Western Asturias: capes, fishing villages and the Cathedrals beach
Wild headlands, the colourful harbours of Cudillero and Luarca, and the rock arches of the Praia das Catedrais in Galicia.
- Distance
- 177 km (110 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 27 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Spain
- Updated
- August 13, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 177 km (110 mi) with 7 stops, from Oviedo to Praia das Catedrais. About 2 h 27 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Spain · More road trips from Oviedo
Route description
From Oviedo drive north to Cabo de Peñas, the northernmost point of Asturias, where a lighthouse stands on high slate cliffs. Then follow the A-8 (E-70) and the old N-632 west to Cudillero, whose colourful houses are stacked around a tiny fishing harbour; park at the port and walk up the lanes.
A few kilometres west, Cabo Vidio has another lighthouse and some of the highest cliffs on this coast. Continue to Luarca, a white fishing town in a deep inlet with a cliff-top cemetery and chapel overlooking the harbour.
Cross the Eo estuary into Galicia at Ribadeo. Just west of town lies the Praia das Catedrais, where the sea has carved rock arches and caves you can walk through at low tide. In summer and at Easter a free permit booked online is needed, and in any season check the tide table; the beach disappears at high water.
The A-8 is fast and toll-free, but the old coast road through the villages is more rewarding. Expect changeable weather and mist even in summer; that is why the coast is so green. Campsites are plentiful along the way.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Oviedo
Spain - 241 km
Cabo de Peñas
ViewsGozón, SpainThe northernmost point of Asturias, a lighthouse on slate cliffs with a short cliff-top path. It is often windy, which makes the sea views even more dramatic.
- 333 km
Cudillero
Spain - 410 km
Cabo Vidio
ViewsCudillero, SpainA lighthouse on high cliffs west of Cudillero, with sea caves below and views along the whole coast. Quiet and easy to reach from the N-632.
- 531 km
Luarca
Spain - 651 km
Ribadeo
Spain - 712 km
Praia das Catedrais
NatureRibadeo, SpainRock arches and caves like the buttresses of a cathedral, walkable only at low tide. In summer and at Easter you need a free permit booked online; check the tide times first.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Oviedo → Cudillero · 73 km · 1 h 01 minOn the way: Cabo de Peñas.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping San Pedro (6 km); La Regalina (19 km).
- Day 2: Cudillero → Luarca · 41 km · 0 h 34 minOn the way: Cabo Vidio.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Playa de Taurán (2 km); Camping Playa de Otur (5 km).
- Day 3: Luarca → Praia das Catedrais · 63 km · 0 h 52 minOn the way: Ribadeo.Overnight nearby, for example: A Nosa Casa (< 1 km); Rinlo Costa Camping (4 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April, July and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Western Asturias: capes, fishing villages and the Cathedrals beach?
3-day road trip of about 177 km (110 mi) with 7 stops, from Oviedo to Praia das Catedrais. About 2 h 27 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Western Asturias: capes, fishing villages and the Cathedrals beach?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 27 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Western Asturias: capes, fishing villages and the Cathedrals beach start and end?
It starts in Oviedo and ends in Praia das Catedrais.
Which countries does Western Asturias: capes, fishing villages and the Cathedrals beach pass through?
Spain.
Where can you camp along Western Asturias: capes, fishing villages and the Cathedrals beach?
OpenStreetMap lists 75 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Perlora, Camping San Pedro and La Regalina.
When is the best time for Western Asturias: capes, fishing villages and the Cathedrals beach?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April, July and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
