The village of Busto, which gives its name to the cape, sits on a coastal plain where hay meadows, pine forests, and heathland mingle. It's very close to Luarca, less than 10 kilometers away, so this route can be the perfect excuse to end the day in this beautiful seaside town.
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The biodiversity of this part of the Valdés coastline is immediately apparent, making it a prime spot for birdwatching : European shags, herring gulls, and peregrine falcons soar overhead. Beyond its scenic beauty, the area around Busto is also a significant archaeological site in Asturias . Stone tools belonging to the Acheulean industry of the Lower Paleolithic have been found here, making it a key location for understanding the earliest human settlements in Asturias.
Viewpoints and the Cabo Busto lighthouse
From the village of Busto, a circular hiking route, the PR AS-4 , begins, which allows you to explore the coastline closest to the cape, stopping calmly at spectacular viewpoints (there are 8 in total) that offer views of almost inaccessible beaches and rocky shores, under cliffs that can reach over 100 meters in height.
A route with hardly any gradient, of low difficulty and about 8 kilometres long. Well signposted, with yellow and white markings for “Short Route” (PR). Along the route we will find inscriptions with the “thoughts” of illustrious figures such as Jovellanos, Agatha Christie, Mehmet Murat, etc.
We can start from the old schools of Busto , now a library, where there is a large parking area and information panels about the route. You can also start at the Chapel of San Bartolomé , in the very center of the village.
The route initially follows a dirt track , passing through cultivated areas where cornfields predominate. The path leads to the Mirador de la Playa de Cueva viewpoint , which offers views of the mouth of the Esva River.
After passing some enormous cypress trees and cornfields, we'll enter a wooded area of pines and eucalyptus . Descending gently, we'll reach a fork in the path where we can choose between turning off to Bozo Beach or continuing along the route itself. If you have enough time, it's recommended to visit this pebble beach, whose name comes from the spectacular vertical cliffs that surround it, known as "buzamientos."
Returning to the main path, we will soon reach the Cabo viewpoint , with incredible views over the entire coast of the Valdés municipality (the beaches of Los Molinos, Chao, and Portizuelo, the islands of La Moura and Las Mouchas… ) and also of the town of Luarca itself . On very clear days, it is possible to glimpse the coastline.
The beautiful Cabo beach is located at the very base of Cabo Busto, which we reach without any effort. There we find the Busto Lighthouse , built in 1858 and still operational today, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the Cantabrian Sea. Its light guides sailors with flashes visible up to 21 nautical miles away.
After calmly admiring the scenery of Cape Busto, we continued along the coastline, stopping at various viewpoints in strategic locations that offered glimpses of unspoiled beaches like Serrón and Barchinas . At the last viewpoint on the route, located directly opposite Punta Corbeiriños, we discovered the Cathedral, Punxeu Beach, and Punta de la Osa to our right. Punta Arenoso was also clearly visible.
From here the trail turns inland, returning to cultivated areas, also pine forests, on our way back to the town of Busto, where we had started. We just have to follow the signs.
Technical data of the route
- Distance: 8,5 km
- Duration: 3 hours
- Difficulty: short
- Accumulated drop: M 120
- Recommended time: all year
- Key points: Cueva Beach Viewpoint, Bozo Beach, Busto Lighthouse, the rest of the coastal viewpoints.
Tips for the route
✔ Take suitable footwear for hiking, as the ground can be slippery in some sections.
✔ Dressing windbreaker clothing, especially on the coastal plain, where the wind can be strong.
✔ Take water and some food, since there are no fountains along the route.
✔ Respect the fauna and Flora, avoiding straying from the marked trail.
✔ Take advantage of the sunset from the lighthouse or the viewing points to enjoy an unforgettable view.
This route is ideal for those seeking a peaceful walk with stunning scenery and minimal physical exertion. It's the perfect stroll to disconnect amidst nature and enjoy the wild character of the Asturian coast.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
