This coastal strip, part of the so-called Jurassic Coast of Asturias , also holds an immense geological and paleontological treasure. Traces and fossils from that era abound; the finds have been archived and cataloged over the last decade and are now on display at the Jurassic Museum of Asturias . The museum, a building shaped like a giant footprint, sits atop a nearby hill offering a sweeping panorama of the Cantabrian Sea. Behind it rises the imposing Sierra del Sueve mountain range . Picu Pienzu, its highest peak, reaches over 1.000 meters in altitude, completing a unique landscape. Few places boast such a striking contrast between sea level and the mountains ; a perfect combination, a true feast for the eyes.
Jurassic Museum - MUJA
In a privileged location on the Asturian coast, just a few meters above sea level, lies … Read more
The Sierra del Sueve
This is a privileged place, of great beauty. The flora is just as impressive as the fauna and can be observed in the… Read more
At sea level, the landscape is no less perfect. The rock outcrops, the mouths of certain rivers, the proximity of the hillsides and meadows, and the fact that the beaches are completely open to the sea, all combine to create a feeling of natural immensity.
The Jurassic beaches , as we've decided to call them here, are perhaps the most forgotten and least crowded in eastern Asturias. The neighboring municipalities of Ribadesella, Villaviciosa, and Llanes fill their beaches during the summer months, while Caravia and Colunga have managed to retain a certain air of nostalgia and solitude. These are stretches of sand that multiply in size at low tide and are therefore very difficult to fill.
It is a true privilege to enjoy the four beaches of Caravia : La Espasa, Moracey, La Beciella, and Arenal de Morís . These coastal environments are ideal for scuba diving, surfing, fishing, and, of course, swimming. They are also perfect for kitesurfing; on more than one occasion, large gatherings of kite flyers have been held there.
Beach of the Espasa
Espasa beach is approximately 1150 meters long. The beach's occupancy level is usually… Read more
Arenal Beach of Morís
Arenal de Morís beach is one of the most beautiful and expansive beaches on the Cantabrian coast… Read more
Espasa beach marks the western boundary of Caravia, where the beaches of Colunga begin . Some 13 kilometers of coastline and many varied spots combine to create one of Asturias' most outstanding seaside landscapes. Colunga is a great place to enjoy water sports. The fishing and recreational port of Lastres offers opportunities for sailing, surfing, and windsurfing, as well as spearfishing near Cape Lastres. All the beaches have fine sand. Espasa itself (on its western side), La Isla, and La Griega are the most popular . La Isla takes its name from a rocky outcrop to which it is connected at low tide. It is bordered by a promenade lined with enormous eucalyptus trees that have stood the test of time and lend an unexpected touch to the seascape. The beach is shaped like a shell and is about 800 meters long. In its immediate surroundings, a small urban center of a holiday nature has proliferated, the most important of all those that accompany these solitary beaches.
Starting from La Isla, we have the opportunity to enjoy a unique cliffside hike to the next beach: La Griega. We follow a path that runs between 50 and 75 meters above sea level, clearly showcasing the great environmental value of this coastline. The path, which begins at a place known as "La Colonia," leads us to the village of Huerres. From there, we take a well-marked Short Distance Trail (PR). Next to the village church, a new path begins, winding through the municipalities of Huerres and San Juan de Duz until it ends at La Griega beach, which is accessible.
Beach of La Griega
The beaches of Colunga stretch along approximately 13 kilometers of coastline, and various spots create a unique landscape… Read more
It has a delta shape and is about 800 meters long. Besides its great beauty, La Griega is an open-air museum . There you'll find sauropod dinosaur footprints 125 centimeters in diameter, the largest discovered in the world to date. Seeing the footprints is easy, as they are perfectly marked. At the bottom of the lagoon lies a huge rocky area that serves as a fishing ground for dozens of locals.
Adjacent to La Griega beach lies Lastres beach and the fishing village perched above it, literally hanging over the sea. This latter stretch of sand is about 350 meters long and is also known as Estilleru beach. Its proximity to the village of Lastres gives it a double appeal, as after a refreshing swim, a relaxing stroll is always welcome, especially if it allows you to discover one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias. From the village of Lastres itself , there are numerous promontories from which to continue enjoying the sea views.
Lastres: the fishing village
Lastres, in the municipality of Colunga, joined the select club of the "Most Beautiful Villages " in the spring of 2014 … Read more
Information:
The Arenal of Morís It has road access from the town of Prado - taking a deviation from the N-632 - from which it is about 2 kilometers. The road ends at the beach itself.
Following without deviating the N-632 we will arrive in a few minutes to the beach of La Espasa and La Isla, the access to them is perfectly signposted.
To get to Playa de La Griega We have to enter the Villa de Colunga and take the AS-257 towards Lastres. A few 2 kilometers we will see the beach.
All the beaches of Caravia and Colunga have the required services in terms of safety, rescue and cleaning. They have easy access by road, recreational areas in the vicinity and establishments of hospitality and services in the nearby villages.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
