In the northern coast of Spain, in the region of Asturias, there is a little parish village named Luarca. It is an interesting spot along the northern Way of Saint James where so many pilgrims stop by. Its church is the symbol of the village and it was dedicated to Santa Eulalia. The main thing to be visited there are the old lighthouse and the Marqués de Ferrera Castle, a three buildings complex rom the XVI and XVIII centuries. They are now used as a Library and the Cultural centre of Luarca.
The town is situated in the lap of nature surrounded by huge cliffs and mountains consisting of a variety of flora and fauna. The town is full of tall white buildings which look gorgeous in the morning.
During night, when the city light lights turn on, the town bathes in a soothing ambiance. People can enjoy drinks and meals while enjoying the excellent view of the yachts and ferries in the harbor. Folks can sunbathe and chill out in the morning. The town folk is very warm and welcoming and engages with as much enthusiasm with the visitors like they are family.
The port of Luarca is the heart of this seaside town. Like almost all ports, it offers a nice view of the houses built around it and which shape the typical seaside neighbourhood with narrow streets.
The town of Luarca is divided into three areas: One is the Sailors’ area, the oldest part and this is one of the most charming views of Luarca. Another one is the Bourgeois area, which is in the middle of the town and it is recognizable because of the Council and Casino buildings and the park. The Indianos’ area is the third place, called Villar, at the top of Luarca, with numerous houses with garden characteristic silhouette built in the late nineteenth century, by the migrants who came back from South America.
One of the most interesting places to see is the cemetery which is multi-layered and provides an excellent view of harbor from top. The cemetery is reputed to be one of the most beautiful ones in Spain. Also lighthouse in Luarca offer one of the nicest views in town. It is 150 years old and is placed on a hill over Punta Focicón, at the east side of the harbour. It is built over a square base covered by a slate roof. It also hosts a house by the tower.
Another nice viewpoint from top of the Luarca is Mirador del Chano. From this location, which is easily accessible by car (parking just 50 meters from the Chapel of San Martin, located on the same viewpoint) or walking from the Fish neighbourhood by climbing a long, quirky staircase. From this viewpoint, you can see almost all of Luarca as you move through it, from the modern urban area, to the beaches and the whole area of the pier where you can see the colourful harbour with boats coming and going and the beautiful terraced houses in the Cambaral Marine Quarter.
Divided into two halves by the river Negro, the town of Luarca is held together thanks to her 7 bridges. Each of them outstands on their own, due to their architectural characteristics. The most famous is “bridge kiss.” This name was inspired by the tragic love story given between the daughter of the noble knight Hidalgo and the Dread pirate Cambaral, whose heads were cut by the bridge when they were kissing passionately before the flight.
Other places to visit in Luarca are the giant squid centre near the lighthouse, Fonte Baixa Gardens-s, a gorgeous botanical garden with hundreds of astonishing species of flowers, plants and trees from all over the world, the palace of the Marquis de la Ferrera, Bruxu fountain built in 1764, Church of Santa Eulalia – one of the great architectural jewels that Luarca has to offer. These attractions are really beautiful to experience.
One can also visit the nearby places like Cuddilero, the exotic Gijon, the marvelous Aviles and the magnetic Oviedo. These places attract as much tourism as Luarca and are worth of visiting at least once.