This medieval coastal town in northern Spain has 13th-century walls, rocky beaches, and colorful fishermen's houses. The harbor dates back to Roman times.
Llanes lies between the Cantabrian Sea and the Sierra del Cuera mountains in northern Spain. The town's 13th-century walls run through its center, while its fishing port displays Ibarrola's painted concrete cubes. You can swim at Gulpiyuri, a natural inland beach formation, walk the San Pedro cliff path, or explore Renaissance buildings like the Gaztañaga palace in the medieval quarter.
Walking the Medieval Streets
The 13th-century limestone walls extend 300 meters through the town center, with a circular defensive tower on the northern end. Inside the Gothic Basilica of Santa María del Conceyu, built in the 12th century, you'll find a Plateresque altarpiece with carved religious scenes and gilded details. The old quarter contains several Renaissance buildings, including the Gaztañaga palace and the former residence of the Dukes of Estrada.
Exploring Los Cubos de Memoria
Basque artist Augustin Ibarrola painted the port's concrete breakwater blocks with scenes of maritime life, local wildlife, and geometric patterns. The sun's position affects how you see the artwork, with morning and afternoon light revealing different details of the paintings.
Best Beaches Around Llanes
The 30-kilometer coastline includes 32 beaches. At Toró Beach near the town center, limestone rock formations rise from the water and sand. San Antolín Beach extends for one kilometer, making it popular with surfers and walkers. Gulpiyuri Beach forms a small inland cove that connects to the sea through limestone tunnels - it's one of few inland beaches in Europe.
Cliff-Top Walking Routes
Walk the San Pedro pathway for over a kilometer along the cliffs. From here, you'll see the Bay of Biscay, Sierra del Cuera mountains, the medieval town layout, and fishing boats in the harbor. The path connects to coastal trails leading to nearby beaches and coves.
Summer Festivals and Local Traditions
The town celebrates three main summer festivals: La Magdalena (July 22), San Roque (August 16), and La Guía (September 8). Each festival includes regional music, traditional Asturian dances, and local food stalls. In the village of Barro, the Noche de las Brujas (Night of the Witches) celebrates Asturian mythology with theatrical performances and local stories.
Getting to Llanes
You can fly to Santander Airport, then drive one hour to Llanes. Regular trains connect Madrid and other Spanish cities to Llanes station. While buses serve the town center, you'll need a car to reach the scattered beaches and mountain villages.
