and excursions from the town. There are coastal walking routes with stops at beaches and blowholes. The Picos de Europa are a short drive away, and trips to Covadonga and its lakes and outings to walk the Cares Route are common. Canoeing down the Sella between Arriondas and Ribadesella is also very popular.

How long to spend

The town can be seen in three or four hours: old town, harbour, the Cubes and the Paseo de San Pedro. But the area deserves more, especially if you like nature. With three or four days you can add the beaches and blowholes, a day at Covadonga and another for the Cares or the Sella.

Where to stay

If you want to do everything on foot, stay in the old town or near the harbour, where the bars and restaurants are. It is the liveliest area, especially in summer. If you are looking for calm, nearby villages such as Poo, Celorio or Barro have beaches and rural houses. To get around the municipality and the Picos, a car is almost essential.