1. Llanes
We begin this rural route through the most beautiful villages of Asturias in Llanes, located less than an hour’s drive from important Cantabrian towns such as Santillana del Mar, Comillas or Santander. Did you know that it has served as inspiration for many film directors? Juan Antonio Bayona’sEl orfanato has been one of the most famous films shot here. In fact, it won seven Goya awards in 2008.
This settlement already had great fame and importance in the Middle Ages, due to the prominent presence of nobility in these lands. From this period, the 13th century tower, the basilica of Santa María del Concejo or the urban wall, the largest in Asturias, stand out. To discover this heritage legacy, nothing better than to join a guided tour of Llanes or a private tour.
On the other hand, this town is an ideal place to practice different water sports. The beaches of El Sablón, Puertu Chicu or Toró are perfect to enjoy these experiences and take a refreshing dip. With Civitatis you can book from
Ribadesella
Ribadesella is another of those beautiful villages of Asturias that overlook the sea. Its golden sandy beaches and coastal viewpoints overlooking the mountains enchant all visitors year after year. Not to mention its old town, with marked examples of mansions and palaces of a marked Indian architecture. Also noteworthy are the hermitage of La Guía, located at the top of Mount Corbero, the Plaza de la Reina María Cristina, where the oldest house in the town is located, or the tower of the Atalaya, declared of Cultural Interest.
As if this were not enough, in this town is the Tito Bustillo cave, a karst cave that houses an important collection of prehistoric rock art. Here, you can see images of horses, reindeer, goats or bison made thousands of years ago. Access to this space is quite restricted, so it is recommended to buy tickets at the official tickets on the official website several weeks in advance.
Adventure lovers will have a great time doing the famous descent of the Sella descent of the Sella. Did you know that it is one of the most important sports activities in the Principality of Asturias? This experience consists of canoeing down the river through the rapids and contemplating a truly captivating landscape. You can’t explain it with words, you simply have to live it.
3. Cangas de Onis
We leave aside the coast to go deeper into the interior of Asturias and get to know Cangas de Onis. Much of its popularity is due to the Camino de Santiago, as it is a place of passage for many of the pilgrims heading to the capital of Galicia. Its most photographed monument? Its medieval bridge, declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and built on the foundations of an ancient Roman viaduct. On its main arch hangs a replica of the Victoria Cross, a symbol of Asturias and whose original copy is in the cathedral of Oviedo.
A stroll through the old town is almost essential for any lover of rural tourism. However, if there is something that makes this town famous, it is its proximity to the sanctuary of Covadonga, just 10 kilometers away! The complex is made up of the neo-Romanesque basilica, which surprises with its pink limestone facade, and the Santa Cueva, which houses the image of the Santina. The chapel dedicated to the patron saint of Asturias is in a natural grotto and was designed by Alfonso I the Catholic to commemorate the victory of Don Pelayo over the Muslims in the Middle Ages.
For more information about this destination, we recommend you take a look at our complete catalog of guided tours and activities in Cangas de Onís.. In this selection you will find the best options, from a jeep tour in jeep tour through the Picos de Europa to a excursion to the Covadonga lakes..
4. Ballasts
Lastres is a small fishing village that seems hidden between the sea and the mountains. This town, which leaves all its visitors stunned with its postcard image, could not be missing in this list of beautiful villages in Asturias.
It experienced great fame between 2009 and 2011, as it was the place where Doctor Mateo, a popular television series of Antena 3, was filmed. However, the charm of this place goes far beyond this popularity gained thanks to the small screen. Its port, the Buen Suceso chapel, which dates back to the 16th century, the 12-meter-high Clock Tower and the baroque mansions on Calle Real deserve special attention.
A guided tour of Lastres or a private tour are perfect to know the history and main monuments of this town accompanied by a guide. Who’s up for it?
5. Bowls
We continue our route through the most beautiful villages of Asturias and we arrive at Tazones, a more unknown town that should be explored quietly. Its dimensions are quite small and it only takes a few hours to enjoy its main charms, but we can say that it is one of the best places to eat in Asturias. Its bars and restaurants offer fresh fish and seafood of excellent quality that are a pleasure for the palate, authentic Cantabrian delicacies!
Beyond its gastronomic culture, it is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. most beautiful villages in Spain and is located just 30 minutes by car from Gijón. Its two neighborhoods, San Miguel and San Roque, have been declared Historic-Artistic Ensemble. Here, every corner is worthy of a photo.
Not to mention the fact that Tazones has the only imperial port in Asturias. The reason? It was here that a young prince arrived who would end up becoming Charles I of Spain and V of the Holy Roman Empire. His first visit to the peninsular territory took place in 1517 and this town was the place chosen for his disembarkation. Curious, isn’t it?
6. Torazu
Colorful houses, wooden balconies and facades decorated with tiles stand out in Torazu, which is also part of the network of the most beautiful villages in Spain. In addition, walking through this small town it is possible to see the typical hórreos, old high warehouses designed to protect foodstuffs from humidity and animals. All this in a charming environment full of mountains with lush vegetation.
With a population of less than 300 inhabitants, it is an authentic haven of peace where you can take refuge from the hustle and bustle of any city, perfect for a rural getaway!
7. Bandujo
Among the beautiful villages of Asturias we want to turn our gaze to another mountain village. The medieval Bandujo is located about 50 kilometers from Oviedo, that is, about an hour’s drive. Although to get there you will have to negotiate some curvy roads, the reward is worth it. Its historic center is considered one of the best preserved medieval sites in the Principality and, as an added bonus, it is 700 meters above sea level. The scenery is unparalleled.
Since the village was part of an important trail route, it did not have a quality road connection until the 20th century. This has enhanced its quiet character and the preservation of curious customs. For example, on All Souls’ Day their graves are decorated with drawings and flowers, a tradition already lost in the rest of the Autonomous Community.
During the visit, you can’t miss a walk by the church of Santa María, with more than 1,000 years of history, contemplate the washing places, fountains and hórreos, photograph the Torre de Tuñón or discover the history of the Rabilón, an old human-powered mill.
8. Cudillero
We return to the coast to enter Cudillero, another of the most beautiful villages of Asturias. Located in the western part of the Principality, this fishing village is perfect to get lost and get carried away by the charms of its streets. Colorful fishermen’s houses that seem to hang from the mountains, stairs and slopes that show hidden corners, viewpoints with unique views… Pure beauty!
We recommend starting the tour in the Plaza de la Marina and, from there, wander aimlessly. Wandering around you will be particularly struck by the Caracolas de Teixera or Casa de las Conchas, a house decorated with scallops in a truly original way. The Town Hall or the church of San Pedro, from the 16th century, are other monumental icons of the area.
For a first visit to this village, we suggest the free tour of Cudillero. This guided tour allows you to delve into the history of the village and discover many curiosities. Highly recommended!
9. Luarca
Very close to Cudillero, just 40 kilometers away, we find another town that can not miss in any self-respecting ranking of beautiful villages in Asturias. We are talking about Luarca, known as the Villa Blanca de la Costa Verde, a nickname that comes from the unpolluted light color of its historic center. Curiously, this town is divided in two by the Negro River, whose passage is circumvented thanks to different bridges.
Did you know that the Nobel Prize for Medicine Severo Ochoa was born here? His mortal remains rest in the cemetery of Luarca. This cemetery is an important tourist attraction, not only because of this illustrious tomb, but also because of the incredible panoramic views it offers. The indianos’ houses in the Villar neighborhood, the fishing port or the Mesa de Mareantes, a meeting place for sailors, are some of the town’s must-see sights.
For those who wish to tour this place accompanied by a guide, both the free tour of Luarca as well as the private route are excellent options. Also, by booking the guided tour of the Garden of Fonte Baxa you will be able to visit one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe.
10. Taramundi
We reach the end of this list of the most beautiful villages of Asturias and we are almost to Galician lands. Taramundi is located very close to Lugo, just an hour’s drive away. Not far away is also Ribadeo, one of the most beautiful villages in Galicia.
In this town, located between forests and mountains, the main protagonist is the water as well as the stone and slate of their homes. The mills of Mazonovo, which are part of a rudimentary hydraulic plant, are one of the best places to see how the water of the Cabreira river flows through these lands.
You cannot miss a visit to the house-museum of the Taramundi Cutlery. This is the ideal place to discover why their handmade knives are so famous and prized. As if this were not enough, the largest knife in the world is on display outside the exhibition, weighing 1.5 tons!
And so far this tour through the beautiful villages of Asturias. It is clear that the Principality offers authentic fairytale places, from the small villages hidden among its mountains to the fishing villages that open to the Bay of Biscay. Everything is pure beauty, both natural and cultural.
Of course, you can combine the rural route with guided visits and activities in Oviedo o Gijóntwo of the most important cities of this Autonomous Community. A cider tour from the capital city of Asturias? Or a excursion to the Picos de Europa? There are plans for everyone!
