With impressive cliffs, rock formations and unique seascapes, the route links up with the Camino de Santiago before returning to Luarca/Ḷḷuarca, where you can enjoy its seafaring history and gastronomy.

The Cangrexa Route in Barcia (Valdés) has its official starting point at the church of San Sebastián de Barcia, although on this route we propose to begin in Luarca/Ḷḷuarca, making it possible to include a visit to the town before setting out on the route.

From the Llera car park in Luarca/Ḷḷuarca, we head towards the Luarca lighthouse and the Atalaya chapel, passing by the Luarca viewpoint and the Mesa de los Mareantes, privileged vantage points overlooking the port and the coast.

The route continues to Portizuelo beach, one of the most iconic spots on the route, famous for its rock formations and natural pools that emerge at low tide. This place, of great scenic beauty, is ideal for photography and birdwatching.

Bordering the coast, the path leads to Chao beach, a quiet spot surrounded by cliffs and coastal vegetation, where the sound of the sea and the sea breeze invite you to pause and enjoy the surroundings.

Further on, the route crosses La Polea beach and Los Molinos beach, where the coastal atmosphere blends with the aroma of damp earth in a landscape that transmits calm and disconnection.

From Los Molinos beach, there are two options: to return along the path or to continue towards Barcia, the original starting point of the route. In Barcia, we can visit the church of San Sebastián and the El Pradón recreational area before linking up with the Camino de Santiago, which will take us back to Luarca/Ḷḷuarca.

At the end of the route, we can visit the church of Santa Eulalia and enjoy seafood cuisine in the port, closing the day with an immersion in the local culture.

  • The route partially coincides with the Way of St. James.
  • There is a FEVE station on the Chao beach.
  • Local footpath - Signposted by the Asoc. Vecinos de Barcia
  • The connection between Luarca/Ḷḷuarca and Barcia is not signposted.

Basic tips before going into the mountains

  • Avoid approaching livestock.
  • If you find mastiffs protecting livestock, do not approach them, do not pet them and do not feed them. Do not allow them to follow you or stray from their herd. They are working.
  • If you go with a dog, always keep it on a leash.
  • Don't leave a trail. Collect all your waste, including organic waste. Nature is not a dumping ground.
  • Act with prudence. Plan your route well, take everything you need and make sure it is adapted to your physical capacity.

Imagen información More recommendations for planning your route

Interpretative signs next to the access to Portizuelo beach.
White chapel on the cape of Luarca with views of the Cantabrian Sea.
Luarca lighthouse lit at dusk next to coastal road
Panoramic view of the town centre of Luarca crossed by the river Negro.
Tower of the church of Santa Eulalia de Luarca under a blue sky
Vegetation-covered coastal rock in front of the sea at Chao Beach
Rocky cliffs at Portizuelo Beach under cloudy skies
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