Llanes, Council area in Asturias, Spain
Llanes is an administrative district in the province of Asturias that runs along the coast of the Cantabrian Sea and is bordered by the Sierra del Cuera range to the south. The district includes several dozen small settlements and the central town of the same name, which sits directly by the water.
Town rights were granted in the 13th century when the crown developed the settlement as a stronghold against attacks from the sea. Later the district became an important harbor for trade between the mountains and the shipping routes to the Americas.
The harbor sits below the old town and shows how the fishing village grew into today's administrative center. Many street names reference former sailors and traders who shaped local life.
The main road runs parallel to the coast and connects the scattered settlements, while smaller paths lead up into the mountains. Many beaches lie hidden between the rocks and require short walks from the nearest parking area.
At some points along the coast you can search for sea creatures in small rock pools at low tide, which are covered again at high tide. These pools often lie away from the known beaches and are mostly visited by locals.
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