The area of Colunga is symbolically the heart of Asturias because of its situation at the centre-east of the region and because the area is well known for its Cider production of which the Asturians are very proud.
Colunga is a very popular place for tourism due to the breathtaking landscapes, wild cliffs, smooth rolling mountains, beautiful beaches and picturesque towns. Also is very well known for two things, The Dinosaur Route and Museum, and the gorgeous town of Lastres.
The central-east coast of Asturias is an important place of fossils and footprints of large dinosaurs that inhabited this land for millions of years.
The municipalities of Villaviciosa and Colunga, in the heart of Cider County, are a great place for fossil hunters and you’ll find a vast amount of pre-historic remains scattered around the cliffs exposed by the Cantabrian Sea. As a result, there are large networks of paths that will lead you to amazing places to find traces of remains left behind by the giant lizards.
The Jurassic Museum of Asturias is a unique building designed in the shape of a large dinosaur footprint, houses one of the most comprehensive and concise collections of these fascinating reptiles.
Also, the coastline of Colunga is a part of the “Coast of the Dinosaurs” due to the many Jurassic reptile prints and bone remains found there. One of the best examples of this can actually be visited at La Griega beach which is only three kilometres from the Museum and is where the largest Sauropod footprints in the world can be found. You can find many other examples at the Cliffs of Luces and Lastres.
The other main attraction of Colunga is the picturesque and charming fishing town of Lastres, winner of the “Exemplary Town of Asturias Award” in 2010. This is an award given by the “Princess of Asturias Foundation” and delivered in person by the King and Queen of Spain. The award is conferred on a town, village, population centre, scenic area or group of people in the Principality of Asturias that have stood out in a notable way in “defending and conserving its natural or environmental setting, its historical, cultural or artistic heritage, or in the carrying out of outstanding communal works or other such displays of solidarity”.
The centre of Lastres in Colunga council, has an historic heritage considered of Cultural Interest due to its architecture and religious and civic buildings such as The Church of Santa Maria de la Sabada dating back to 1757 or the fine examples of emblazoned Palaces and traditional houses. It is also worth to mention the Church of the Buen Suceso from the 16th century, the Clock Tower and some fine examples of Indiano architecture. There are also other examples of pre-Romanic architecture throughout the rest of the area such as the Church of Santiago de Gobiendes from the X century.
Lastres is home to some of the most beautiful beaches of Asturias such as The Isla Beach, Barrigon Beach, Lastres Beach, La Griega Beach or Espasa Beach.
The Council of Colunga is a part of the Route of Santiago. This section is known as the “ Northern Route” which goes along the Coast of Asturias. It is a great place for walking and enjoying different routes like the «Dinosaur Route» or the “Mysteries of the Sea Route”.
The Gastronomy in Colunga is based around the traditional Asturian fare, with stews, Asturian reared beef and fresh fish from the see and the rivers. It has special importance the quality shellfish from the area, cooked with rice or in many ways but always very tasty. And of course the real star of the area is Cider which is great for drinking but also for cooking with.
More info: Colunga Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
