Free walking tours in Novellana and what to see

Must-sees

Novellana is a village on the western coast of Asturias, in the municipality of Cudillero, about 14 kilometres from the fishing town. It is a small place of well-kept houses, meadows and vegetable gardens, and in 1992, together with neighbouring Soto de Luiña, it received the Model Village of Asturias award, partly for its residents' work to make it more beautiful. In the centre is the parish church, built over an old chapel and restored with the help of the residents' association.

The big reason to come is right next door, by the hamlet of Castañeras: the Playa del Silencio, a shell-shaped cove enclosed by quartzite cliffs, with pebbles and rocks instead of sand. Above it is a viewpoint with spectacular views, and you walk down on a path and steps. The area has more stony coves between cliffs and paths that follow the coast.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free tours in Novellana: it is a small village best enjoyed walking on your own. The most popular way to see it is a circular walk that leaves the village, passes Castañeras and the Playa del Silencio viewpoint and returns through meadows and woodland. If you prefer organised activities, Cudillero and other places on the coast offer hiking and outings along the western shore.

How long to spend

The village takes an hour, but the Playa del Silencio deserves more: between going down, enjoying the scenery and climbing back up, allow half a day, especially if you do the circular walk. With a full day you can add Cudillero and its harbour, or Cabo Vidio. Remember the way down is on foot with steps, and the car park by the access is small, so get there early in summer.

Where to stay

Novellana and nearby villages such as Soto de Luiña have rural houses and apartments in a very peaceful setting, ideal for a few days on the coast without crowds. Choice is limited in high season, so book ahead. Cudillero, a quarter of an hour's drive away, has more hotels and restaurants and lets you combine the harbour atmosphere with the calm of this stretch of coast.