The enchanting seaside town of Llanes is one of the most popular, busiest and trendiest Asturian towns for holiday makers.
Llanes (pronounced “Janice”) though charming in its own right is also very fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery due to its proximity to the very popular and magnificent Picos de Europa and is also home to some the best beaches in Asturias.
The old town of Llanes has been declared an historic and artistic site due to its fine classical architecture, the nearby town of Colombres also has some very good examples of Indianos (South American) Architecture.
Asturias underwent large scale emigration towards end of the nineteen century and the beginning of the twenty century. Destinations included Central America, especially Cuba, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela and the US. The emigrants brought with them back a very cosmopolitan and American design of architecture. You will find this characteristic design in magnificent buildings throughout Llanes, Colombres and the surrounding villages.
At the Port of Llanes, which is an important fishing port for both deep sea and inshore fishing, you will find The Cubes of Memory which are actually recently constructed sea defences that where somewhat cheered up by the Basque artist Agustin Ibarrola. The Marina of Llanes is one of the most popular and busiest in Asturias.
Llanes offers an impressive selection of outdoor activities due to its surroundings with many sporting activities available such as surfing, golf, water sports, trekking, climbing, adventure sports, etc.
Within the town there are two beaches, El Sablon and Puerto Chico but Llanes also has in its surroundings 56 km of coastline filled with some of the most beautiful in Asturias. They are long and white sandy beaches surrounded by very impressive and rugged scenery. Some of the most important beaches are Toro, Torimbia, Gulpiyuri, Barro, Ballota or Poo (which is a beautiful one despite its name), Borizu, Las Cameras, Cuevas de Mar. If you are there during stormy weather then you have to check out “Los Bufones” which a costal blowholes that are lots of fun to observe and listen to.
The Council of Llanes is a part of the Route of Saint James. This section is known as the “ Northern Route” which goes along the Coast of Asturias.
Llanes lies at the foot of the stunning Picos de Europa which offer plenty of activities to do and scenery that will take your breath away but if you wish to remain closer to the town then you will find many easy and beautiful walking routes such as “The Many Coloured Route in The Vally of Oscuru”, “The Coastal Path”, “Saint Peter’s walk” and “the Town Trail”, “El Camín Encantau or enchanted walk”, “The Route to Covadonga”, or the “Cinematic Route”
The local gastronomy is a mix of both traditional and modern Asturian food. Being a fishing Port, Llanes offers of delicious fish and seafood daily and it has a wide variety of local cheeses and desserts. The town’s restaurants pride themselves on serving only the very best ingredients to their customers.
The quality of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife tend in general to be of very good quality as Llanes has been well developed over time as a tourist destination. You will find a large variety of very cosy rural houses to rent or cool boutique rural hotels to check into.
Llanes is about 1.5 hours from the airport of Asturias and about an hour from the airport of Santander so it is well connected and easy to access.
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Ayto de Llanes and Turismo Asturias: Arnaud Späni, Camilo Alonso.
