If you are thinking of enjoying rural tourism in Asturias, there are areas that you cannot miss, such as Cudillero, an essentially seaside town where you will be able to enjoy the most spectacular views and heritage.
Cudillero is the capital of the council of the town, and its colourful and unique panoramic views are an attraction for tourists who come in search of something surprising, charming and new. And they find it.
Focusing precisely on the first glimpse, we realize that we have not seen anything like it, why? You may ask. It’s quite simple. Because of the distribution and organization of its layout and its houses. We highlight the colored houses in the lower part, which are arranged in the form of an amphitheater that gives absolute prominence to the sea.
Cudillero can be divided into three historically differentiated parts that we invite you to walk through and enjoy the magic of its streets.
The mariñana is the lowest part, where the fishermen and farmers traditionally lived; secondly, the xalda, which corresponds to the inland part, much greener, and the vaqueira, which is the highest part where the shepherds lived. Wherever you decide to stop, you will have a spectacular view from the lighthouse or the watchtower.
These three areas form the essence and personality of a Cudillero with many special features. Did you know, for example, that this town has its own dialect? Although it has almost fallen into disuse, Pixueto was the traditional language. Another curious fact that you probably didn't know is that it was the setting for the Oscar-winning film Volver a empezar (Back to the beginning), whose landscapes captured the attention of the Hollywood elite.
With all this, you won't find it hard to understand why it has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site, and we haven't even told you which are the must-sees of its heritage. Do you want to know them?
The Quinta de Selgas is one of the places you can't miss, as this current museum houses the most impressive palace and gardens you'll ever see, where some of Goya's works stand out. In fact, this complex is known as the Asturian Versailles. It is located in the village of El Pito, which belongs to Cudillero, where you can also appreciate the Indian culture in its surrounding houses while you stroll through the streets.
Another place not to be missed is the Gothic chapel of El Humilladero, as well as the churches of San Martín de Luiña and Santa María de Soto de Luiña, next to the Casa Rectoral, both of which have been declared Historic-Artistic Monuments.
To finish with a view of Cudillero's heritage, the Garita viewpoint and the lighthouse can be a good end to this route through the town.
But we are only talking about its heritage because a rural tourism experience in Cudillero does not end until you try its gastronomy.
The scorpionfish pie, the classic Asturian fabada, flavourful meats and fresh fish and seafood are just some of the delicacies you will find in this spectacular town.
