Northern Spain boasts stunning coastal towns where the mountains meet the sea. This day trip explores three of the most picturesque – Luarca, Cudillero, and Avilés. Travelers will discover historic landmarks, indulge in traditional Asturian cuisine, and soak in the region’s natural beauty. With live guides providing insights, it’s an immersive cultural experience. At just $42.50 per person, it’s an affordable way to see the highlights of this captivating corner of Spain.
Key Points
- Comprehensive day trip from Gijón exploring the scenic towns of Luarca, Cudillero, and Avilés, offering a blend of natural beauty and historic sites.
- Tour duration of 9 hours with a cost of $42.50 per person and a free cancellation policy.
- Highlights include the picturesque harbors, traditional Asturian cuisine, and the postmodern architectural masterpiece of the Niemeyer Centre in Avilés.
- Live guides available in Spanish and English, though the tour is primarily conducted in Spanish with limited English explanations.
- Mixed reviews on guide language proficiency, with recommendations for non-Spanish speakers to utilize Google Translate or pre-recorded audio guides.
Overview of the Day Trip
The day trip from Gijón takes travelers on a journey to explore the picturesque towns of Luarca, Cudillero, and Avilés, offering a glimpse into the region’s scenic environment and rich cultural heritage.
Explore the picturesque towns of Luarca, Cudillero, and Avilés on a journey through the region’s scenic environment and cultural heritage.
Lasting 9 hours, the tour departs from Gijón and costs $42.50 per person, with a free cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option.
The itinerary includes visits to landmarks like Plaza Miares, Ermita de La Regalina, the Church of Jesus del Nazareno, and the Niemeyer Centre.
Multilingual live guides provide insights, though English explanations may be limited.
Reviews praise the tour’s value and transportation, though language barriers can pose challenges.
Looking for more options in Cudillero? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Exploring Luarca
As the first stop on the day trip, Luarca captivates visitors with its scenic environment where the sea meets the mountains.
Travelers explore the town’s charming Plaza Miares, home to the historic Church of Santa María. Nearby, the Ermita de La Regalina offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline.
Luarca’s picturesque harbor and fishing boats provide a glimpse into the local maritime culture. With its blend of natural beauty and historic sites, the town is a highlight of the day’s journey, setting the stage for the other destinations on the itinerary.
Discovering Cudillero
After exploring the scenic Luarca, the tour continues to the charming town of Cudillero, famous for its unique inclined streets and vibrant culture. Visitors can enjoy the local gastronomy and explore notable sites like the Church of Jesus del Nazareno and La Quinta de Selgas.
| Site | Description |
| — | — |
| Church of Jesus del Nazareno | Historic church in the heart of Cudillero |
| La Quinta de Selgas | Neoclassical palace and gardens |
| Local Gastronomy | Opportunity to savor traditional Asturian dishes |
| Inclined Streets | Unique architectural feature of Cudillero |
Experiencing Avilés
Next, the tour ventures to Avilés, a city rich in both history and modernity.
Visitors explore the historic center, marveling at the Church of Sabugo and the grand Plaza de la Merced.
The highlight is the striking Niemeyer Centre, a postmodern architectural masterpiece designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.
Participants wander through its exhibition spaces and admire its bold, curving forms.
While Avilés offers a mix of the old and new, the tour balances culture with ample free time for independent discovery and dining on local cuisine.
The day in Avilés caps off an enriching excursion along the Asturian coast.
More Great Tours NearbyTransportation and Meeting Point
The tour begins with participants meeting at the designated meeting point in Gijón, where they look for the Buendía Tours logo.
Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended. Transportation for the day trip is provided via a comfortable coach. The journey takes approximately 9 hours, covering the scenic routes to Luarca, Cudillero, and Avilés.
Participants can opt for the "Reserve now & pay later" option, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour’s overall price of $42.50 per person offers a savings of up to 7% compared to the original $45.70.
Language and Guide Assistance
How do the language and guide assistance options fare on this day trip from Gijón?
This tour provides live guides in both Spanish and English. However, the tour is primarily conducted in Spanish, with English explanations provided when possible.
For groups with more than 6 English-speaking participants, a dedicated English guide will be assigned. For non-Spanish speakers, it’s recommended to use Google Translate or pre-recorded audio guides to enhance understanding.
While reviews are mixed on the language proficiency of guides, the tour company acknowledges the need for improved English support, such as pre-recorded audio guides, to cater to all participants.
Participant Feedback and Ratings
According to the reviews, participants have given the day trip from Gijón an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 41 reviews.
The transportation aspect received a 4.8/5 rating, while the value for money was rated 4.7/5.
However, there were mixed opinions on the language proficiency of the guides, with some English speakers facing translation challenges.
To improve the experience for non-Spanish speakers, the tour operator may consider providing pre-recorded English audio guides.
Important Practical Considerations
While the day trip from Gijón includes a moderate amount of walking, it may not be suitable for wheelchair users.
Participants are encouraged to bring their passport or ID card and prepare for the weather by packing rain jackets and umbrellas. The tour operates rain or shine, so being prepared for potential inclement conditions is advised.
Plus, the multilingual aspect of the tour can pose some challenges for non-Spanish speakers, who may benefit from using Google Translate or pre-recorded audio guides to enhance their understanding of the tour’s content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour details do not mention any restrictions on outside food and beverages, allowing travelers to pack their own refreshments for the day.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour does not offer discounts for children or seniors. The standard price of $42.50 per person applies to all participants, regardless of age. However, the tour provides a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Can the Tour Be Customized to My Interests?
The tour can’t be customized to individual interests, but travelers can explore the highlighted sites at their own pace during the scheduled stops. Personalized experiences may be limited due to the group nature of the tour.
Are There Restroom Breaks During the Day?
The tour includes restroom breaks throughout the day, allowing participants to freshen up at the different stops in Luarca, Cudillero, and Avilés. Restroom facilities are available at each location, providing a comfortable experience during the 9-hour excursion.
How Strict Is the Cancellation Policy?
The cancellation policy is quite flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives participants the option to cancel without penalty if their plans change.
The Sum Up
This day trip from Gijón offers a chance to discover the stunning coastal towns of northern Spain. Visitors can explore picturesque Luarca, charming Cudillero, and historic Avilés, all while seeing the region’s rich culture and cuisine. With live guides and convenient transportation, this excursion provides an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty and architectural wonders of Asturias.
You can check availability for your dates here: