BALLASTS – BOWLS – RIBADESELLA – PRIA BUFFONS

The town of Lasters (1), with its fishing boats and terraced houses, It is home to one of the most famous and beautiful port scenes in Asturias.. Its narrow streets, cobbled and always sloping make up the thousand arteries through which lives develop overlooking a maritime abyss.

The port of Lastres can be seen almost from any point. In it are located, usually, around fifty boats, around a breakwater 55 metros. Despite declining fishing numbers, The demands of nautical tourism place this rich town in the maritime current of eastern Asturias.

In the urban center we find attractions such as the emblematic Clock Tower, the parish church of Santa María de Sábada – which oscillates between classical and baroque styles –, several hermitages, mansions and palaces of the 18th century.

The port of Bowls (2) It is a charming and small enclave that was part of the imperial routes of Charles V in Europe. The arrival of the emperor to the Peninsula in September 1517 Since then it marked the life of this fishing village with a long whaling tradition., where both national and foreign ships dock. The catches that arrive are auctioned at their fish market, so it is easy to taste exquisite fish and seafood in its restaurants and cider bars. Bowls is, definitely, a hidden and friendly town of fishing houses, colorful and with sea aromas.

The next town we visited is Ribadesella (3), a place worth getting lost in for all the time you have available. It has a great monumental heritage. The famous prehistoric paintings and dinosaur footprints of the Tito Bustillo cave stand out, its extensive architectural representation of Romanesque and Baroque periods, its civil buildings, palaces and towers.

A 10 km to the east we find the Pria jesters (4), some vertical holes that connect with the sea, formed a few meters from the edge of a cliff, and that expel jets of sprayed water at full power when the waves are strong enough.

LLANES COUNCIL

He council of Llanes (1) It is located on the edge of the Cantabrian Sea, near the Picos de Europa. It has numerous beaches and good conservation of its monumental heritage.. It extends close to 30 km along the coast at the eastern end of the region. The southern area is dominated by a wall of mountains that are home to valleys dedicated to grazing and abundant caves.. Numerous lithic remains have been found there..

From the Middle Ages, civil and religious architecture stands out, like the remains of the castle located in Soberrón, in the Sierra de la Cuera, he monastery of San Salvador de Celorio (2) or the defensive wall.

The 19th century left works such as St. Peter's walk (3), from which you can see the town of Llanes and the famous El Sablón beach (4).

Definitely, Both the council of Llanes and its town have a very extensive artistic heritage in churches, mansions, palaces and houses.

Located on the coast, The town of Llanes enjoys outstanding monuments and fishing traditions. A plaque commemorates the 65 sailors who embarked to be part of the Invincible Armada against England.

As mentioned, preserves part of its walled canvas (5), and inside there are monuments such as the minor basilica of Santa María de la Asunción (6), one of the few examples of Gothic in Asturias.

Besides, Its exterior offers modernist jewels such as the Linares Casino (7), building that translates the air of French influence into decorated balconies, vegetal ornaments or feminine masks.

What's more, It is worth highlighting a recent work, The Memory Cubes (8), by the Basque painter Agustín Ibarrola, which consisted of painting the concrete blocks that protect the town's port with various motifs.

In any case, If something is worth highlighting, it is the long walks that are recommended to take through the town's alleys., that surely hide numerous surprises for all types of visitors.

ROYAL SITE OF COVADONGA

Covadonga (1) brings together history, spirituality and nature. On 2018 linked the centenaries of the Coronation of the Virgin of Covadonga, of the creation of the Covadonga Mountain National Park and the origins of the Kingdom of Asturias. And in the 8th century Covadonga became the seed of the first peninsular Christian kingdom, which led to this place becoming a universal spiritual reference and pilgrimage that has remained to this day.. in addition, This space is developed in a unique landscape environment, characterized by a desire for conservation and a pioneering love for nature.

He Repelao field (2) It is the gateway to the Royal Site of Covadonga and the Picos de Europa National Park. Its monumental access columns, its royal obelisk with the image of the Victory Cross, its old train station, Its bridge and its environment indicate that we are facing a historical place full of meaning..

He Prince's Park (3) It is a true haven of peace at the foot of the Holy Cave. This garden has the lushness of the Atlantic forest, It is crossed by the Covadonga River and a simple walk is enough to come across bridges, fuentes, beautiful waterfalls and several buildings of high architectural value. It is about, definitely, of a lung in the heart of Covadonga, a place to walk, relax or take pictures.

On the road that goes up to the Lakes is located what is known as Canons Viewpoint (4), one of the favorite watchtowers to calmly contemplate the Sanctuary and surrender to rest.

The Cruz de Priena (5) It is located at the top of Pico Priena, a mountain in the foothills of the Picos de Europa, very visible from Covadonga. The ascent to the cross is a wonderful excursion that shows splendid views of the entire complex, of other emblematic mountains and the Cantabrian Sea itself.

The best way to enjoy this place is to prepare your visit, since there are more than twenty viewpoints on different routes that offer dream views.

P. N. OF SOMIEDO – VILLAGES – LAKES OF SOMIEDO

He Somiedo Park (1) It is one of the most important national parks in Spain. Its forests occupy almost a quarter of the park's area, and beech trees abound, robles, ash trees, citadels and lindens, that intersect with meadows, with bush areas, with subalpine vegetation and lakes, lagoons and peat bogs of glacial origin.

The car trip to it passes through picturesque towns and spectacular landscapes., drawn on the banks of the Somiedo river. Aguasmestas (2) It is the entrance town to the natural park. Aguino (3) It grows next to the stream it gives its name to.. Bustariega (4) enjoys beautiful views of Monegro peak. Castro (5) It is located in a narrow valley. Llamardal (6) It is a cowboy village between the Pedralba and Robezo mountains.. Perlunes (7) It is a hidden and beautiful corner at the foot of the mountains. Pineda (8) It is hidden among important forest masses. Pola de Somiedo (9), council capital, It is located between green valleys and spectacular mountains.

The route of the Saliencia Lakes (10) It is located in the heart of the Somiedo Natural Park and is home to four lakes of glacial origin (Cueva, Pumpkin, Cerveriz and Almagrera) What is a Natural Monument?. The circular route begins at the so-called Alto de la Farrapona (11), whose road access must be done with caution. This is a simple route suitable for the whole family., although it is essential to choose a sunny day to do it.

Next to the parking lot, A perfectly marked track will take us down a gentle descent to the cave lake (12), completely enclosed between steep slopes. A zigzag climb of approximately one and a half kilometers will begin that will give us spectacular panoramic views.. In a short time we will reach the edge of the Almagrera lagoon (13). It is so small that it is even possible to find it without water. It will not take long for the precious Cerveriz lake (14), of dark waters and surrounded by extensive meadows, an ideal area to rest or have a picnic. The road narrows from this point, and soon we went out to meet the Calabazosa Lake (15), that shines with green and blue colors. After circling the lake, we will reach again, from a different perspective, Cave Lake. Once descended to water level, It's time to head back along the same track.