In recent years, the expression "the most beautiful bench in the world" has become increasingly common . Numerous websites compile lists ranking these benches, located in places with breathtaking scenery. In Spain, the Galician benches of Loiba and Riaño are frequently mentioned... but this is an international phenomenon, with "best benches in the world" also found in Austria, the United Kingdom, the USA, Jordan, and Iceland.
They've all found a tough competitor: photos of the Sablón viewpoint bench in Cudillero, Asturias, are multiplying by the thousands on Instagram . These photos showcase a fabulous coastline , practically untouched, still largely unknown to many, even though its cliffs could very well be the most beautiful and natural on the entire Cantabrian coast.
A contender for the title of bench with the best views in the world, this bench will undoubtedly take the number one spot for many. It all depends on your perspective. In any case, we're talking about one of the best viewpoints in Asturias, which is saying something.
In short, an exceptional place that is part of the famous Oviñana Cliff Route , in the fantastic setting of Cape Vidio.
How to get to the Sablón Viewpoint
It's quite easy. Once we reach the village of Oviñana , located about 10 kilometers from the town of Cudillero , we'll park the car (preferably in the village itself) and walk. At most, we can drive through the village and reach the nearby Cueva Beach viewpoint , where we'll also find a parking area with about ten spaces. Keep in mind that the closer we drive, the more unnecessarily crowded the area and the more difficult it will be to find parking.
This first viewpoint also features a bench and, in addition, a fishing boat, the Aldebarán, one of the oldest in Asturias ; restored and placed here to honor all the sailors who lost their lives at sea. The sight of this vessel against the backdrop of the sea is unique and well worth taking a moment to appreciate.
From the Cueva viewpoint, we take a path heading west, keeping the sea to our right. We walk slowly, taking deep breaths. For about 10 minutes, we follow the signs for "Mirador del Sablón" (Sablo Viewpoint); you can't miss it. After walking about 500 meters and enjoying the already incredible panoramic views, we reach the final stretch, a few but impressive meters not suitable for those with vertigo. The path becomes a bit narrower, somewhat rocky, and slightly inclined. Since there are no guardrails, we should proceed cautiously but without fear, especially if we are with children.
Once we reach the bench, all that remains is to sit right on the edge of the cliff.
When is the best time to visit the Mirador del Sablón
Given the growing popularity of the spot, especially during summer sunsets , it's best to visit, if possible, in autumn or spring , when there are fewer people and the sun sets a little earlier but still with great intensity. If you go in summer and don't have time to wait for everyone else to leave taking their obligatory photos, the best option is to get up early and enjoy a unique and less crowded sunrise .
Both at sunrise and sunset, the coast presents its warmest and, at times, supernatural tones.
In any case, any time of day is good to visit it ; there will always be different shades of light, different sea conditions, the waves breaking on beaches and rocks, different clouds painted on the horizon, storm clouds, clearings that filter the sun's rays with a divine and "miraculous" touch, mist, seagulls, boats and sails in the distance... We are talking about a bank that always offers us very good views, so much so that on perfectly clear days we can glimpse, in addition to La Vallina beach and the entire coastal plain up to Luarca , the great promontory of Estaca de Bares , the northernmost point of the peninsula in the distant province of A Coruña.
The viewpoint is nestled in an equally fascinating setting, with other nearby routes of great beauty, all dominated by the presence of Cabo Vidio . You can discover these routes in the following report.
Cabo Vidio
The powerful Cantabrian Sea has carved this work of art on the Costa Verde, within the Protected Landscape of the… Read more
We almost forgot, the bench has a plaque on its back with a beautiful poem by Aurelio González Ovies from Gozón , which is perfect for ending this text.
the sea rises,
who could live with such eagerness;
who could hug you
with such impetus
Photographs: © Roberto Molero on Flickr
