Webcam Mirador de San Roque
webcamsdeasturias.comMostly narrow, cobbled streets, always sloping, form the myriad small arteries through which the social life of these homes unfolds. These homes seem to hang precariously over the abyss , their inclines always reflected in the sea. Beautiful balconies abound, and the houses stand close together, seemingly built to shelter each other from the Cantabrian Sea's onslaught. The labyrinth is one of white walls, sea salt, and whimsical symmetries. Lastres boasts more angles and perspectives than any other town in the surrounding area.
The port of Lastres
The beautiful port of Lastres is visible from almost anywhere . Currently, around fifty boats dock there. After being remodeled in 1995 with the construction of a 55-meter breakwater, it leads the way in fishing activity on the eastern coast. The approximately 400 tons of fish caught annually , including 8 tons of hake, 6 tons of conger eel, and 5 tons of monkfish and red mullet per month, continue to allow the Lastres fishermen's guild to balance its books and for the town to continue proudly living its life facing the sea, as it always has.
Lastres always held a prominent place in whaling circles , and it also served as a stronghold against potential invasions by sea. Hence, it once had a fort, known as "El Castillo" (The Castle), parts of whose walls are still preserved.
Canning tradition of Lastres
Today, the fishing tradition continues to fuel its legend. Once landed at the port, the fish are sold at a popular auction held daily at the fish market . Fishmongers from all over the region find a guarantee of sales in the maritime activity of a town with a long history of both inshore and deep-sea fishing.
Recently, and to further boost its own maritime reality, there are signs of recovery in the canning industry with an artisanal initiative integrated into the dock facilities, which already brings 3.500 kilograms of anchovies to market per year.
The new company relies exclusively on catches from local boats, and its artisanal and laborious process will supply delicatessen shops. This marks a first step in countering the exodus of fishing capital and restoring some of the importance that local canneries achieved at the beginning of the 10th century. At that time, Lastres boasted ten such businesses, whose remnants and ruins can still be seen near the dock.
The village of Lastres
Lastres is a designated Historic Site , making it a popular tourist destination. It's undoubtedly a pleasant place to stay. In addition to the refreshing sea breeze and the charming town center, there are numerous culinary attractions, as restaurants specializing in all types of fish continue to thrive. Lastres' cuisine owes much to its port, its nets, traps, and hooks, but also to the culinary traditions of local families, who for centuries have considered fish the first and most delicious of their dishes. A good fish dish here is a sure thing, and we're eager to try it.
If you have time, visit the Clock Tower , an iconic tower that combines the functions of a bell tower and a lookout point. Built in 1751, it was later rebuilt thanks to the efforts of a group of women. Also worth visiting is the Parish Church of Santa María de Sábada, dating from 1751, which blends Classical and Baroque styles, as well as the hermitages of San José, San Roque (where a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the port and the Colunga coastline is located), and Buen Suceso. Mansions and palaces such as the Victorero family palace (18th century), the Robledo palace (early 18th century), and the Vallados palace (18th century) are another cultural treasure of this town.
Lastres and its adjacent coastline are also situated atop the most historically significant cliffs in the region. The Jurassic Tertiary terrain offers another way to explore the area, including La Griega beach , with its impressive dinosaur footprints.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
