Colunga’s historic centre is densely built and irregularly laid out; it preserves a significant architectural heritage. There is also a walking tour of the Villa de Colunga, with discoveries between the Cantabrian Sea and the Sierra del Sueve. Those wishing to focus on culture, the coast or nature will find a range of themes for their trip here.
Culture and Architecture in Colunga
The walking tour of the Villa de Colunga winds through streets and squares and highlights old chapels, palatial houses and modernist mansions. For much of its route, it follows the Camino de Santiago. Colunga is part of the Camino de Santiago del Norte; the route through the town offers services for pilgrims arriving by land or sea. The walking tour thus connects two perspectives on Colunga: the architecture in the town and the pilgrimage route.
The Museo del Jurásico de Asturias (MUJA) is located on the Rasa de San Telmo. From there, visitors can enjoy views of the port of Lastres and Playa de La Griega beach. The museum garden is home to more than 39 life-size dinosaur replicas. Santiago de Gobiendes is also near Colunga: the temple dates from the late 9th century and is an example of Asturian pre-Romanesque art.
Coast and Walking Trails
Nearby, Playa de La Griega is a semi-urban beach with golden sand and road access. From there, a path just over half a kilometre long leads to dinosaur footprints. The beach and path thus offer two different ways to explore the coast and the traces of dinosaurs.
Colunga’s network of walking trails ranges from coastal paths and family walks to climbs to the peaks of the Sierra del Sueve. La Biescona, the only beech forest in the Sierra del Sueve, is also nearby. It can be visited via a walking route that is particularly impressive in autumn. The Sierra’s landscape provides habitats for fallow deer, Asturcones and mountain birds; nature enthusiasts will find a different focus here than on a stroll through the historic centre.
Getting Active
Colunga has eight road cycling routes, as well as a cycling route suitable for families. For water sports, visitors can learn to surf and paddle surf with local guides, or do both independently. There is one clear restriction on the wave “La Ola de la Verdad”: it is suitable for experts only. When comparing activities, bear in mind the difference between options with instruction or independent participation and the wave explicitly reserved for experts.
Food Culture and Event Dates
Food festivals take place throughout the year, offering tastings, street food and themed menus in a festive atmosphere. Events include competitions for fabas bean producers and homemade compango, as well as themed menus, workshops and a market for food products and crafts. Dates and programmes may vary; if you are planning to attend a particular event, check the latest information.
Making cider at home is also part of Colunga’s food culture. It is common practice and an activity involving the whole family. Together with the festivals, this offers a glimpse of two different sides of local food culture: preparing cider together at home and public events with tastings, menus and market stalls.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Obaya, Luces, Lastres, Libardón, Sales, Pivierda.
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