It offers a panoramic view that largely encapsulates the quintessential Asturian landscape : the Cantabrian Sea stretching out in every direction, the cliff-lined coastline along which we walk and whose contours continue into the horizon (specifically from the Póo hill fort to the Suances headland on a clear day), the northern mountain range behind us, and a seaside village with its own beach—a charming cove nestled among the rocks—at our feet. An unparalleled vantage point that is also a stress-relieving haven, with its carpet of well-maintained Asturian grass on which we could easily walk barefoot along its kilometer-long path.
How to get to Paseo San Pedro
Access to the promenade is straightforward and easy to spot. You can reach it either by skirting the historic center to the left or by walking along the edge of town past the fishing port until you reach Sablón Beach . From there, a set of steps leads up to the promenade itself. Its charm is immediately apparent, and you reach for your camera or phone to capture the moment. This is one of the most photographed spots in the region . It has also attracted the attention of filmmakers, as Garci himself filmed a scene here for his movie "Historia de un beso" (Story of a Kiss).
It was built in the 19th century, specifically in 1847, with the idea of providing a recreational space for the neighborhood. Construction was largely completed thanks to capital brought in by emigrants who had made their fortunes in the Americas. Clearly, the choice of location was ideal, as it not only fulfills its intended purpose of providing leisure activities but is now one of the town's biggest tourist attractions. Other virtues include its ability to evoke romance, nostalgia, quiet contemplation, and tranquility. Long gone are its days as a rugged defensive watchtower against the enemy or as a strategic location for whale watching.
Paseo San Pedro viewpoint
There are few decorative elements along this path, which lends the place a sense of solitude and allows for unobstructed views . Just a few benches to sit on and some tiny trees whose shapes can be unsettling when the horizon turns black. These are a dozen fragile tamarind trees, planted in the last quarter of the 19th century, which now cling to the earth and seem to feed on the gaze of visitors.
Thanks to this natural walkway , about eight meters wide, we can observe in detail the medieval city wall, with its distinctive tower and the most important churches. To one side, the small fishing port of the seaside town and a unique perspective of "The Cubes of Memory ," the work in which Agustín Ibarrola expressed his concept of art on the port's breakwater. Immediately behind the houses, the imposing Sierra de Cuera mountain range seems to be just steps from the sea, its peaks reaching almost 2.000 meters. Beyond it, weather permitting, the Picos de Europa mountains appear to crown the panorama.
The Cubes of Memory
Since their inauguration at the end of 2001, the Cubes of Memory have already attracted a… Read more
The promenade is integrated into the more general coastal path of Llanes , which crosses the entire municipality. Currently, it has been extended from the original 300 meters to almost a kilometer in length to connect with the path that continues westward towards San Antolín beach.
Route of Eleanor of Austria
By chance, in 1517 they arrived at the town of LLanes who would be King Carlos I of Spain and V of Germany, and his sister Leonor. Today the route that the princess would take through the town has been recovered, passing through seven locations. A good urban walk that brings us closer to the essential points of Llanes.
Princess sea route
Guided by Princess Eleanor of Austria, we will explore Llanes in 1517 and thus return to… Read more
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
