If you venture to the Museo del Jurásico de Asturias, Playa de La Griega or Playa de La Espasa while in Asturias, make sure you visit Lastres (or Llastres as it’s known locally). Situated in the Colunga region, this small fishing village is ranked one of the most beautiful in Spain. With narrow cobbled streets and houses with pretty balconies, it’s a delightful place for a wander.
The popular Spanish TV series “Doctor Mateo” was filmed in Lastres but there have been others. It’s one of the most photographed destinations in Asturias and rightly so although we do prefer the off the beaten track mountain regions. With much of Lastres on a slope, it makes for a great workout – the reward a nice cold drink in one of the many cafes. We opted to park at the top of the village, which is quieter, and walk down albeit not all the way to the port with a six year old in tow. POD liked the little play area, known as the Recreational Area of Maria of Sabada, which has swings, a slide and a grassed picnic area with tables. It’s just down from the impressive Church of Santa María de Sabada. Built in the 18th century, it has a bell tower, a single nave and two side chapels.
Heading down the narrow cobbled streets, we discovered pretty alleyways some adorned with colourful flags, the Chapel of the Good Success and the Clock Tower. There’s plenty to see although for kids, their entertainment will come from the nearby dinosaur museum or beaches. By the tourist office in the Cuesta del Barrigón is a statue which has been erected in honour of the Sardineras de Lastres. It’s an old fisherwoman carrying a bucket on her head and was made from green metal oxide by sculptor J. Zaratiegui. The Lastres port is well known and has been for many centuries providing fish and seafood to local restuarants, there are around 50 boats docked at the port.
The Mirador de San Roque is well worth a visit as the views of Lastres and nearby Playa de La Griega are quite spectacular. The weather wasn’t on our side the day we ventured up but the downpour meant we were able to park in the car park with ease. We were hoping to eat at the El Mirador Restaurant, next to the San Roque viewpoint, but decided against it as the staff weren’t especially welcoming. We did have a drink there and the views are quite magnificent but the area we were in next to the main restaurant became pretty wet. The food at the El Mirador Restaurant is supposed to be excellent though and POD enjoyed watching the lobsters bob around in their tank! Lastres is a great spot and well worth a visit if you’re in the local area especially if you fancy giving those thighs a workout!
