We hope that yesterday you could enjoy a sunny day along the coast and that the muddy terrain did not give you any problems.
Let’s continue on the Camino del Norte!
Today we are facing another short stage. Today’s route is a pleasant one and the last stretch on the stage will give us beautiful views of Luarca and its small port.
If you are thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago from Ribadesella, tell us what your plans are for the Camino de Santiago, and we will contact you to advise you on everything that you need.
Itinerary stage Cadavedo – Luarca
Today’s route is 15.3 kilometres long and is quite easy. The hardest stretch will be the climb from the Canero Hotel to the A-8 motorway, with a climb of 140 metres that takes place over 1.6 kilometres.
Cadavedo (km. 0). Beginning of stage
Practical tips for this section: The visit to the town of Querúas involves a detour. It is not one of the most attractive locations on the route, but the truth is that today’s stage is so short, that you can afford to do it without your legs suffering too much. Buen Camino!
We leave Cadavedo continuing a few metres along the national road, then turn right on a diagonal street that brings us back to the road.
In front of us, a roundabout appears, a few metres before reaching it, we deviate by a dirt track, which is born to our right, through which we reach the hamlet of Villademoros (km. 1.4).
We cross the village and leave it behind following a dirt track that leads to another small village, San Cristobal. In the same direction, and without leaving the dirt track, we go onto the national road N-632.
We follow the road route, on our way, we will find some arrows that invite us to deviate to the right, if we follow them we will make a detour to visit the town of Querúas (km. 5). If you do not want to visit it you can simply continue on the road, ignoring the directions.
When we reach a roundabout, we turn left to cross below the A-8 motorway. At the exit, we find another roundabout and continue on the right, by a dirt track that leads to Chano de Canero.
Here we go down a street to cross, first, the national road and then a channel. We continue along a pleasant path surrounded by trees and go up to the of Church of San Miguel de Canero.
Canero (km. 6,3).
Practical tips for this section: Keep your eyes open when you’re near the River Esva, it’s the river with Europe’s largest otter community, so if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll be able to spot some. Buen Camino!
When we reach the church, we turn right and continue along a dirt track that runs through a forest of oaks and chestnut trees. We go onto a local road and follow it, downhill, to a roundabout.
On our left we find the bridge over the N-634 road that helps us cross the River Esva and we continue along that road.
At the back of the Hotel Canero we start a steep climb along a path, which first leads us to cross the N-634 road and then leave us at the A-8 motorway. We continue to advance parallel to the highway, then cross it over a bridge.
150 metres after the crossing we turn left on a dirt track. Shortly after, the N-634 road cuts across us again. We cross it and later end up returning to it.
We follow it for a few metres to deviate again to the right and, again, we end up on the same road. Finally, we leave it on the right, on a dirt road that leads to Barcia (km. 12,2).
Barcia (km. 12,2).
Practical tips for this section: Before arriving in Luarca, you will find the detour to La Atalaya, where the Virgen Blanca Chapel is located, you can get the view while carrying your backpack or cool off and visit it in the afternoon calmly. Yours is the decision. Buen Camino!
We pass by its village church and cross various streets. At the exit we join the VA-1 road, on which we continue for 300 metres, and then turn left, for a short stretch, and return to the road.
We pass by a school and find a junction between this and the road to La Atalaya. On the left is the cobbled Calle Carril.
If we want to visit the Virgen Blanca Chapel, with its magnificent viewpoint and the cemetery of Luarca, we take the detour to La Atalaya, although this one is quite a long one.
If, on the other hand, we prefer to arrive in Luarca, leave the backpack and book the visit for the afternoon, and take the detour on the left. In that case, we descend the cobbled street to reach the centre of Luarca, where we are greeted by the Town Hall building.
Luarca (km. 15,3). End of stage
Practical tips for this section: It is worth viewing CEPESMA to see the huge squid specimens on exhibition there. See you tomorrow!
In Luarca you will find a lot of things to do to spend an entertaining afternoon. From walking through its streets, visiting places such as the Parish Church of Santa Eulalia, the Mesa de Mareantes or some of its houses, such as the Palacio de los Marqueses de Ferrera and the villages of Argentina, Barrera, Carmen, Cristina and Excelsior.
You can even escape from the centre to the Lighthouse or La Atalaya, where the Chapel of the White Virgin is located and the cemetery that houses the remains of Severo Ochoa.
You can also walk to the other two viewpoints of the town: The Mirador de la Funiar and the Mirador del Chano. Or relax on one of its beaches, such as Luarca Beach, Salinas Beach, Portizuelo Beach, Quintana Beach or Tourán Beach.
Another option is to visit some of the exhibitions that the town houses, such as the Centro de Interpretación de Hoces del Esva, Parque de la Vida, CEPESMA or, 2 kilometres away, the Museo Rural Etnográfico de San Martín. Also a viewing of the Círculo Liceo may be interesting.
Comments stage Cadavedo – Luarca
Here are some tips for today’s stage.
Precautions stage Cadavedo – Luarca
It is a simple stage, which does not present difficulties and that also, given its short journey, allows us to walk quietly, calmly visiting the centres that we cross.
Food stage Cadavedo – Luarca
On today’s route, you will find cuisine very similar to yesterday’s. We also remind you of some of the typical dishes and products of the region.
- Shellfish
- Stews
- Cottage cheese
- Crepes
- Rice Pudding
Services stage Cadavedo – Luarca
Get to know the main healthcare services, cafes, ATMs and restaurants that are located on this stage of the Camino de Santiago del Norte.
Map stage Cadavedo – Luarca
Check the map with the route and locations that the stage runs through.
Profile stage Cadavedo – Luarca
Find out about the profile, altitude and degree of difficulty on each section.
What to see and do on each stage: Cadavedo – Luarca
On today’s tour you will cross various places, both historical and cultural interest along with landscapes. Here’s some information about them.
Playa de Bozo
Bozo Beach is located on the western side of Cape Busto, within the West Coast Protected Landscape area. It is a beach of quartz and slate, in which there are archaeological remains from the Palaeolithic period.
Playa de los Molinos
Playa de los Molinos is located in the centre of Barcia, at the foot of a steep cliff, in theWest Coast Protected Landscape area. The beach is straight in shape and is made up of sand and stones.
In its vicinity you can visit various mills, some of them restored.
Playa de Santa Ana
The beach of Santa Ana is located in the eastern part of Cape Busto, in the centre of Querúas, within theWest Coast Protected Landscape area.
The beach, 150 metres long, is protected by a vertical wall that constitutes an sharp cliff, which is crossed on a newly built staircase.
Luarca
Luarca is a fishing village, also known as Villa Blanca, which belongs to the village of Valdés.
The village, with just over 4,000 inhabitants, has a close relationship with the Camino de Santiago, although its economy is also heavily based on fishing.
The village stands out for its beautiful sea views, its beaches and its emblematic neighbourhoods such as La Pescadería and Cambaral. This recently made the town included in the list of the 20 most beautiful villages in Spain.
In the town you can visit the the Atalaya Chapel, the Lighthouse, the Mesa de Mareantes, the Parish Church of Santa Eulalia and some houses such as the Palacio de los Marqueses de Ferrera and the villages of Argentina, Barrera, Carmen, Cristina and Excelsior.
In addition to the beautiful views from La Atalaya, the town has two more viewpoints: the Mirador de la Funiar and the Mirador del Chano.
From Luarca you can enjoy the wide coastline, where visitors will find various beaches, such as Luarca, Salinas, Portizuelo, Quintana and Tourán.
The town also has several exhibition spaces, such as the Centro de Interpretación de Hoces del Esva, Parque de la Vida, CEPESMA or, 2 kilometres away, the Museo Rural Etnográfico de San Martín. The Círculo Liceo is also worth a visit.
Centro de Interpretación de Hoces del Esva
The Hoces del Esva Interpretation Centre is located in Luarca. It is a space that aims to disseminate, by interactive means, the natural richness of the Esva basin, as well as the natural richness and artistic heritage of the Paredes Valley.
On the ground floor of the building you can visit a projection about the history of the Paredes Valley. In addition, you can take a tour of the villages that crosses the Esva River, using a 3D flight simulator.
The second floor is dedicated to the surroundings of the River Esva and the species that live in it.
In this sense, it is important to note that the centre is strongly focused on otters, since the Esva is one of the rivers in Europe where a greater number of these animals live.
Practical information:
Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday to Sunday (from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00).
CEPESMA
CEPESMA is an exhibition about the marine world located in the town of Luarca. It is one of the most important exhibitions on the marine world in Spain, as it exhibits eight very peculiar squid species, which reach a size of thirteen metres.
In addition to the above, the space has more than 700 species that inhabit our oceans on display, such as molluscs, seabirds, turtles, among others.
Círculo Liceo
The Círculo Liceo is a casino located in the town of Luarca, housed in a building from the early 20th century, built by Manuel del Busto.
In the past the space was reserved for social and gaming activities that only men could attend, as women were prohibited from entering the building, except for specific acts, such as dances.
The building highlights the ornamentation on the façade, mainly for its walls and the floral embossed plates, typical of the modernist style. However, the spans and their frames have a secessionist style.
Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Eulalia
The Parish Church of Santa Eulalia is located in Luarca and its construction dates back to the first half of the 12th century. However, as the original temple was destroyed in the late 19th century, the church that we can observe today was re-constructed on the site.
Its structure is rectangular and consists of three naves. The naves and the apse are covered by ridge vaults and the cross in the central nave is topped by a dome resting on pendentives.
The temple has ten spans that offer natural lighting inside the church.
Within can be seen five altarpieces of great importance, the most outstanding being the main altarpiece, Rococo style and built between 1770 and 1880, in which Santa Eulalia de Mérida is represented.
Of the other four altarpieces, two of them are also rococo in style, depicting Christ Crucified and Our Lady of the Rosary. The other two are Baroque in style and San Antonio de Padua and La Virgen del Carmen are depicted.
Practical information:
Mass times: From July 1st to August 31st, working days (19:30), eves (19:30) and public holidays (9:00, 10:30 and 12:00). From 1 September to 30 June, working days (19:30), eves (19:30) and public holidays (9:00, 11:00, 12:00 and 17:00).
Mesa de Mareantes
Mesa de Mareantes is an enclosure in Luarca, built in the early second half of the 20th century, on the remnants of an ancient fortress from the 16th century.
The site features a semi-circle canvas, by Goico Aguirre, in which a meeting of 15th-century ship masters is reflected. The verses are also highlighted to honour the victims of the sea, as well as the figures of an anchor and a cannon.
Mirador de la Funiar
Mirador de la Funiar, accessed from the Villar district, has magnificent views over the village of Luarca. It is an ideal space to relax at sunset or to eat, as it has benches provided.
Mirador del Chano
The Mirador del Chano is located to the west of Luarca and from it, you can enjoy great views over several beaches, the port, the town centre, as well as the Chapel of San Roque, which is located on the way to the viewpoint.
Palacio del Marqués de Ferrera
The Palacio del Marqués de Ferrera, or Palacio de La Moral, is located on Calle Olavarrieta and is known to Luarca’s townspeople, as Los Escalerones. The Palace is listed as a Site of Cultural Interest.
The building has vestiges of a tower, two L-shaped wings, a chapel and stables. The tower, which is the oldest part of the palace, dates back to the 13th century. However, today it is another element of the building, as its height was lowered.
The palace consists of two bodies from different times, connected to each other by a room resting on a basket-handle arch. Today, the palace houses, on one side, the House of Culture in Luarca, and on the other, the Police Station.
Playa de Salinas
Salinas Beach forms, along with two other beaches, a set of sandy beaches in Luarca. Specifically, this beach has all kinds of equipment and can be accessed from the promenade, so in summer, it is a very busy beach.
Parque de la Vida
Luarca’s Parque de la Vida occupies an area of 32,000 square metres and is divided into various areas, distributed along a route of approximately one kilometre.
One of its areas is the Path of Life, a path on which you can observe the evolution of life on Earth, from the early stages to the present day.
Another area is dedicated to wildlife and botany, which has almost 2,000 native trees.
A third area is centred on the universe and outer space, where it exhibits models of Apollo XI and the Ariane rockets; it also has an observatory and a planetarium.
Another area is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of sustainable consumption, emphasizing the use of household objects and utensils.
Finally, a fifth area is focused on climate study.It is only 200 metres long, but there are two weather stations located in the area: one digital and one analogue.
Playa de Luarca
Luarca Beach is protected from the sea by several boardwalks, causing the two sandbanks that make up it to form a single beach. This beach, despite being completely urban, retains much of its natural appeal.
Playa de Portizuelo
Portizuelo Beach is located within the West Coast Protected Landscape area, in the vicinity of the town of Luarca.
This stony sandy sand, formed by boulders, stands out for being the meeting point of ‘the maruyas’, as the women of the village who bathed in the sea dressed were called.
The beach is also known by lovers of painting, as the Oil Stone is located there.
Museo Rural Etnográfico
The Rural Ethnographic Museum is located in San Martín, less than two kilometres from the town of Luarca. Its collection has 1,300 pieces related to the field and agricultural activity, distributed in twelve spaces.
Playa de Quintana
Quintana Beach is located within the West Coast Protected Landscape area, in the vicinity of Luarca. It has a length of about one kilometre, and is easily accessible.
Playa de Tourán
Tourán Beach is immersed in the West Coast Protected Landscape and is located in a bay very close to the village of Luarca.
The sand along with the mouth of the river, the islet that is located there and the cliffs make up a beautiful landscape. The road that gives access to the beach is in a bad condition, so to visit it it is necessary to access it by foot.
Villa Argentina
Villa Argentina is an elegant villa located in the village of Luarca, commissioned by Manuel García Fernández. The façade of the building is slightly highlighted, in its central part, and is topped in an eaves in pediment, decorated with an acroterion-shaped palm.
What stands out most about the set is the glazed gallery, added above the main door and supported on four columns of iron.
Faro
The Luarca Lighthouse was built in the second half of the 19th century and is formed by the lighthouse keeper’s accommodation and a tower. The house, on a square base, is a single floor with a storeroom and attic.
The tower, also of square base, is composed of three façades with stained glass windows and half-point arches, which give light to the interior. The body of the lighthouse is finished in a lantern, surrounded by a railing.
Villa Barrera
Villa Barrera is a large house located in the town of Luarca, the work of Juan Miguel de la Guardia, commissioned by José García Fernández.
The construction stands out for its horizontality and for the combination of two symmetrical facades, classicist style, with two others, Gothic style, creating the whole a peculiar building.
Villa Carmen
Villa Carmen is a property located in the village of Luarca. Its construction was carried out in the late nineteenth century, by the hand of Juan Miguel de La Guardia.
Until 1905, the building belonged to the Olavarrieta family and then passed into the hands of the Ochoa de Albornoz family, where the famous Severo Ochoa was born.
It was around this time that the property acquired the name of Villa Carmen, in honour of Carmen de Albornoz Limiana, mother of Severo Ochoa.
The property has an H-shaped structure and consists of three bodies.
The central body has a glazed gallery of geometric structure, being the most protruding from the building, and murals on the ceiling. The other two side bodies are tower-shaped and end in gables.
Villa Cristina
Villa Cristina is a late 19th century building located in the village of Luarca. The construction is neo-Renaissance style and rises on a quadrangular floor. Its structure is H-shaped and consists of three bodies.
The access door stands out, located in the middle of the façade. It consists of two semi-detached columns with scrolls and a decorated lintel. In addition to the noble body, the building has a house for the servants and the garage.
Villa Excelsior
Villa Excelsior is a house located in the village of Luarca, built by Manuel de Busto, in the early twentieth century. The building has a rectangular floor plan, thirty meters long and twenty meters wide.
Its structure has an asymmetrical shape, being composed of three irregular bodies. In the corner of the building the presence of a covered tower with a dome covered in green tile is striking.
Ermita de la Virgen Blanca y el cementerio
The Chapel of the White Virgin, also known as the Atalaya, for the area where it is located, dates from the 13th century, although throughout history it underwent several renovations. The tower is highlighted in the temple, with access to the top by a spiral staircase.
The most valuable thing about the hermitage is inside: the image of the Nazarene and the White Virgin. Both images are located in the Gothic altarpiece of Jesus Nazarene, dating back to the 17th century.
The figure of the Nazarene is located in a niche protected by two columns in solomonic style. It is a baroque work from the late 17th century, to the beginning of the 18th century.
The image of the White Virgin, represented with the child, is located in the attic of this same altarpiece, next to the carving of Santa Ana, Gothic style, dating from the 15th century.
Legend has it that the White Virgin was found inside a cave formed by the sea that, today, is known as the Cueva de la Blanca. This cavity crosses Focicón Point, passing under the chapel and the lighthouse, and exits at the other end, in Playa de las Arreas.
Regarding the find, some point out that it is an image thrown into the ocean from England, when the people separated from Catholicism, converting to Protestantism.
Thus, the figure of the virgin arrived floating in the sea, until it was stranded at the point where it was found. However, others indicate that the image probably belonged to an old shipwreck.
Regarding the cemetery, it is worth noting that the remains of Severo Ochoa rest there.
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- Go to >>> Stage 25 on the Camino del Norte
