Free walking tours in Luanco and what to see

Must-sees

Luanco is the capital of the municipality of Gozón, a fishing town on the central Asturian coast that lived from whaling in the 16th century. Start your visit at the Maritime Museum of Asturias, which covers the region's fishing and naval history. Then it is worth climbing through the old town to the 18th-century clock tower and looking into the church of Santa María, built facing the sea and closely tied to the mariners' guild.

The quay is the heart of town life, with old fishermen's houses turned into cider houses and bars. The town beaches of La Ribera and Santa Marina are calm and easy for a swim. On the way to Antromero, the hermitage of El Carmen sits on a rock by the sea. A few kilometres away is Cabo Peñas, the northernmost point of Asturias, with its lighthouse, a visitor centre and spectacular cliffs.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Luanco. The town is small and easy to explore on your own, starting with the Maritime Museum, which gives you the context for the rest. The tourist office has information on routes around the municipality, such as the Gozón coastal paths. If you are staying in Gijón or Avilés, some trips along the central coast include Luanco and Cabo Peñas.

How long to spend

Three or four hours are enough for the old town, the quay and the museum. If you add Cabo Peñas, allow a full day with lunch in town. In summer you can stay two days and alternate the town beaches with the wilder sands of Verdicio or Xagó, the latter popular with surfers. Watch the tides if you want to walk out to the hermitage of El Carmen.

Where to stay

The most convenient option is to sleep in the centre of Luanco, near the quay or the La Ribera promenade, so you can do everything on foot and enjoy the atmosphere at night. If you prefer peace and quiet, there are rural houses in the Gozón parishes, near Bañugues or Cabo Peñas. In high summer places fill quickly, and Candás, Avilés or Gijón, a short drive away, are good alternatives.