Ruta en coche 3: Llanes y Ribadesella

This road trip along the eastern coast of Asturias will take you to two of the region's most popular and breathtaking seaside towns: Llanes and Ribadesella. As you embark on this journey, you'll have the opportunity to explore stunning beaches, estuaries, cliffs, and even witness the awe-inspiring blowholes, all while being surrounded by the majestic mountains that provide a captivating backdrop. Along the way, you'll come across numerous colonial houses known as "casas de indianos", which were built by those who migrated to the Americas during the 19th and 20th centuries. Indulging in the local culinary delights, you can savor the exquisite fish and seafood from the Cantabrian Sea at the charming restaurants and cider houses (sidrerías) in the area.

• El gran sueño - Llanes: 64 km / 60 mins

In Llanes we recommend walking through its charming old town, with the Basilica of Santa María del Conceyu, the fishing port, with the Cubos de la Memoria, along the Calle Mayor and the San Pedro walk-view.

• Llanes - Ribadesella: 29 km / 25 mins

From Llanes to Ribadesella you can take the AS-263, from which it is easy to detour to see some of the beaches (Torimbia, Cuevas de Mar or Gulpiyuri) or the blowholes at Pría (bufones de Pría). Along here we love the spot of the church of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, outside Barro, by the estuary.

In Ribadesella we recommend you visit its two parts: the lively port area and, on the other side of the river, the beautiful Santa Marina beach.

We recommend to do the walk (Paseo de la Grúa) along the river towards the sea, and go up to the Ermita de la Guía for beautiful views of the town, beach and surrounding mountains.

On the edge of the town is the Tito Bustillo Cave (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which can be visited but must be booked well in advance, as  only 15 visitors are allowed on each guided tour.

From the museum/cave, if you continue driving 6 km more along the same road, you will get to the charming village of Cuevas, surprise included on the way there.

Options to return to El gran sueño:

• Ribadesella - El gran sueño: 45 km / 45 mins
• Ribadesella - Mirador del Fito - El gran sueño: 58 km / 1 h 15 mins

Extra alternative visits:

• Bufones de Pría (+18 mins +5 km round trip): blowholes in the rock through which the sea roars and sometimes releases jets of seawater.
• Playa de Torimbia (18mins +7 km round trip): for many, this is the most beautiful beach in Asturias and even in Spain.
• Cuevas (+28 mins +12 km round trip): this small village, 6 km from Ribadesella.
• Playa de Vega, Vega (Ribadesella)
• Mirador del Fito: if it is a clear day, from Ribadesella we can return to el gran sueño by the AS-260 road and at this viewpoint, contemplate the impressive views of the coast and the Asturian mountains (Ribadesella to el gran sueño along the AS-260 takes approximately 1h15mins).

Recommended restaurants in Llanes:

• El Bálamu, in the fishing harbour - Llanes (fish and seafood)
• Mirador de Toró, in the Playa de Toró - Llanes (sea views)
• El retiro, in Pancar - Llanes (one Michelin star)
• Restaurante Castru el Gaiteru, in Celorio - Llanes
• Casa Pilar, in Nueva - Llanes

Recommended restaurants in Ribadesella:

• Sidrería El Campanu, in the fishing harbour - Ribadesella
• Quince Nudos, near Playa de la Marina - Ribadesella
• La Huertona, just outside Ribadesella
• Güeyu Mar, in the Playa de Vega - Ribadesella