A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discovering Luarca: The Pearl of the Cantabrian in Asturias, Spain

Introduction

Luarca, also known as the 'White Town of the Green Coast', is a picturesque coastal town located in the west of the Principality of Asturias, in northern Spain. This charming fishing village, with its natural harbor, white houses, and steep streets, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical heritage, and traditional Asturian culture.

The Port of Luarca

The port of Luarca, with its colorful fishing boats and bustling seafood market, is the heart of the village. Here, visitors can enjoy the authentic maritime atmosphere, taste the exquisite Asturian cuisine in the numerous restaurants and cider houses, and admire the stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea.

The Old Town

The old town of Luarca, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, charming squares, and white houses with wrought iron balconies. Highlights include the Gothic-style Church of Santa Eulalia, the Clock Tower, and the Chapel of the Atalaya, from where the best panoramic views of the village and the port are obtained.

The Lighthouse and the Cemetery of Luarca

On the Cape of Busto, a few kilometers from Luarca, is its emblematic lighthouse, an ideal place to enjoy the sunset. Next to it, is the Cemetery of Luarca, known as 'the most beautiful cemetery in Spain', for its spectacular location on a cliff overlooking the sea.

The Beaches of Luarca

Luarca has several beautiful beaches, such as Luarca Beach, Cueva Beach, and Otur Beach. All of them are perfect for enjoying a sunny day, practicing water sports, or simply relaxing while listening to the sound of the waves.

The Botanical Garden of Fonte Baixa

A short distance from Luarca, is the Botanical Garden of Fonte Baixa, one of the most important in Spain. This garden, of great ecological value, houses a wide variety of plant species from around the world, and offers a quiet and relaxing environment to enjoy nature.

The Route of the Viewpoints

For hiking lovers, the Route of the Viewpoints is a must. This route offers spectacular views of the coastal landscape and allows you to discover some of the most beautiful and lesser-known corners of the area.

The Gastronomy of Luarca

Finally, one cannot talk about Luarca without mentioning its rich gastronomy. Typical dishes include fresh fish and seafood, Asturian fabada, Cabrales cheese, and of course, cider, the traditional drink of Asturias.

Gastronomic Products of Luarca

• Seafood and Fish from the Cantabrian Sea

  Luarca, being a fishing port, offers a wide variety of fresh seafood and fish from the Cantabrian Sea. Among them, the bonito, hake, sea bream, and turbot stand out. Seafood, such as barnacles, spider crabs, and clams, are also very popular and are served in many local restaurants.

• Asturian Fabada

  The Asturian Fabada is one of the most representative dishes of Asturias and can also be tasted in Luarca. This dish consists of a hearty and tasty soup of fabes (white beans) with chorizo, blood sausage, and pork shoulder. It is an ideal dish for the typical cold and rainy days of the region.

• Cabrales Cheese

  Although Cabrales Cheese is produced in another area of Asturias, it is very common to find it on the menus of Luarca's restaurants. This blue cheese is famous for its strong flavor and aroma, and can be enjoyed alone, with bread, or as an ingredient in different dishes.

• Asturian Cider

  Asturian Cider is the quintessential drink of Asturias and cannot be missed on any visit to Luarca. This alcoholic beverage is made from the fermentation of apple juice and is served in cider houses, where it is poured from a certain height to acquire its characteristic flavor and bubbles.

Sporting Activities in Luarca, Asturias

Hiking

Luarca offers stunning hiking routes, such as the Route of the Viewpoints, which offers panoramic views of the Asturian coast, or the Waterfall Route, where you can enjoy nature in its purest form.

Fishing

Thanks to its coastal location, Luarca is an ideal place for fishing. You can rent a boat and spend the day fishing in the Cantabrian Sea, or enjoy fishing in the area's rivers and streams.

Surfing

The beaches of Luarca are known for their good surfing conditions. Whether you're an experienced surfer or just starting out, you'll find waves to suit you.

Cycling

The mountainous landscape of Asturias is perfect for cycling. You can rent a bike and explore the area at your own pace, or join one of the many guided routes available.

Places near Luarca

If you are in Luarca and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Cudillero, a picturesque fishing village in Asturias, Spain, dazzles with its colorful houses nestled on steep hills. It is famous for its delicious seafood cuisine, especially sea bass and bonito.

Tapia de Casariego, in Asturias, is a charming coastal tourist destination, famous for its beaches and lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy the exquisite local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, Asturian fabada and traditional cider.

Navia, a coastal gem in Asturias, Spain, is famous for its stunning seascape, historical heritage, and rich gastronomy, featuring fresh seafood, Asturian fabada, and local cider. A perfect destination for food and nature lovers.