Asturias' hidden coastal gems in Cudillero and El Castrillón draw visitors

The fishing village of Cudillero on Spain’s northern coast is built vertically on a cliff, with colorful houses framing the Plaza de la Marina, three panoramic miradores, a lighthouse that has guided ships since 1858, and an active harbor where traditional merluza are still landed.

Nearby, the secluded beach of El Castrillón is accessed through a narrow rock tunnel that opens onto turquoise Atlantic waters. The site preserves historic “furnas,” natural sea‑cave cellars once used by fishermen to keep lobsters in salty water, reflecting the area’s mid‑20th‑century fishing boom. Similar reclaimed salt‑water pools, such as the one at Tapia de Casariego, have become tourist attractions, highlighting Asturias’ blend of natural beauty and maritime heritage.