Valdés: Coastal Routes and Heritage

The Camino de Santiago del Norte, also known as the Camino de la Costa, crosses Valdés from east to west. Among other places, it passes through Cadavéu, Villademoros, Canero, Luarca and Otur. If you are travelling this pilgrimage route, check the waymarking and local conditions.

Coastal and woodland walks

The PR-AS-4 Cabo de Busto is a walk of about 8 kilometres, rated easy, and takes approximately three hours. It follows high, steep coastal cliffs, with numerous viewpoints offering views across western Asturias. When planning the walk, it is worth taking its duration and local conditions into account.

The Senda Punta Muyeres takes less time: it is about 2.73 kilometres long, is also rated easy, and takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Compared with the PR-AS-4, it is the shorter of the two walks described. The Senda Punta Muyeres has been awarded the Sendero Azul designation and is of geological, ecological and scenic interest.

Another walking option leads into the Hoces del Esva: the PR-AS 1 / PR-AS 2 passes through alder woods into the heart of the gorges. In the municipality of Valdés, activities such as surfing, boat trips, mountain biking and golf are also available. When planning your days, you can choose between coastal walks, a woodland route and other activities without trying to fit everything into the same time frame.

Coast, nature and early traces

Playa de Barayo is a sandy beach about 700 metres long in the Barayo Partial Nature Reserve; access is on foot. Cabo Busto offers another glimpse into the region’s history: archaeological evidence of early settlement in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula has been found in the area. This includes Acheulean quartzite tools, such as hand axes, scrapers and points. Homo heidelbergensis used these tools more than 300,000 years ago.

Luarca and Brieves: Local history and traditions

In Luarca, the Barrio de la Pescadería preserves its medieval street plan, with a maze of narrow lanes and white houses. Individual buildings also tell the story of the town: the organ in the Iglesia Parroquial Santa Eulalia de Luarca was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural, a cultural asset of special interest, in 2017. The Cementerio de Luarca stands on the headland of La Atalaya. From there, views stretch across the sea and cliffs; it is also the resting place of Severo Ochoa. The maritime guild met at the Mesa de Mareantes y Navegantes to discuss maritime affairs.

Brieves is characterised by stone arches connecting houses with hórreos and paneras. The Torre de Brieves dates from the 16th century. The town also hosts events with a range of themes: the Encuentro de la Naturaleza y la Artesanía takes place every year in Brieves and includes demonstrations of traditional crafts, performances by regional dance groups, sales of artisan and agricultural products, and exhibitions. Check the dates before your trip.

La Regalina is a recurring open-air festival held at Campo de La Garita, near the hermitage of the Virgen de Riégala. It includes a procession, traditional dances and a communal meal. As programme details may change, it is a good idea to check the event dates in advance.

Planning and choosing accommodation

Visits to El Parque de la Vida always require advance reservations; guided and unguided visits are available. If you are looking for a hotel in Valdés, it is best to first decide which activities will shape your trip: a stage of the Camino, a walk, or visits focused on Luarca’s history and Brieves’ architectural and festival culture.

Valdés is connected by the A-8 motorway and the N-632 and N-634 roads; Asturias Airport is about 53 kilometres away. Public transport includes ALSA buses, local buses, an electric bus between Trevías and Busto as well as Luarca, taxis and the FEVE railway. Routes and timetables may change; check them before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Luarca, Almuña, Cadavedo, Boronas, Brieves, Canero, Barcia, Aller.

For the main travel overview: Asturias.