Asturias is a region full of colourful fishing villages, peaceful mountain hamlets, and historic towns where daily life is still closely connected to the sea, nature, and local traditions. While many travellers head straight to the famous cities of Gijón, Avilés, and Oviedo, the villages of Asturias offer a much quieter and more authentic glimpse of northern Spain.
During a road trip along the rugged Costa Verde coastline and through the green valleys of the Picos de Europa, you will discover countless places where it feels like time has slowed down. From the iconic village of Cudillero, with its colourful houses stacked along the hillside overlooking the sea, to the remote mountain village of Bulnes, tucked away deep in the heart of the mountains.
In this guide, I will share the most beautiful villages in Asturias that you truly should not miss. Get ready for charming fishing harbours, atmospheric streets, stunning viewpoints over the coastline, and some of the most beautiful hidden gems in northern Spain. It is the perfect inspiration for a road trip along the coast and through the impressive mountain landscapes of Asturias!
→ Discover the 20 most beautiful sights in Asturias.
8 must visit villages in Asturias
#1 Llanes
Llanes is exactly the kind of coastal village that makes you want to take a little detour. This is Asturias at its finest: a charming harbour, colourful streets, and beautiful beaches that are all within easy walking distance of the village centre.
The harbour of Llanes is best known for the Cubos de la Memoria, a series of large concrete blocks covered in bright colours that together form a unique open air artwork. The village itself is just as charming. Take a walk through the narrow streets filled with traditional houses, explore the lively squares, and stop at one of the cosy terraces that come alive as soon as the sun breaks through the clouds.
In the centre of the village, you will find the beautiful Casino de Llanes, an elegant building from the early twentieth century that was once the favourite meeting place of the local elite. Nowadays, the word casino often makes people think of gambling, but in Spain, casinos were traditionally places for culture, music, and social gatherings rather than just games of chance.
What makes Llanes even more special is its incredible location between the sea and the impressive cliffs of the coastline. Within just a few minutes, you can reach beaches such as Playa del Sablón and Playa de Toró, where you can enjoy the dramatic scenery that makes this part of Asturias so unique. The famous Playa de Gulpiyuri, a hidden beach surrounded by cliffs, is also located nearby. With its mix of historic charm, stunning coastal views, and beautiful beaches, Llanes is not only one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias, but also an ideal base for discovering the rest of the coastline.
→ Discover our tips for the most beautiful places to visit in Llanes, Asturias
#2 Cudillero
Cudillero is perhaps the most photographed village in Asturias. Its colourful houses appear to cling to the steep hillsides like a natural amphitheatre, all looking out over the charming fishing harbour below. From almost every corner of the village, you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea.
Down by the harbour, traditional fishing boats gently sway on the water beside cosy terraces and seafood restaurants, while above you, a maze of stone steps, narrow streets, and small balconies winds its way up the hillside. This unusual layout is exactly what gives Cudillero its unique character. Every turn reveals a new view, with colourful buildings, charming little streets, and the wide Atlantic Ocean stretching out in the background.
From the car park, start your visit by walking through the Tunel de Cudillero, which takes you straight into the heart of the village. From there, take your time wandering through the streets and discovering the different viewpoints as you slowly make your way down towards the harbour. The walk up to the Mirador del Pico is definitely worth the effort, as it offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Cudillero and the surrounding coastline.
Cudillero is also perfectly located near Playa del Silencio and Cabo Vidio, two spectacular places along the wild Asturian coast. With its colourful streets, traditional fishing atmosphere, and dramatic coastal scenery, Cudillero is an unforgettable stop during a road trip through the rugged landscapes of Asturias.
→ Read our tips for colourful Cudillero in Asturias
#3 Llastres
Llastres is a small fishing village that is beautifully perched on the hills above the sea. Its narrow streets wind steeply upwards from the harbour, and as you make your way through the village, you are rewarded with stunning views of red rooftops, the sparkling ocean, and the green hills that surround this charming coastal spot.
Down by the harbour, small fishing boats gently bob on the water, while above you, traditional houses are built closely together along the hillside. Llastres has a peaceful and authentic atmosphere, without the busy crowds you often find in larger seaside towns. The best way to discover the village is simply to wander through its streets at your own pace, as almost every corner reveals a new viewpoint, a hidden detail, or another beautiful glimpse of the coastline.
One of the most impressive spots in Llastres is located just outside the village centre: the Mirador de San Roque. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama over the entire village, the rugged coastline, and the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can even see all the way towards the impressive peaks of the Picos de Europa.
Near the village, you will also find the Museo del Jurásico de Asturias (MUJA), a modern dinosaur museum that explores the prehistoric past of the Asturian coastline. If you are travelling with children, this is a wonderful place to include in your itinerary. Just a little further away, you will find Playa de La Griega, a beautiful beach where you can see real dinosaur footprints preserved in the rocks, making it a truly unique stop along the coast.
→ Read more about the best things to do in Llastres
#4 Bulnes in Picos de Europa
Bulnes is a hidden mountain village deep inside the Picos de Europa National Park, where it feels as though the outside world is miles away. This tiny village is not only included on the official list of Spain’s most beautiful villages, but it is also one of the most unique and memorable places to visit in the entire Picos de Europa. Until the beginning of this century, the only way to reach Bulnes was by following a steep hiking trail through the mountains. Today, an underground cable car makes the journey much easier, taking you from Poncebos up to the village in just a few minutes.
It is this remote location, tucked away between the high mountain peaks, that gives Bulnes its special atmosphere. The moment you arrive, you are surrounded by a peaceful landscape of traditional stone houses, narrow paths, and green mountain slopes stretching in every direction. With the dramatic peaks of the Picos de Europa rising around the village, it feels like stepping into a completely different world. There are no cars here, and everything moves at a slower, more relaxed pace.
Bulnes is divided into two parts: Bulnes de Arriba and Bulnes de Abajo. Small walking paths connect the two areas, taking you past charming bridges, old stone houses, and beautiful viewpoints overlooking the valley below. As you explore, you will hear the sound of streams flowing through the mountains and the gentle ringing of cowbells echoing in the distance. On a clear day, you can also admire the famous Picu Urriellu from the village, better known as the Naranjo de Bulnes, one of the most recognisable peaks in the Picos de Europa.
→ Discover the 15 most beautiful places in the Picos de Europa
#5 Cangas de Onís
Cangas de Onís is the gateway to the Picos de Europa for many travellers. Although it is officially more of a small town than a village, this charming place absolutely deserves a spot on a list of the most beautiful villages in Asturias. Its spectacular location surrounded by mountains, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, makes it one of the most popular places to visit in the region.
The most famous sight in Cangas de Onís is without a doubt the Puente Romano, the historic stone bridge with its large hanging cross above the river. This iconic bridge has become a symbol of Asturias and is one of the most photographed spots in the area. Around the bridge, you will find cosy terraces, traditional restaurants, and cider houses where you can experience the relaxed local atmosphere. My personal favourite is El Horru Encantau, where you can taste classic Asturian dishes and enjoy a spacious terrace at the back.
Most travellers visit Cangas de Onís because of the incredible nature that surrounds the town. From here, you can easily drive up to the famous Lagos de Covadonga, which many consider one of the most beautiful places in all of Asturias. The Ruta del Cares, one of the most spectacular and well known hiking routes in northern Spain, is also located nearby. Thanks to its perfect location, Cangas de Onís is an ideal base for combining scenic walks, breathtaking viewpoints, and charming mountain villages throughout the Picos de Europa.
If you are looking for a special place to stay, the Parador de Cangas de Onís is definitely worth a look. This historic hotel is located just outside the town, inside a former monastery beside the river. With its beautiful setting, peaceful atmosphere, and historic character, it is considered one of the most impressive paradores in northern Spain.
#6 Tazones
Tazones is small, colourful, and exactly the kind of fishing village you imagine when thinking of the rugged northern coast of Spain. The houses are built closely together around the charming little harbour, with wooden balconies, colourful facades, and flowers adding to the village’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The village became especially famous because Emperor Charles V first arrived on Spanish soil here in 1517. This important moment in history can still be felt as you wander through the narrow streets and admire the old houses around the harbour. Every year, the story is brought back to life during the local festival, when the arrival of the emperor is recreated with costumes, celebrations, and traditional events.
Tazones is not a large village, and that is exactly what makes it such a lovely place to explore at a relaxed pace. Spend some time walking along the harbour, follow the steep streets uphill towards the viewpoints, and then enjoy a meal at one of the seafood restaurants by the water. On sunny days, the terraces quickly fill with visitors, while the delicious smell of freshly grilled fish and seafood spreads through the village.
Thanks to its location between Gijón and Ribadesella, Tazones is also an ideal stop during a road trip along the Asturian coast. With its colourful houses, fascinating history, and peaceful seaside atmosphere, this little fishing village captures everything that makes northern Spain so special.
→ Discover what to do in the colourful fishing village of Tazones
#7 Cangas del Narcea
Cangas del Narcea is tucked away deep among the green mountains of inland Asturias and offers a completely different experience from the well known coastal villages. Instead of beaches and fishing boats, you will find forest covered valleys, rolling vineyards, and peaceful streets where local life continues at a relaxed pace.
The village is especially known for its Vino de Cangas, a local wine with a protected designation of origin. A wine tasting is therefore an experience that should not be missed when visiting this part of Asturias. During my own visit, I stopped at Bodega Monasterio de Corias, which is located right next to the impressive Parador de Corias monastery hotel. This former monastery has been beautifully restored and transformed into a unique place to stay. In my opinion, the stunning historic building alone is already a good reason to make the journey to Cangas del Narcea.
→ My stay at the impressive Parador Monasterio de Corias
The surroundings of Cangas del Narcea are just as impressive as the village itself. From here, you can easily explore the nearby natural areas, with walking trails leading through ancient forests, peaceful valleys, and beautiful mountain landscapes. The famous Muniellos Nature Reserve, home to one of the oldest forests in Spain, is also located nearby and is a true highlight for nature lovers.
In the centre of Cangas del Narcea, you can spend time wandering past traditional houses, charming little squares, and inviting terraces. Be sure to stop for a coffee and some pastries at Manín or enjoy a delicious ice cream at Llamber, as both places are well loved by locals. It is this wonderful combination of untouched nature, local food and wine, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes Cangas del Narcea one of the most unique destinations to discover in Asturias.
#8 Luarca
Luarca is often considered the most beautiful coastal town in western Asturias. The village is built around a natural harbour where whitewashed houses, colourful fishing boats, and charming little bridges come together to create a scene that feels like it has been taken straight from a postcard.
The harbour is the true heart of Luarca and the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere. Along the waterfront, you will find cosy terraces, small seafood restaurants, and traditional fishing boats that still head out to sea every day. However, what gives Luarca even more character are the steep streets that climb up the surrounding hills. As you make your way higher, the views become more and more impressive, with the harbour below, the village behind you, and the endless Atlantic Ocean stretching out ahead.
One of the highlights of Luarca is the walk up to the lighthouse and the cemetery on the cliffs above the town. It may seem like an unusual place to visit, but this is actually one of the best spots to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Asturian coastline. The peaceful cemetery is also the final resting place of Severo Ochoa, the Nobel Prize winning scientist and one of Luarca’s most famous residents.
With its picturesque harbour, dramatic cliffside views, and relaxed seaside atmosphere, Luarca perfectly captures the charm and beauty of the Asturian coast. It is a place where history, nature, and traditional coastal life come together in a truly unforgettable way.
