Luarca: Culture, Coast and Port

Luarca’s old town includes La Pescadería, a traditional medieval fishing district. Above the district lies the Mirador del Chano, which offers panoramic views of Luarca; the town’s beaches lie at the foot of high cliffs.

Culture and History

The present-day Church of Santa Eulalia was built in the 19th century over an older temple dating back to 912. Its organ is protected in Luarca as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). The Palacio y Capilla de Marqués de la Ferrera is also protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). The Palacio de los Marqueses de Ferrera was built in the 16th century and expanded in the 18th century.

The first written records of Luarca date from the 11th and 13th centuries. Following the Carta Puebla de Valdés granted by King Alfonso X “the Wise”, Luarca also developed into a whaling port.

Luarca’s cemetery is located on the La Atalaya promontory and contains modernist tombs and chapels, as well as the grave of Severo Ochoa. The La Atalaya chapel dates from the 13th century and is dedicated to the Virgen de La Blanca and Jesús Nazareno.

Most examples of eclectic Indianos architecture in Luarca are located in the Villar and Barcellina districts. They include Villa Carmen, Villa Rosario, Villa La Argentina, Villa Excélsior and Villa Tarsila. The Casa de las Artes y las Ciencias is a space for the dissemination of art and science, associated with the legacy of Gil Parrondo, Margarita Salas and Severo Ochoa.

The Mesa de Mareantes y Navegantes is decorated with 15 Talavera ceramic mosaics depicting legends and events from local history. The Puente del Beso is associated with a local legend about the pirate Cambaral and the daughter of the governor of Luarca.

Coast and Port

Luarca’s port allows recreational and leisure boats to moor. At the Lonja de Luarca in the fishing port, visitors can take part in an auction of fish freshly brought in from the sea.

The Faro de Luarca dates from the mid-19th century. It stands at a site where fires were once lit to guide sailors to a safe mooring.

The celebrations in honour of Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Luarca include a maritime procession on 15 August, known as the Saleo.

Nature and Trails

The Bosque-Jardín de la Fonte Baxa in El Chano features a great variety of plants from all five continents. The grounds cover 10 hectares and offer numerous walking paths and secluded spots.

The Ruta de la Cangrexa follows impressive cliffs, rock formations and unique seascapes, connects with the Camino de Santiago and then returns to Luarca. The Camino de Santiago passes through Luarca and El Chano.

The Museo del Calamar Gigante displays more than ten specimens of various giant squid species, as well as interactive activities for adults and children.

Other Places

Cadavedo, Canero, Almuña, Brieves, Barcia, Boronas

To the higher-level travel overview: Valdés.