Asturias here we come!
Asturias is a land of contrasts, but which of all is more beautiful. from its shore, 401 km of marine life , with its vertical villages protected from the tides, to its inland municipalities among the green meadows where happy cows graze.
in all its towns, both sailors and insiders They carefully guard their folklore and unique charisma for centuries. Asturias is a natural area with seven spaces declared as Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO , its old mansions, the villages and its beaches, natural landscapes of dreams.
We travel to five of its fishing villages to discover you just a tiny part of what it is.
THE THREE
18 fishing villages are the ones that dot the coast of Asturias , one of them is The three . Like many of these municipalities it is built vertically on the coast , safeguarding themselves from the storm, and dedicating themselves fully to the sea. Formerly its sailors devoted themselves to the whale and shark fishing.
It is considered as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and was appointed in 2010 Exemplary Town of Asturias by the Princess of Asturias Foundation.
You cannot miss its cider houses and the Whalers neighborhood . From the Viewpoint of San Roque you will understand why it is one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias and you will even be able to see the Peaks of Europe.
Ortiguera, Asturias.
TORTOISESHELL
Open to the Cantabrian Sea and raised about 20 m above the sea , we discover Tortoiseshell , one of the most beautiful landscapes of the entire Asturian coast.
Between valleys, green mountains, its colored houses and its El Ribeiro port are drawn , built to protect fishermen from the scourge of the sea, which at this point is especially imposing.
Since the Medieval Age this town has been known , although its effervescence was important during the 19th century when many Asturians returned to their land after making their fortune in America. From this period are preserved indian houses , one of the most recommended is the Fifth Garden , with well-preserved French gardens.
You cannot miss its chapel, the monument to sailors who died at sea and its two headlights.
Bowls, Asturias.
BOWLS
East charming fishing village is located in the Villaviciosa estuary . Its port is the only one in Asturias considered as imperial port because it was the first where he landed Carlos V on his first trip to Spain, in September 1517. Hence, every year the festivities are celebrated recreating this landing.
The town also has a whaling and fishing tradition , that is why its gastronomic quality is unmatched. They are a must visit cider houses and its two neighborhoods, that of San Miguel and the one of San Roque both declared Historic-Artistic Complex.
The town preserves unique places such as the Shell House , cobbled streets and colorful houses. How could the emperor not be captivated by Tazones!
Luarca, Asturias.
LUARCA
Another charming Asturian fishing village , but this time whiter than the rest. When you reach it you will be able to contemplate its indian houses , the lighthouse in the Phocion Point (Watchtower) built in 1862 and the Dizzying Table , the place where the sailors debated whether or not to go out to fish depending on the tides.
Luarca is also popular for his graveyard. You will find it at the top of the town and it is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain.
If you prefer something more romantic you will have to cross one of its bridges, the Bridge of the Kiss is the most famous of all . Legend has it that the lords of the Watchtower wanted to capture the pirate Berber Cambaral . To do this they ambushed him and locked him in the dungeons of La Atalaya.
The lord's daughter went down there to heal his wounds, from there came an impossible love that ended badly . They fled but not very far, because the man cut off their heads "they say" at the moment they gave each other their last kiss. The bridge was built there.
Cudillero, Asturias.
CUDILLERO
There is no more famous fishing village in Asturias than Cudillero . Why? First because of how it is built with its hanging houses on the coast, protected by sea and land from any storm.
Second for its historical complex formed by colored houses that give shape to what is known as an amphitheater, where there is always life.
Besides the bable they have their own language, the pixie , which is how their sailors were also known. It is also curious that these made the curadillo popular , a way to dehydrate the sharks that they fished and hung on the doors of the houses.
You cannot leave Cudillero without knowing its watchtower , the Selgas Palace , known as ' The Asturian Versailles’ and the Whistle , which are the Indian houses that dot its coast.