The Coastal Path in Asturias, Spain is a 65 km long path with breathtaking views. It's an undiscovered paradise for both cyclists and walkers! It just doesn't get any better than this!
It;s the same route as the Northern Camino, but despite that, it wasn't very busy. From observing one group, it's also possible to do it on horseback!
I did the third section of the Coastal Path which starts in Llanes, a traditional fishing port that is still thriving. It's worth exploring in itself, especially the surviving town walls which dates back 800 years!
The area is part of the Costa Verde (Green Coast) of Spain. It's known for its breathtaking coast. And get this.... 32 white sand beaches in 45km! 32! From the coast, mountains appear in the background, almost as a frame for the coastal towns and beaches. It's truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever travelled to.
Our cycling tour started near Playa del Sablón in Llanes, where a beach volleyball competition was taking place.
After watching the players move, it was time to get active! My legs quickly warmed up with an uphill ride up to the cliffs of Paseo de San Pedro. Within 5 minutes of cycling, you are treated to views like this:
Needless to say with these views, our spirits started high, and soared even higher as the coastline got even more impressive! It was totally different than the dramatic coloured cliffs that I saw in Basque Country, making me realize that Northern Spain has some of the most incredible, yet under appreciated coastline in all of Europe!
Paseo de San Pedro is where the coastal pathway really starts, with a grassy walkway on top of a cliff with stunning views in every direction:
The Coast Pathway consists of narrow walking paths, gravel roads, and paved roads that hugs the coastline. There was one part where we disembarked from our bikes due to narrow pathway with rocks, although if you were familiar with mountain biking, you would have been fine. Given that I'm more familiar with paved paths like those found on the Danube Cycle Trail, I choose the safer option for a few metres before getting back on again. There are consistent undulating hills that are never too high, but high enough to get your heart rate up.
Normally these would be enough to get me grumbling under my breath, I was so in awe of the landscape that I happily puffed up each hill, just to go back down again, then up again!
Despite the route being the same path as the Northern Camino, we saw few pilgrims. Perhaps it was because of the time of day, or because the Northern Camino is less popular than its southern counterpart. Regardless, I was more than happy to have it more or less to myself!
I was delighted, but also shocked to see how beautiful, yet deserted so many of the beaches were! This is a truly a paradise for cyclists or walkers! If you get too hot, just take a dip in the sea to cool down, ride a few more kilometres, and then take another dip in yet another pristine white sand beach! Wow, wow, wow!
I only cycled a small section of the 65 km long Coastal Path in Asturias, but would love to return to do the entire route. It quickly become one of my favourite places on earth, and even better, few people seem to know about it, so let's keep this our little secret, shall we?
Know Before You Walk or Cycle the Coastal Route in Asturias:
- It's divided into 5 stages, making it more manageable for those who are walking it.
- There's also train service so you have the option of just walking or cycling it one way, then taking the train back to the starting point.
- You can find further info about the Coastal Route in Asturias here.
- Read more about what to see and do in Asturias from Claudia on assignment for Thinking Nomads.
- At the end of your cycling trip, be sure to try Asturias' famous cider! It's poured from high above to aerate it and only in small amounts. The idea is to drink it quickly - don't let it sit, or everyone will know that you're a tourist. Don't worry, you can go back for seconds or thirds. In fact, it's expected!
