Llanes to Celorio Coastal Path

What it is

It is a 7.6 km walk along the coast of Llanes, from the centre of the town to Las Cámaras beach, in Celorio (Celoriu). It almost always runs a few metres from the sea, along promenade, path and stretches of track between meadows, and links five beaches and a viewpoint. Turismo Asturias rates it very easy: 141 m of cumulative ascent, a maximum height of 36 m and between three and five hours, depending on the stops you make. It is one-way, so the return is by train, by bus or by retracing the path.

It partly coincides with the GR-204 and crosses the Natura 2000 area from the Ribadesella estuary to the Tinamayor estuary.

The route step by step

1. Plaza de Cristo Rey, in Llanes: you set off next to the basilica of Santa María del Conceyu, a listed cultural heritage site, and pass the chapel of the Posada palace, La Casa del Cercao.
2. Sablón beach: a small urban beach of fine sand and calm water.
3. Paseo de San Pedro: a gentle climb to a grass promenade above the cliff, with views over Llanes and the beach.
4. La Talá viewpoint: wide views of the Cantabrian Sea, La Nao beach and the islet of El Peñón.
5. Poo beach: a shell of still water, almost a swimming pool, surrounded by meadows. It is the best stop for a swim with children.
6. San Martín beach: quieter and wilder. About 100 m away is the hermitage of San Martín.
7. Celorio: the village, with the church of San Salvador and its former monastery.
8. Las Cámaras beach: the end of the walk, a sandy beach surrounded by islets.

If you still have energy, the route continues west to San Antolín beach via Barro and Niembro, another 8 km, near Gulpiyuri beach.

Getting back

Turismo Asturias suggests returning by train or bus from Celorio. The narrow-gauge commuter train links Celorio and Llanes, and ALSA runs the road service. There are few services a day, especially outside summer: check the timetables before setting off and plan the walk to arrive with time to spare. On foot, going back the same way doubles the distance.

Where to start and park

In Llanes, parking in the centre is scarce in summer. If you come by car, a convenient option is to leave it in Celorio, take the train or bus to Llanes in the morning and walk back to the car, without depending on timetables for the return. For motorhomes there is the La Talá area, on Avenida de La Talá, at the west entrance to Llanes.

When to go

You can do it all year. In spring and September you have the beaches almost to yourself and a good temperature for walking. In July and August go early and expect crowds at Poo and Las Cámaras. At low tide the beaches are bigger and some stretches of sand can be crossed on foot; at high tide with a ground swell, the water reaches the rocks.

Water, shade and services

There is almost no shade: bring a cap and sun cream. In the villages along the way, Llanes, Poo and Celorio, there are bars, cider houses and shops where you can buy water or eat, so you don't need to carry much. The big beaches have services in season.

With children and a dog

It is one of the most rewarding routes on the coast to do with children: you can cut it short in any village and there are beaches every so often. With a pushchair, the Paseo de San Pedro is fine, but the path sections between meadows get complicated. Dogs must always be on a lead; there are cows and sheep in the meadows and, if you see mastiffs with the flock, don't approach.

If the weather changes

In rain, the Paseo de San Pedro and the grass paths are slippery, but there are no dangerous stretches. In a strong northerly wind, keep away from the cliff edge. Since you pass through several villages, you can cut it short at Poo or Celorio and return by train or bus.

Where to sleep

In Llanes you have the La Estación hostel, next to the train station, convenient if you are going to come back by train.