WEBCAM 
webcamsdeasturias.comLuarca's fame has transcended many borders, making it one of the most renowned towns in all of Asturias . This is partly due to having Severo Ochoa, Nobel Prize laureate in Medicine , as its most illustrious son, but its renown extends beyond individual figures; it has earned its fame through many other merits.
The Negro River meanders continuously in its final stretch. It is not a typical estuary. The river does join the sea, but not openly; it seems introverted, winding its way through curves and counter-curves until it finally flows into the Cantabrian Sea in a kind of whisper.
Luarca neighborhoods
In this charming town, known as the White Town of the Green Coast , two distinct areas are clearly visible . The old town encompasses the oldest and most traditional neighborhoods, all of medieval origin, such as La Pescadería , La Carril , and El Camboral , which surround the port and church like a grand amphitheater. Further inland, along both banks of the river, lies the more contemporary Luarca . Emerging in the 19th century , it is now the center of most of the town's commerce. Crossing the river from one side to the other, you can reach up to seven bridges. These bridges connect the two sides of the town center daily, a layout that, without further explanation, might seem confusing but is actually quite simple, with a striking symmetry in its design.
Luarca: marine vocation
You can't visit Luarca without feeling the traditional character it still retains. It's a great place to start exploring seafood and cider , as there are plenty of cider bars with a distinctly maritime and Asturian flavor. In the fishing port area, you'll also find several options for a more refined meal, with restaurants boasting excellent cuisine and the scent of the sea in every corner.
Visitors can witness the return of the fishing boats firsthand. The day's catch will be auctioned at the fish market around three in the afternoon, and there one can see that the deep-rooted seafaring tradition truly exists and is not just for show. The guild-like and cooperative spirit of this activity is still palpable, a tradition that once included the well-known Seafarers' and Navigators' Council , where sailors, in a democratic manner, decided whether or not to set sail on days of bad weather.
The sea is inextricably linked to Luarca, no matter how much times change. The town carries it in its soul. In fact, shellfish gathering was already practiced here in the last stage of the Paleolithic period, specifically during the Asturian period , from which significant finds have been discovered throughout the municipality.
The sea as a source of fishing and sustenance, but also as a horizon and a stage for battles. The warlike upheavals, beginning with the Norman invasions of the 9th century, have left traces such as the fortifications of La Atalaya , an exceptional viewpoint.
How many beaches does Luarca have?
From a bird's-eye view, we see the Negro River flowing into the first of its three urban beaches , known as Playa Primera, Playa Segunda, and Playa de Salinas . The coastline is rocky, with nearby forests and a temperate green landscape of balanced profiles and numerous valleys that invite contemplation. The beaches of Otur , Barayo , Cadavedo , and Portizuelo are particularly noteworthy . An unbeatable view of this coast can be obtained by following the Cabo Busto Route , just a few kilometers from the town of Luarca.
Otur Beach
Located in the westernmost part of the Valdés municipality, it is in the vicinity of the town… Read more
Barayo Beach
This nearly 700-meter-long stretch of sand is a kind of culmination to a nature reserve that spans over 3... Read more
Cabo Busto Route
We peer fearfully into the abyss, where the wind never ceases. This is Cabo Busto. Here, the immensity of… Read more
What to see in Luarca?
Within the same municipality, and a little further inland, we discover peaks that reach over a thousand meters in altitude. There are plenty of reasons to visit Luarca and its surrounding area, including its villages, from traditional Vaqueiro lands in the parish of Trevías to old whaling ports like Cadavedo.
If you're drawn to culture, Luarca is the perfect starting point. Neolithic culture is abundant in the surrounding area, with numerous hill forts . Roman and medieval archaeological sites are also found here. Among the artistic heritage highlights are the palaces of the Marquises of Gamoneda and Ferrera, the tower and manor house of Villademoros, and the villas built by returning emigrants: Argentina, Excelsior, Tarsila, Hilda, Rosita, and others.
Luarca has learned from its history to be vibrant and bustling. One cannot overlook such fervent and well-attended events as the San Timoteo festivities (August 22nd) or Luarca's Holy Week celebrations, not to mention the pagan festivals, with a famous Antroxu (Carnival) menu this year reflecting its rural cuisine: sausages, minced meat, stew, frixuelos (Asturian crepes), and rice pudding.
San Timoteo Luarca
San Timoteo is one of the most popular and lively pilgrimages in Asturias. With a unique saint who receives… Read more
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
