{"id":119343,"date":"2025-04-17T14:32:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T14:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/?p=119343"},"modified":"2025-04-17T14:32:26","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T14:32:26","slug":"what-to-see-in-colunga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/what-to-see-in-colunga\/","title":{"rendered":"What to see in Colunga"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-118987 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Mundiplus.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1023\" height=\"539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Mundiplus.png 1023w, https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Mundiplus-300x158.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Mundiplus-768x405.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Mundiplus-600x316.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are walking the <\/span><b>Camino del Norte<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you\u2019ve probably heard of towns like Llanes, Ribadesella or Villaviciosa. But in between, almost quietly, there\u2019s <\/span><b>Colunga<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a stop along the way that surprises with its mix of history, sea and nature.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This Asturian town is much more than just a stopover. Here, you can recharge with good cider and even better food, visit centuries-old churches, or even travel millions of years back in time by visiting <\/span><b>beaches with dinosaur footprints<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And if you still have energy, the surrounding area offers routes along the coast or the mountains with unforgettable views.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we\u2019ll tell you <\/span><b>everything you can see and do in Colunga as a pilgrim<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so that this section of the Camino becomes one of the most cherished parts of your journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Colunga, a key point on the Camino del Norte<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before talking about Colunga and the Camino del Norte, let us tell you about the advantages of taking the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/\"> <b>organised Camino de Santiago<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is an ideal option for both first-time pilgrims and those who wish to <\/span><b>focus solely on enjoying the journey<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without worrying about accommodation or luggage transport. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agencies like Mundiplus advise on different routes, adjusting the number of stages and the difficulty level according to each traveller&#8217;s needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Camino del Norte is one of the oldest historical routes of the Camino de Santiago. It runs along the entire Cantabrian coast, offering sea and mountain landscapes, fishing villages, and a <\/span><b>peacefulness that distinguishes it from more crowded routes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On this route, Colunga becomes a particularly attractive stop due to its heritage, cuisine, and its proximity to iconic landmarks like the Jurassic Museum and the beach of La Griega.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the Camino del Norte means opting for a <\/span><b>less crowded experience<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with challenging stages rewarded by breathtaking landscapes. It is perfect for those seeking introspection, nature, and authenticity. While the stretch from Colunga is not the most popular among those starting their pilgrimage, it is <\/span><b>part of one of the most spectacular areas of the route<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another particularity of this route is that it <\/span><b>offers very diverse landscapes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In fact, it is probably the <\/span><b>most heterogeneous alternative<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/caminos\/a-pie\/camino-norte\/camino-de-santiago-desde-bilbao\/\"><b>Camino de Santiago from Bilbao<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Santander runs between cliffs, urban beaches, and charming villages. It combines urban culture and natural surroundings in the same stretch.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/caminos\/a-pie\/camino-de-santiago-desde-ribadeo\/\"><b>Camino Santiago from Ribadeo<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lets you enjoy the final part of the Camino del Norte, combining <\/span><b>Galician nature and heritage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you have less time, starting here is a great way to complete the last 190 kilometres to Santiago, ensuring you get your Compostela.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Differences with other routes<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/caminos\/a-pie\/camino-portugues\/camino-de-santiago-desde-tui\/\"> <b>Camino Santiago from Tui<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> crosses southern Galicia, with a smoother and more accessible profile. It\u2019s perfect for those with limited time or seeking a route with more services and a stronger Jacobean atmosphere.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Camino Franc\u00e9s<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> remains <\/span><b>the most popular route<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. With better infrastructure and a very social atmosphere, it\u2019s ideal if you want to meet pilgrims from all over the world and have all services at hand.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Camino Primitivo, considered the oldest, offers a <\/span><b>more physically demanding experience<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It crosses mountainous landscapes, perfect for those looking for solitude, wild nature, and a stronger spiritual component.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Camino Ingl\u00e9s<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is also a perfect option for those <\/span><b>with less time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> but wanting the complete experience. It\u2019s a shorter route but still holds all the Jacobean symbolism.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And then there is the Camino del Norte. It is the most Atlantic, the greenest, and also one of the most diverse in terms of landscapes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>What to see and do in Colunga<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>The town of Colunga and its heritage<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the urban centre of Colunga, you can take an extraordinary tour through different buildings that reflect its rich history. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Church of San Crist\u00f3bal el Real<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was built at the end of the <\/span><b>19th century<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It stands out for its three-nave architecture, surrounded by an open porch, and its slender tower topped with a spire.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opposite it, the <\/span><b>House of the Alonso Covi\u00e1n family<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, dating from the <\/span><b>16th century<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is notable for being an example of <\/span><b>Renaissance Asturian architecture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In the same area, the <\/span><b>House and shop of the Pablos<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, from 1910, showcases a modernist facade.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, the <\/span><b>\u00c1lvarez de Colunga Palace<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, now the town hall, is a <\/span><b>17th-century Baroque building<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that houses the town&#8217;s coat of arms. This palace is a classic example of Asturian Baroque architecture, with a central tower that gives it a distinctive and imposing appearance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along with these emblematic buildings, Colunga has noble houses and mansions that reflect the history and culture of the region, with a rich heritage that includes hermitages such as the <\/span><b>Santa Ana<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> chapel from the 16th century, and the <\/span><b>Virgin of Loreto<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> chapel from the 17th century.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>The Island: beaches and coastal paths<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-119301 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/La-Isla-Mundiplus.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/La-Isla-Mundiplus.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/La-Isla-Mundiplus-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/La-Isla-Mundiplus-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/La-Isla-Mundiplus-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A few kilometres from Colunga, <\/span><b>La Isla<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a small town known for its beaches and coastal charm. Its beach, along with others nearby, is an ideal spot for resting by the sea. A <\/span><b>cliffside path<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers panoramic views, especially recommended at dawn or sunset.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>La Espasa Beach: nature and leisure<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">La <\/span><b>Espasa Beach<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, located on the border between the municipalities of Caravia and Colunga in Asturias, is a large golden sand beach approximately <\/span><b>1150 metres<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> long. Although only a small part belongs to Colunga, the beach is known for its easy access and semi-urban environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>La Griega Beach and Dinosaur Footprints<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-119313 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Playa-de-La-Griega-Mundiplus.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Playa-de-La-Griega-Mundiplus.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Playa-de-La-Griega-Mundiplus-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Playa-de-La-Griega-Mundiplus-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Playa-de-La-Griega-Mundiplus-600x450.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">La Griega Beach is famous for hosting <b>fossilised dinosaur footprints<\/b>, remnants from the Jurassic period, between 201 and 145 million years ago. These footprints, visible along a marked trail, primarily belong to quadruped dinosaurs such as <b>sauropods<\/b> and <b>stegosaurs<\/b>, as well as bipedal theropods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Jurassic Museum of Asturias: A Journey Through Time<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Near this beach, the <b>Jurassic Museum of Asturias<\/b> (MUJA) stands with its characteristic <b>three-toed footprint shape<\/b>. Inside, an extensive collection of fossils, models, and life-size reproductions of dinosaurs illustrate the evolution of life during the Mesozoic era.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the museum, located on the Rasa de San Telmo, there are <b>educational activities<\/b> and guided tours to deepen the knowledge of these prehistoric giants.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Lastres: Maritime Charm and Panoramic Views<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-119307 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Lastres-Mundiplus.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"641\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Lastres-Mundiplus.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Lastres-Mundiplus-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Lastres-Mundiplus-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Lastres-Mundiplus-600x376.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Lastres<\/b> is a fishing village known for its picturesque historic centre and <b>fishing port<\/b>. Its steep cobbled streets lead to viewpoints offering stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Asturian coast.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <b>San Roque Viewpoint<\/b> is a notable spot to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings. Additionally, Lastres was the setting for the television series &#8220;Doctor Mateo&#8221;, allowing visitors to explore filming locations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Santiago de Gobiendes Church: Pre-Romanesque Heritage<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the parish of Gobiendes, you will find the <b>Santiago Church<\/b>, a prominent example of <b>Asturian pre-Romanesque<\/b> architecture. Although it was <b>renovated in the 19th century<\/b>, it retains original elements such as capitals and windows that attest to its ancient and historical value.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its location, near the Sierra del Sueve and the Cantabrian Sea, adds a scenic appeal to the visit, highlighting its cultural and natural significance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><b>Sierra del Sueve: Nature and Hiking Trails<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the <b>Sierra del Sueve<\/b>, just 16 kilometres away, you will find an exceptional natural environment, perfect for hikers and wildlife watchers. It is home to the <b>Asturian pony<\/b>, as well as being a protected area with great landscape and ecological value. It features several trails that pass through forests and meadows, offering unique views of both the coast and the inland areas of Asturias.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Local Cuisine, Festivals, and Cultural Events<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The local cuisine will delight you with fresh fish such as grilled sardines and hake, alongside traditional dishes like fabes with fish and seafood. Cider is a typical drink that pairs perfectly with meals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colunga hosts events such as the Semana de les Fabes and fish festivals, showcasing its cultural identity.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are walking the Camino del Norte, you\u2019ve probably heard of towns like Llanes, Ribadesella or Villaviciosa. But in between, almost quietly, there\u2019s Colunga, a stop along the way that surprises with its mix of history, sea and nature. This Asturian town is much more than just a stopover. Here, you can recharge with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":119302,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[523,536,534],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-119343","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pueblos-y-comarcas-en","category-camino-a-pie-en","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119343","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=119343"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/119343\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/119302"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=119343"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=119343"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=119343"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}