The Council and surrounding area of Cudillero is a part of the Region of Vaqueiros which passes from coastal to inland towns of Asturias and is linked by the tradition of the seasonal migration of the livestock trade. The “vaqueiros” or cattle drivers began to inhabit this part of Asturias in the medieval times and the most distinctive aspect of this that still exists today are the Brañas or highland pastures where they used to breed their cattle. In this council you can find many examples of these pasturelands in Braña of Brañaseca and Busfrío.
The coastal region of Cudillero is a very beautiful, lively and colourful area which makes it a favourite amongst tourists.
The main village of Cudillero is one of the most classic images of Asturias. It’s a lovely fishing village in the shape of an amphitheatre, with colourfully painted houses perched on the hillside. The beautiful port, fish market and the lovely piazza are full of terraced restaurants and bars making it an ideal location to enjoy the most delicious fish, seafood, cider and wines.
In the Council of Cudillero you can visit the locality of El Pitu where you will find the magnificent Neo Classical styled Selgas Palace which is home to one of the most important private art collections in Spain. There is also a fine collection of tapestries, a impressive church with a 13th century alter and all surrounded by exquisite gardens. Other things of interest in the area are the Church of San Martín de Luiña that still preserves a discriminatory inscription against the “vaqueiros” by not letting them to listen to the mass, the historic monuments at Soto de Luiña with the church from the 18th century or the old Pilgrims Hospital.
The area of Cudillero is also a natural paradise with one of the best views of the Asturian Coastline especially at the protected landscapes of Cape Vidio-Oviñana where towering vertical cliffs over amazing beaches make this a real feast for the eyes. Other beaches worth a mention are beautiful sandy Campofrio, El Aguilar (which was awarded the Blue Flag), San Pedro de la Ribera and la Concha de Artedo Beach (also blue flag status). Other beaches with slightly more difficult access but again with spectacular surroundings are the beaches of Silencio, Oleiros or Cueva.
The Council of Cudillero is a part of the Route of Santiago. This section is known as the “Northern Route” which goes along the Coast of Asturias. It also offers many paths for hiking and exploring such as Cudillero-El Pitu route, Lamuño-La Concha route, Oviñana-San Pedro route and Ballota-Santa Marina.
The local food in this area is based on a traditional Asturian fare, with stews, Asturian reared beef, Chicken dishes, sweet treats and Asturian cheeses. The true toast of the area is the locally caught fresh fish and the shellfish especially hake as Cudillero is one of the few ports in the north of Spain where you can find, at some times of the year, “line caught hake” which guarantees fresh quality fish and is considered a delicacy throughout Asturias and Spain.
More info: Cudillero Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Tomás Fano.
