Llanes is followed by another charming town, Ribadesella. The Camino del Norte guides you along between the two, so you can enjoy all the heritage that Asturias has to offer.
Let’s continue on the Camino del Norte!
Today’s stage crosses numerous fishing villages and beautiful beaches where we can rest our feet, take our shoes off, and walk on the sand. For a moment, the pilgrim path turns inland, away from the busy beaches, but soon returns along the coast, to finish the stage in the interesting and cosy town of Ribadesella.
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Itinerary stage Llanes – Ribadesella
Today’s stage is somewhat long, a little more than 30 kilometres, but has few slopes, and its proximity to the sea will make it very bearable and an easy stage to complete.
However, if the distance becomes too much, during the tour the pilgrim will find various places to stay overnight so that they can divide the stage in two.
Llanes (km. 0). Beginning of stage
Practical tips for this section: Llanes is not very well signposted, but common sense will allow us to easily find the AS-263 road at the beginning of the day. Buen Camino!
We leave the town of Llanes by the AS-263 road, which corresponds to Avenida de la Paz. We immediately leave the road, to cross, on the left, the railway track over a level crossing. After the crossing, we continue along a dirt track, on the right, which takes us to Poo (km. 2,4).
In Poo we cross the train track again and return to the AS-263 road, which we follow to the left. After a kilometre of asphalt, we turn right on a dirt track, which then links with an asphalt road and that leads us first to the Monastery of San Salvador de Celorio and then to the town’s beach (km. 5).
In Celorio we continue along the small promenade. At the end, we continue on the LLN-19 road to Barro (km. 7). In Barro the LLN-19 converges onto the LLN-11, which we continue to the right, bordering the estuary, with the beautiful view of the Church of Los Dolores next to the marshes.
When we reach the Chapel of animas El Santín we turn to the left, by a path that runs uphill. Then we cross the LLN-11 road and continue to the entrance of Niembro, leaving the town on the right hand side and following the pilgrim path to the left.
We then go back onto the LLN-11 road, follow it along for 200 metres and leave it on the right, to take a nice wooded path that goes down to the San Antolín Beach, at the mouth of the River Bedón.
Here we continue on the AS-263 road and cross the highway, which advances parallel to the road, through a tunnel. 200 metres later we take a track on the left that takes us into Naves (km. 12.8).
Naves (km. 12,8).
Practical tips for this section: If you plan to split the stage in two and stay overnight in Pineres de Pría, you should buy what you need for dinner in Nueva, because in Piñeres de Pría there is only a bar that doesn’t serve food. Buen Camino!
In the same direction, the pilgrim path extends along a pleasant wooded track. We go around the village of Villahormes (km. 14) leaving it on the right.
After the village, we continue along a dirt track, which runs on a slight climb, to Villorrio de La Venta, where the path meets up with an asphalted track. We follow this track, which crosses the LL-16 road, and then we reach Nueva de Llanes (km. 17.4).
By the old road, which crosses the village, we cross the River Nueva and just before reaching the railway track, we divert along a road on the right. Shortly after, we cross an underpass, located on our right, the A-8 motorway. We are now in the dispersed village of Piñeres de Pría (km. 19,6).
At the exit of the town we are again beside the motorway, but we quickly leave it behind taking a detour to the right, by a local road. 300 metres later, we turn left, along a dirt track that goes up the hill, to the Church of San Pedro de Pría. From the temple, we go down a dirt track, which transforms into an asphalt track, leading to the FEVE track.
Without crossing the track, we continue along a path to the right for 500 metres, then turn left on another track that descends to a beautiful bridge from the Middle Ages, over the River Guadamía. A little further on, we arrive at the dispersed village of Cuerres (km. 24,2).
Cuerres (km. 24,2).
Practical tips for this section: Come on! There’s only a little left to go on the stage. Buen Camino!
In the town, we cross the FEVE railway and move parallel to it for 1.3 kilometres, and then cross it again. Then, on a long stretch of dirt roads, always in the same direction and climbing gentle slopes, we find again the FEVE railway.
We cross the railway track again and leave the AS-263 road. We follow the road for a few metres and leave it on the left to descend towards a football ground.
We skirt around the sports facilities, leaving them to our left and, later, return to the AS-263 road. Following the road, we enter the town of Ribadesella. Next to the FEVE station, on a pedestrian street, on the right, we descend to the town centre.
Ribadesella (km. 31,4). End of stage
Practical tips for this section: The entrance to Ribadesella is made through the back door, that is why at first we can think that we are in a town devoid of appeal, but soon you will find yourself immersed in a collection of alleys that are full of charm. See you tomorrow!
Today we conclude the stage in the cosy and interesting fishing village of Ribadesella, located in the estuary at the mouth of the River Sella, which divides the town in two. In this fishing village you will not be short of activities to do during the afternoon.
You can visit architecture of religious orders, such as the Parish Church of Santa María Magdalena or the Chapels of Santa Ana and Virgen de Guía, or of a civil type, such as Palacio de Pietro Cutre, Casa Ardines, Chalet de Indianos Villa Rosario, Chalet de los Herman Uría-Aza or the Palacio de la Familia Prieto Collado.
In addition, near the village are several points of archaeological interest such as the caves of La Lloseta, Les Pedroses, Tito Bustillo and La Rosa, as well as an interesting route that allows visiting the footprints of the dinosaurs that have been preserved in the cliffs.
The Princesa Letizia Promenade and Santa Marina Beach are also good options to relax.
Comments stage Llanes – Ribadesella
Here are some tips for today’s stage.
Precautions stage Llanes – Ribadesella
Today’s stage does not imply any difficulty. Only those who decide to divide the stage in two will find that in locations such as Piñeres de Pría there are no services and, therefore, they should buy something to eat in the previous place.
Food stage Llanes – Ribadesella
During today’s you can taste the following typical dishes, among which, of course, there is always Fabada, but you know that.
- Seafood and fish from the Cantabrian Sea
- Meat Stew
- Chicken Stew
- Black Pudding
- Asturian cider
- Pancakes and Rice Pudding
- Fried Milk cakes and Sweet pastries
Services stage Llanes – Ribadesella
Meet the main health care services, cafes, ATMs, restaurants and are in this stage of the Camino del Norte.
Map stage Llanes – Ribadesella
Consult the map with the route, points and towns along the stage.
Profile stage Llanes – Ribadesella
Consult the profile of the stage: altitude and degree of difficulty of each section.
What to do stage Llanes – Ribadesella
Throughout today’s stage, you will pass through various historical and cultural locals. Here’s some information about them.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores
The Church of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores is located next to the Barro Estuary, on a peninsula. The temple was built in 1788, although the works were not completed until 1804. The projection of the building is attributed to the architect José Bonaparte and Silvestre Pérez y Martínez.
Its structure consists of a single nave, separated into small side sections reserved for the worship of the founders. The complex is topped in a polygonal chancel composed of a chapel, of small dimensions, on which the bell tower rests outside.
Practical information:
Mass times: From July 1st to August 31st, Friday (20:00) and public holidays (13:00).
Santuario de San Mamés
The Sanctuary of San Mamés de Cuerres dates back to the 14th century. The temple has a stone vault where you can see crosses and engravings from that time. Inside it houses an image in honour of San Mamés, as well as that of San Antón and the Virgen del Rosario.
Fuente de los Peregrinos
The Fuente de los Peregrinos is located in front of the Sanctuary of San Mamés de Cuerres, in Ribadesella. Its structure is built of stone and covered by a gabled roof. On its façade is the water outlet pipe and is completed with a triangular pediment.
Iglesia parroquial de San Pedro
The Parish Church of San Pedro is located between the villages of Piñeres de Pria and Garaña de Pria, at the foot of the Camino de Santiago. In the church, its pyramidal tower stands out and is formed by a set of half-point arches, under which the access door is located.
Iglesia parroquial de San Antolín de Bedón
The Parish Church of San Antolín de Bedón is located in the place of the same name, next to the path of the Camino del Norte towards Santiago de Compostela. Previously, the temple was part of a prosperous Baroque-style monastery, which was built in the early 13th century.
The structure of the church consists of three naves, topped at the head covered by apses. The decoration can be seen only in the corbels, where you can see some figurative motifs.
In the temple, there is a legend that says, that every night, the orphan of San Antolín wanders alone at night in the sanctuary.
Ribadesella
Ribadesella is a village of almost 6,000 inhabitants, which in summer, given its tourist influx, triples its population. The town was founded in the 13th century, under the reign of Alfonso X (El Sabio).
The village thrived during the Middle Ages thanks to the shipyards and the wood that brought down the River Sella. Fishing was focused on whaling and salmon fishing.
During the 19th century, the French invasion halted progress and demolished some of the town’s heritage. The same was the case with the Spanish Civil War, as was the case with the concrete bridge seen today, which was built in 1940 to replace an old iron structure, destroyed during a battle.
However, despite the battles that affected the town, like many others in the area, Ribadesella currently has a rich and beautiful heritage that does not disappoint any of its visitors.
The village has various temples, such as the Parish Church of Santa María Magdalena or the Chapels of Santa Ana and Virgen de Guía, and has a rich civil architectural heritage, such as Palacio de Pietro Cutre, Casa Ardines, Chalet de Indianos Villa Rosario, Chalet de los Herman Uría-Aza or the Palacio de la Familia Prieto Collado.
In addition, near the village are several points of archaeological interest such as the caves of La Lloseta, Les Pedroses, Tito Bustillo and La Rosa, as well as an interesting route that allows visiting the footprints of the dinosaurs that have been preserved in the cliffs.
The Princesa Letizia Promenade and Santa Marina Beach are also good options to relax.
Palacio de Pietro Cutre
Palacio de Pietro Cutre is located in the village of Ribadesella. It is a 16th-century construction, in the Plateresque style. Currently, the building houses the headquarters of the Town Hall.
Capilla de Santa Ana
The Chapel of Santa Ana is located in the street of the same name in Ribadesella. The temple, renovated in 1995, stands out for having housed the headquarters of The Sea Guild, which disappeared in 1846.
Playa de Santa Marina
Santa Marina Beach is located in the fishing village of Ribadesella and is one and a half kilometres long.
The sand remained untouched until the construction of the iron bridge over the River Sella, at the end of the 19th century, when it began to be altered by the construction of residences of the bourgeoisie. Today, it has a promenade and offers various water sports.
Casa Ardines
Casa Ardines is located in the old town of Ribadesella. The construction dates from the 18th century.
Its structure consists of three floors where, in the lower part, a single arch stands out. The façade features running balconies and the coat of arms of the Ardines family.
Chalet de Indianos Villa Rosario
The Chalet de Indianos Villa Rosario is located in the vicinity of Santa Marina Beach, a very trendy area in the village of Ribadesella. Its construction was carried out in 1924 and was the work of the architect José Quesada Espulgas.
The house is named after the wife of Don Antonio Quesada González, who made a lot of money in Cuba when trading in tobacco.
The building features lush ornamentation and a vitrified tiled roof. Today, the building is used as a hotel.
Chalet de los Hermanos Uría-Aza
The Chalet of the Uría-Aza brothers is located in Ribadesella and was designed by Miguel García-Lomas Somoano. In the old days, the building was known as Chalet Antero Prieto, belonging to that family, but then acquired the name of the Uría-Aza brothers, town locals.
Currently, the property belongs to Mexican descendants. The construction stands out for its garden, in which some sculptures made by the Uría-Aza brothers themselves stand out, who are recognized for painting various works of the Church of Santa María Magdalena.
Cueva de la Lloseta
The Lloseta, La Moría and del Río caves, are all located in the vicinity of the town of Ribadesella. This is a large cavity, declared as a site of Cultural Interest, in which prehistoric paintings were discovered.
Of these, representations of two goats and a series of red dots stand out, as well as a red and black sign.
Cueva de Les Pedroses
The Les Pedroses Cave, in Ribadesella, was discovered in 1956 by Francisco Jordá. The cavity houses inside it engravings of three headless animals and the figure of a horse, in a fine line layout.
Cueva de Tito Bustillo
The Tito Bustillo Cave in Ribadesella is a cavity with prehistoric paintings dating back to between 22000 and 10000 BC. Its discovery was made in 1968 and, since 2008, it has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Cueva Rosa
The Rose Cave is a Partial Nature Reserve, located in the vicinity of Ribadesella. The interior of the cavity houses a set of karst stones that stand out for their varied shapes.
The reserve has the largest troglodyte fauna in Asturias, with more than 30 species of insects that evolved to adapt to life inside the cave. Also, the large volume of bats that live in it should also be highlighted.
Iglesia de San Esteban de Leces
The Church of San Esteban de Leces is from the Romanesque period, although it had to be completely reformed, in 1958, due to the destruction caused during the Civil War.
The temple consists of a single nave and a semi-circular apse. It should be noted that the original construction preserves the window of the apse with capitals adorned with facing birds and ornate corbels.
Iglesia de Santa María de Junco
The Church of Santa Maria de Junco is a Romanesque temple, from the 13th century, although it was destroyed during the Civil War and rebuilt in 1984.
This temple consists of a single nave, rectangular in plan, with a semi-circular apse, in which you can see a small window and remains of the decoration from the 13th and 14th centuries. On the main façade, the shield of the Junco lineage can be observed.
Iglesia parroquial de Santa María Magdalena
The Parish Church of Santa Maria Magdalena is located in the village of Ribadesella. Its construction was carried out in 1924, on the Romanesque vestiges of an earlier temple. In 1936, the church was completely demolished, so it had to be rebuilt.
The temple houses an admirable dome on the cross and inside it houses a large altarpiece worked in stone by the sculptor Emilio del Valle. In the nave’s ciborium, the murals made by Bernardo, Antonio and Celestino Uría-Aza, which give prestige to the church stand out.
Practical information:
Mass times: Summer, working and eves (20:00) and public holidays (12:00). Winter, working and eve (19:00) and public holidays (12:00).
Paseo de la Princesa Letizia
Paseo de la Princesa Letizia is a seafront promenade, located in the village of Ribadesella, stretching from the Sella Bridge to the Fish Market. The promenade is a tribute to the current Queen of Spain and together with Calle Marqueses de Argüelles forms a long journey full of restaurants and cider houses.
Ruta de los dinosaurios
Between Ribadesella and Villaviciosa there is a maritime strip with various sites from the Mesozoic Era. The marshes, the coasts and the cliffs were the places where the greatest number of footprints have been preserved.
The first of the discoveries were made at the eastern end of Vega Beach, where they found Jurassic materials such as sandstone, marshlands and clay that retained some dinosaur footprints.
The second of the finds is located on the Ribadesella Beach where you can see a trail, easily visible, on the walls of the cliff, stamped on previous planes of stratification, which are now placed vertically.
The third stop of this Jurassic route is on the Tereñes Cliffs, where you can see the best examples of dinosaur footprints. Finally, the last stop is to be made in the Pedral de Arra, which has caustic formations in striations that rise more than 50 metres above sea level.
Torre de Junco
Junco Tower is a family house dating back to the 14th century, located in a strategic area. The tower belonged to the Ruiz Junco family.
Its structure consists of a square floor separated into two levels. Its main façade with a side cover, made of dark grey stone ashlars, stands out. On the door, you can see the family shield.
Palacio de la familia Prieto Collado
The palace of the Prieto Collado family, also known as Casa del Escudo, is located in the vicinity of Church of Santa María Magdalena, in Ribadesella. It is a building in Baroque style, on three levels and with a ground floor.
Its exterior structure highlights the balcony that extends through the main façade and the coat of arms of the Marqueses de Collado family.
The house is famous for being the place where the well-known painter Dario de Regoyos was born. It is currently home to the headquarters of the local Post Office.
Torre de San Esteban
The Tower of San Esteban is located in the parish of Leces, near the Church of San Esteban de Leces. The manor house, built between the 14th and 15th century, belonged to the Ruiz de Junco family.
Throughout history, the tower has undergone several renovations and is currently surrounded by other buildings.
Its structure consists of a square floor and three levels. From the main façade, the huge door stands out, from the mid-16th century, made of ashlars and the shield.
On the ground floor, next to the door, there is a small door on which is located a lintel span in stone. On the third floor you can see a small window, topped with a pointed arch.
Torre de la Atalaya
The Atalaya Tower is located in Plaza Villar y Valle, also called Plaza de la Atalaya, in Ribadesella. Its construction was carried out in the 19th century on the remains of a defensive tower from the Middle Ages.
The building, in medieval style, has a square floor made of masonry and topped by battlements. Currently, it is enabled as a house and the vines that cover the exterior of the building stand out.
Iglesia de San Martín de Collera
The Church of San Martín de Collera is the only element that is preserved of the old Monastery of San Martín de Collera, built in 1052. The temple houses inside stone pieces of Romanesque origin and an 18th-century chapel.
Capilla de la Virgen de la Guía
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Guide is located at the top of Mount Corberu, at the end of a stone path that begins from the port. The temple was built in the 16th century, under a proto-renaissance style, at the request of the Guild of the Sea
Its structure stands out the side façade for its good condition and for being built in well-squared ashlars. From the church, you can enjoy magnificent views over the town and the mouth of the river.
