The 12 most beautiful towns in Asturias

With more than 47 million inhabitants and 17 autonomous communities spread across the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is a country characterized by contrasts. From the beaches and the sun of the South to the rugged mountains of the North, in this region there are landscapes for all tastes and needs.

Therefore, limiting oneself to the community in which one was born is a shame. We are facing a country that has 47 places declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, because among old buildings and reserves brimming with biodiversity, the sociocultural value of this territory is explained by itself.

Whether you are a resident of Spain or one of the 80 million tourists who choose this region as retirement destination or disconnection from the routine, we assure you that all Spanish territory has something to you. Today we present you the 12 most beautiful towns in Asturias, a northern Autonomous Community characterized by green, humidity and movie landscapes. Do not miss them.

You may be interested in: "The 12 most beautiful towns in Euskadi (Basque Country)"

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Asturias: the ideal destination

The Principality of Asturias is an autonomous community that is bathed by the waters of the Cantabrian Sea and borders Galicia, Castilla y León and Cantabria. It occupies a very extensive territory, since 1,028,000 inhabitants on average are distributed among 10,603.57 square kilometers of extension. To get you started, we present you some very interesting information about what this region offers:

Asturias presents the smallest beach in the world.
This region has 70 protected areas: parks and reserves brimming with life.
The largest dinosaur footprints in the world are hidden in this territory.
With an average rainfall of more than 800 mm, the vegetation dyes the landscapes of the region lush green.

What are the most beautiful towns in Asturias?

Have we still not convinced you that Asturias is a must-see destination for any tourist or resident? Whether that is the case or not, do not go, as we show you below the 12 most beautiful towns in Asturias. Go preparing your suitcases, because there is no time to lose.

1. The three

It could not be otherwise. For many, Lastres is, without a doubt, the most beautiful town in Asturias. Built on rugged geography, this small town offers some of the most beautiful views of the entire Peninsula. You can get lost in its labyrinthine streets, visit La Griega beach, marvel at the fishing port that it presents and make routes to the Lluces lighthouse, a cliff that has views that will take your breath away even the most cynical.

We are facing a clear example of a "movie town" but, as in many other cases, reality on this occasion far exceeds fiction.

2. Ribadesella

Located at the mouth of the river Sella to the sea, this maritime council will delight the most adventurers, since the descent of the Sella River takes place annually in August, a sporting activity with some festivals declared as "national tourist interest".

For the more relaxed, this town offers a wonderful walk along the mouth of the river Sella, where you can read informative posters about Asturian mythology. Whether it is to take the canoe and sweat or to admire the history and the most deeply-rooted customs of the Asturian people, a visit to Ribadesella will always be justified.

3. Llanes

Llanes is a capital and a fishing village with an impressive historic center, as it has a very extensive artistic heritage made up of churches, mansions, palaces or houses. In addition to this, we are facing a council with a gastronomy and festivals that are representative of the Asturian spirit in its purest form. If you are amazed by buildings and history, this is a must-see destination for you.

4. Torazo

The best things sometimes come in small jars, and Torazo is the clear example of this. With only 247 inhabitants and an area that barely exceeds 8 square kilometers, this small parish is the clearest representative of typical Asturian architecture. If what you are looking for is to admire the granaries or discover a small piece of the deepest Asturia, do not miss this place.

5. Bowls

Tazones is another very small town, as it does not exceed the population of 250 inhabitants. Despite this, it has such interesting elements as the parish church of Tazones, the house of shells or, surprisingly enough, real dinosaur footprints engraved on the rock of your beach. The labyrinths of its streets will make you fall in love.

6. Villaviciosa

We are facing a town that will delight those most passionate about nature, as the estuary of Villaviciosa has rarely seen protected bird species such as herons, seagulls, ducks and cormorants. In addition, it also presents an urban area full of palaces and buildings of great interest. Yes OK the fauna and flora are the clearest attraction from this council, Villaviciosa offers something for everyone.

7. Cangas de Onís

Cangas de Onís is described by the inhabitants of the Principality of Asturias themselves as regal, historical, mountain and riverside. It is the first city and court of the Asturian monarchy, which is why multiple royal buildings imitate the architectural style of the 8th century and later times in this place. The Church of the Holy Cross, the Roman bridge and the Palace of Cortés are the clearest examples of this. If you are fascinated by history, this is your destination.

8. Taramundi

Taramundi is known for being the first town in Spain where rural tourism was promoted, starting this in 1984. For this reason, it has village-type buildings and is characterized by the production of handicrafts, knives, pocket knives, looms and the treatment of leather. If what you are looking for is take with you a piece of rural life, Taramundi is a must-visit council.

9. Luanco

We are facing the seaside town closest to the northernmost point of all Asturias. Bathed by the Cantabrian Sea, this town offers an idyllic picture both by land and by water. This picturesque place is characterized by its markedly seafaring history, since its port was the departure point for sailors to search and hunt for whales. All this knowledge is exposed to the public in the Maritime Museum of Asturias.

10. Bulnes

Bulnes is one of the most representative villages of life at the foot of the mountain, since it is located in the central massif of the Picos de Europa. For this reason, it is a must-see destination for any lover of mountaineering or nature, as it has multiple steep routes for the more adventurous.

11. Sotres

Another of the towns located in the Picos de Europa. Within the council of cabrales you will find this small parish isolated from the world, with a total of 114 inhabitants spread over 38 square kilometers. The mountain scenery, the pure air, the tranquility and the sound of the cowbells dominate this little haven of peace where, luckily, it seems that time does not pass.

12. Tanes

Lastly, we have a surprise for those most passionate about nature and biology, as Tanes is located in the Redes natural park, recognized as a Biosphere reserve by UNESCO. From bears to grouse, through salamanders and many other small vertebrates, this place contains real living jewels that are hardly observable in any other place. Equip yourself with a good field guide and binoculars before traveling to Tanes - you won't regret it.

Resume

As you may have read in these lines, the Principality of Asturias is an autonomous community that has a little for everyone: history, sport, nature and culture. If what you are looking for is a respite, a breath of fresh air in the form of a landscape, humidity and green, without a doubt any of these destinations will amaze you.

Bibliographic references

Cangas de Onís, turismoasturias.es. Picked up on November 22 at https://www.turismoasturias.es/descubre/donde-ir/municipios/cangas-de-onis
de Carvallo, L. TO. (2005). Antiques and memorable things of the Principality of Asturias. Editorial MAXTOR.
El Carmen de Torazo, turismoasturias.es. Picked up on November 22 at https://www.turismoasturias.es/descubre/fiestas-de-interes-turistico/el-carmen-de-torazo
Larrondo, F. J. OR. (1987). The Odonatos of Asturias and Spain. Systematic and faunal aspects (Doctoral dissertation, University of Oviedo).
Lastres, turismoasturias.es. Picked up on November 22 at https://www.turismoasturias.es/organiza-tu-viaje/donde-dormir/alojamiento/hoteles/miramar-lastres
Llanes, turismoasturias.es. Picked up on November 22 at https://www.turismoasturias.es/descubre/donde-ir/municipios/llanes
Ribadesella, turismoasturias.es. Picked up on November 22 at https://www.turismoasturias.es/descubre/costa/villas-marineras/marinera-ribadesella
Taramundi, turismoasturias.es. Picked up on November 22 at https://www.turismoasturias.es/descubre/donde-ir/municipios/taramundi
Bowls, turismoasturias.es. Picked up on November 22 at https://www.turismoasturias.es/descubre/costa/villas-marineras/marinera-tazones
Vega, L. C. S. (1974). Jurassic stratigraphy in Asturias. Complutense University of Madrid, Department of Stratigraphy.
Villaviciosa, turismoasturias.es. Picked up on November 22 at https://www.turismoasturias.es/descubre/donde-ir/municipios/villaviciosa