Things To Do
in Luanco

Luanco is a charming coastal town in Asturias, Spain, known for its working harbor and colorful houses along the promenade. The town blends maritime heritage with sunny beaches and a lively tavern culture centered around fresh seafood. Narrow streets lead to a traditional town square and the historic church, all within easy reach of the sea.

Visitors enjoy scenic views, fresh Cantabrian seafood, and warm Asturian hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Beaches
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing walk along the stunning beaches of Luanco, where you can enjoy the sound of the waves and the picturesque views. Take a moment to relax on the soft sand, sipping on a coffee from a nearby beachside café. Don't forget your camera to capture the early morning light illuminating the coastline.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon indulging in some water activities like paddleboarding or kayaking, which offer a unique perspective of the coastline. After an active session, treat yourself to a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant, sampling dishes made with the freshest catch. Stroll along the promenade, visiting quaint shops and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head back to the beach for an unforgettable view of the horizon during twilight. Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, where you can savor traditional Asturian cuisine while listening to the gentle sounds of the ocean. Wrap up the day with a leisurely walk under the stars, taking in the beauty of Luanco by night.

day 2
Cultural Heritage Day
morning
:

Begin your day by visiting the Church of Santa María, an impressive Gothic-style building that showcases the region's architectural history. Explore the rich heritage of Luanco with a guided tour that delves into the town's maritime past. Feel the connection to the local culture as you appreciate the intricate details and historical significance of the landmarks.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Maritime Museum of Asturias to learn more about the naval history and traditions of the area. Engage with interactive exhibits that showcase the importance of fishing and shipbuilding in Luanco. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local plaza, where you can people-watch and soak in the local ambiance.

evening
:

As evening approaches, attend a cultural event or performance, which can range from traditional dance to artistic exhibitions, immersing yourself in the local arts scene. Dine at a cozy bistro where you can taste more local dishes paired with delightful wines from the region. Conclude your day with a relaxed stroll, reflecting on the day's cultural discoveries.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-15
Coffee/tea$2-4
🍷Mid-range three-course meal for two$40-60
🚌Public transportation day pass$4-6
🚲Bike rental (1 day)$15-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming coastal town with seafood and Asturian culture
  • Compact and walkable with scenic views and beaches
  • Smaller nightlife and limited English-speaking services
  • Weather can be changeable and seas may be rough at times
  • "Hola" - Hello
  • "Buenos días" - Good morning
  • "¿Dónde está el puerto?" - Where is the port?
  • "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you

Places to Visit in Luanco

Visit one of these nice places.

Harbor and fishing boats at Luanco

Colorful boats, nets, and the morning light reflecting on the harbor create lively maritime scenes.

Paseo de la Villa / Esplanade

Seafront promenade with views of the bay and pastel-colored cottages.

Mirador de la Atalaya

Elevated viewpoint offering sweeping coastal vistas and dramatic sunsets.

Punta de la Vega Beach overlook

Cliff-edge vantage point overlooking the Cantabrian Sea for dramatic seascapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Luanco

Asturias is renowned for its seafood, cider, and hearty regional dishes; in Luanco you’ll find a mix of traditional taverns and fresh-market offerings showcasing Cantabrian flavors.

Luanco Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fabada Asturiana

A rich bean stew with sausages and chorizo—classic Asturian comfort food often enjoyed with crusty bread.

Must-Try!

Pescado a la espalda

Cantabrian-style baked fish with potatoes and herbs, highlighting fresh catch from the day.

Berberechos al vapor

Steamed cockles with lemon and olive oil, a popular shellfish starter.

Arroz con mariscos

Seafood rice dish featuring local shellfish and saffron, a coastal favorite.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Local de Luanco

Fresh fish, seafood, produce and regional specialties; ideal for tasting items straight from the sea.

Climate Guide

Weather

The Cantabrian coast experiences an Atlantic climate with mild winters and cool summers; rainfall is common year-round, and sea breezes moderate temperatures. Summers are warm but can cool quickly in evenings; winters are wet and windy.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly hola or buenos días is standard; a handshake or light kiss on the cheek among friends. Use polite forms with elders.

Siesta and mealtimes

Lunch is commonly around 2 pm and dinner after 9 pm; many shops close mid-afternoon.

Respect for fishing heritage

Be mindful around working harbors; avoid stepping into nets or market stalls without permission.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good; watch for slippery rocks and strong waves along exposed coastal paths; keep valuables secure in crowded areas; emergency number 112 in Spain.

Tipping in Luanco

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is optional; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in tourist areas.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash remains common in markets and smaller eateries.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with increasing sunshine; bring a light jacket for breezes and occasional showers.

Summer

Warm and sunny, peak beach season; expect busier streets and restaurants; evenings are pleasant for tapas outdoors.

Autumn

Cooler and rainier; ideal for coastal hikes and enjoying fresh seafood festivals.

Winter

Cool and wet; some attractions may have shorter hours; cozy cafés and cider houses are popular.

Nightlife Guide

Luanco at Night

Luanco’s nightlife centers around relaxed bars, taverns and seaside terraces; expect informal gatherings with tapas, local cider and wine, especially around the harbor area. Live music is occasional in summer.

Hiking in Luanco

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal Cliffs View Trail

A scenic route along the cliffs offering sea views and birdlife.

Cantabrian Coast Path (partial sections)

Accessible segments linking beaches and viewpoints.

Airports

How to reach Luanco by plane.

Asturias Airport (OVD)

Located near Castrillón, ~1 hour by car from Luanco; regular domestic and some international flights.

Santander Airport (SDR)

About 1.5-2 hours by car; offers several international and domestic routes.

Bilbao Airport (BIO)

Major international gateway about 3 hours by car; more flight options.

Getting Around

Walkability

Very walkable, especially in the town center and along the seafront; compact streets with pedestrian zones, though some hills and steps may exist; parking can be limited in peak season.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Primarily families and older generations, with a growing number of seasonal residents.

Tourists

Visitors drawn to beaches, seafood and regional culture.

Retirees

Several retirees settle in the area for the mild climate.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport in Asturias with local teams and community games.

Kayaking

Coastal kayak routes and paddling along the Cantabrian shore.

Surfing

Occasional waves on Atlantic coast; nearby beaches suitable for beginners.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate; summer tourism can make coastal roads busier; public transportation connects Luanco with nearby towns; parking can be scarce in peak season.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Luanco.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants offer salads, grilled vegetables and vegetarian options; it’s common to request sidra or agua and to ask about ingredients.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare in Spain is high-quality; in Luanco there are local health centers; for more specialized care, hospitals are in nearby Avilés and Gijón; pharmacies (Farmacias) are common and often open late.

Discover Spain

Read more in our Spain 2025 Travel Guide.

Spain Travel Guide