Llanes

Llanes is the most popular town on the Asturian coast and earns its reputation. The old quarter is a medieval grid of narrow streets enclosed by fragments of the original town walls, packed with bars, restaurants, and enough architectural interest to warrant a slow wander.

The Basílica Menor de Santa María de la Asunción and the Capilla de Santa Ana are the main monuments, though you may get turned around finding them in the web of pedestrian streets. On the waterfront, the Cubos de la Memoria — a series of painted concrete blocks by Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola — add a jolt of color to the harbor.

On the approach into town you can't miss the large Casas de Indianos, many well preserved and contributing to the reason Llanes draws the tourist crowds it does. To the south, the Cantabrian mountains are visible, and the limestone caves of the Cabrales valley — source of Spain's finest blue cheese — are within day-trip distance.

All services: bars, restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacy, accommodation, train station. The old town's concentration of pintxo-style bars makes it one of the better eating stops between Bilbao and Gijón.