5 Easy Walks Along Asturias' Coastline
Living at Llué, Alba and I have spent countless afternoons exploring the coastline that stretches from our doorstep to the dramatic cliffs beyond Lastres. What strikes me most about these coastal paths is their remarkable tranquility - especially in winter, you might walk for hours hearing nothing but cowbells in distant meadows and waves against ancient rock formations.
This isn't the crowded coastal walking of other Spanish regions. These are Asturias' coastal trails, where officially marked paths wind between hidden beaches, past 150-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, and along clifftops that offer some of the most spectacular views in northern Spain. From gentle family strolls to more adventurous extensions, each walk reveals different facets of what locals call the "Dinosaur Coast."
What Makes These Walks Special:
These routes combine the best of Asturian coastal character - dramatic sea views backed by the rolling Sierra del Sueve, beaches where you can spot dolphins from the clifftops, and villages so quiet in winter that the arrival of a single car constitutes an event. Many of these paths follow ancient routes between fishing communities, now officially maintained and signposted while retaining their sense of discovery.
The Perfect Walking Country: The gentle climate means comfortable walking year-round, while the varied terrain offers everything from flat beach paths suitable for families to clifftop routes that challenge more experienced walkers. What I love most is how these trails connect - you can easily combine two walks for a full day's adventure, or use them as starting points for longer explorations along the Camino del Norte.
Walk 1: Ruta de los Misterios del Mar - The Secret Coastal Path
Distance: 7.6 km round-trip | Difficulty: Moderate - some steep hills | Time: 2-2.5 hours
The crown jewel of local coastal walking, this officially designated PR-AS 196 route connects La Isla and Huerres along clifftops with continuous Cantabrian Sea views. Despite being officially marked since 2015, it remains wonderfully peaceful - you might encounter more dolphins offshore than fellow walkers.
What Makes It Special: Thoughtfully placed benches invite contemplation of sea views that stretch to the horizon, while the Sierra del Sueve creates a dramatic backdrop behind you. On calm days, fishing boats bob peacefully offshore, and Alba has become expert at spotting dolphins playing in the distance when it is a calm day.
Route Highlights:
Continuous clifftop sea views with bench viewpoints
Sierra del Sueve mountain backdrop
Dolphin spotting opportunities
Fishing boat watching
Minimal elevation gain (only 40m) despite clifftop setting
Insider Tip: Begin mid-afternoon when western light illuminates the sea. If you bring two cars, walk one-way between La Isla and Huerres to avoid retracing steps.
Read the Complete Ruta de los Misterios del Mar Guide →
Walk 2: La Griega Extension - Following Dinosaur Footprints
Distance: 11.7 km loop (combined with PR-AS 196) | Difficulty: Moderate | Time: 3-4 hours
For those wanting to extend the coastal experience, continue west from Huerres on the inland PR-AS 134 route. This scenic trail winds through San Juan de Duz and leads to Playa La Griega, home to authentic 150-million-year-old dinosaur footprints preserved in the rocks.
What Makes It Special:
This route perfectly combines coastal walking with paleontological discovery. The two trails together form a loop that takes you from clifftop sea views to an actual Jurassic site where you can touch dinosaur tracks.
Important Clarification: The dinosaur footprints aren't directly on the coastal route - you need to connect via the inland PR-AS 134 or start from Playa La Griega itself.
Route Highlights:
Real dinosaur footprints accessible at low tide
Connection to MUJA Jurassic Museum
Varied terrain from coast to countryside
Paleontological discovery opportunities
Read the Complete La Griega Dinosaur Walk Guide →
Walk 3: La Espasa to Arenal de Morís - Family-Friendly Coastal Stroll
Distance: 6.4 km round-trip | Difficulty: Very Easy | Time: 1.5 hours
This charming flat walk along the Caravia coast forms part of the Camino del Norte, offering sweeping beach views and terrain so gentle that it's perfect for families with young children. The route passes the wild cove of Playa La Beciella and reaches a spectacular lookout at Peña Forada.
What Makes It Special:
On clear days from Peña Forada viewpoint, you can spot the entire coastline from La Isla to Lastres. The flat terrain and short distance make this ideal for a leisurely afternoon, while parking at both ends means easy logistics.
Route Highlights:
Completely flat terrain ideal for families
Spectacular Peña Forada viewpoint
Wild cove at Playa La Beciella
Part of official Camino del Norte
Parking available at both trailheads
Family-Friendly Features: Great for children, with parking at both ends and minimal elevation. Perfect for picnics or sunset strolls.
Read the Complete La Espasa to Morís Family Walk Guide →
Walk 4: Camino del Norte - Walking in Pilgrims' Footsteps
Distance: Varies: 3.2 km to Morís, 5 km to La Griega | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
La Isla sits directly on the Camino de Santiago's coastal route, making it easy to explore scenic segments in either direction without committing to a full pilgrimage. Head east towards La Espasa and Arenal de Morís for gentle sea vistas, or west through Huerres and San Juan de Duz toward Playa La Griega.
What Makes It Special:
This is an official section of the Camino del Norte, complete with waymarkers and the occasional passing pilgrim. You're literally walking in the footsteps of centuries of travelers while enjoying some of Asturias' most beautiful coastal scenery.
Route Options:
Eastward: La Isla → La Espasa → Morís (3.2 km one-way)
Westward: La Isla → Huerres → La Griega (5 km one-way)
Both offer different perspectives of the Dinosaur Coast
Historical Connection: Official Camino del Norte section with traditional waymarkers and pilgrim infrastructure.
Read the Complete Camino del Norte Coastal Section Guide →
Walk 5: Faro de Lastres - Lighthouse Adventure from Luces
Distance: 9 km circular route from Lastres | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 3 hours
Asturias' newest lighthouse, Faro de Lastres, perches dramatically on cliffs 117 meters above the Cantabrian Sea. This loop walk starts from Lastres village, winds through quiet country lanes to Luces, and culminates at the lighthouse with breathtaking panoramic views.
What Makes It Special:
Standing 18 meters tall on dramatic clifftops, this 1993 lighthouse commands views that stretch from Rodiles Beach to Tazones on clear days. The circular route through traditional Asturian countryside offers a perfect blend of coastal drama and rural tranquility.
Route Highlights:
Newest lighthouse in Asturias (1993)
360-degree views from 117m cliffs
Quiet country lanes through traditional villages
Views extending to Rodiles Beach and Tazones
Designated clifftop mirador with benches
Summer Access Tip: Park in Luces village and walk the final 1km during busy periods when lighthouse access may be restricted.
Read the Complete Faro de Lastres Lighthouse Walk Guide →
Planning Your Coastal Walking Adventure
Getting There from Our Properties
From Llué: All walks are within 15-30 minutes by car, making them perfect for morning or afternoon adventures From Arcenoyu: A little further to get down to the coast from the hills, with excellent access via the A-8 or scenic coastal routes
Parking and Access
La Isla/Ruta de los Misterios del Mar: Park near the beach church in La Isla or roadside in Huerres village
PR-AS 134 to La Griega: Limited parking at both Huerres and La Griega beaches
La Espasa to Morís: Large car parks at both La Espasa and Arenal de Morís
Faro de Lastres: Park in Luces village, 15-minute walk to lighthouse
Public Transport: ALSA buses connect Oviedo and Gijón with stops in Colunga and La Isla, though schedules are limited for casual day trips.
Where to Eat After Your Walk
Restaurante Fito Mar (Playa La Espasa): Perfect for seafood with sea views after coastal walks
Casa Eutimio or El Barrigón de Bertín (Lastres): Ideal for post-lighthouse lunch with harbor atmosphere
Beach Chiringuitos: Grab fresh calamari and local cider with sand still on your boots at La Espasa
Best Walking Conditions
Morning: Excellent light for photography, cooler temperatures
Afternoon: Perfect for the Misterios del Mar route when western sun illuminates the sea
Spring: Wildflowers dot the coastal turf, fewer visitors
Autumn: Crystal-clear visibility for mountain and sea views
Winter: Dramatic storm watching from safe clifftop positions
What to Pack
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Light windproof jacket (coastal breezes)
Water and snacks
Binoculars for dolphin spotting
Camera for spectacular coastal photography
Local cider to celebrate completing your walk!
Combining Walks for Full Days
Family Day: La Espasa to Morís morning walk + beach time + Fito Mar lunch
Adventure Day: Misterios del Mar + La Griega dinosaur extension + Lastres village exploration
Cultural Day: Camino del Norte section + MUJA museum visit + lighthouse sunset
These walks represent the true spirit of Asturias: peaceful, scenic, and filled with hidden discoveries. Whether you're here for a weekend or longer stay, step outside and explore the coastline that time forgot - just steps from our doorstep at Llué.
From gentle family strolls to more challenging adventures, these routes offer something for every walking ability while showcasing the raw beauty that makes this corner of Spain so special. Each path tells its own story of ancient geology, traditional fishing communities, and the eternal dance between land and sea that defines the Asturian character.
Related Reading
Explore More Asturian Adventures:
Lastres: A Perfect Day Trip to Spain's Most Photogenic Village - Perfect combination with lighthouse walk
Seafood Markets in Lastres - Where Working Boats Meet Waterfront Tables - Extend your coastal exploration
Colunga Thursday Market: Traditional Shopping on the Dinosaur Coast - Combine with MUJA museum visits
Planning Your Stay:
Complete Day Trip Guide from Our Properties - Optimizing your coastal adventures
Family-Friendly Adventures on the Dinosaur Coast - Perfect for combining walks with children's activities
Quick Reference:
Closest to properties: Misterios del Mar (15 minutes from Llué)
Best for families: La Espasa to Morís (flat, short, great facilities)
Most dramatic: Faro de Lastres (lighthouse views from 117m cliffs)
Unique feature: La Griega (real dinosaur footprints)
Longest adventure: Combined routes (up to 11.7km loops)
Best dining: Fito Mar at La Espasa, lighthouse lunch at Lastres
Photography: Afternoon light on Misterios del Mar, sunrise at lighthouse
