Lesser-known Spanish village with ‘hanging houses’ is a gem with quick £65 flights

In Barcelona, there’s the Sagrada Familia. In Madrid, the Royal Palace. In Puerto Banús, it’s all about the luxury marina.

It’s not quite as catchy, but in Cudillero, the defining feature is the ‘hanging houses’ embroidered along the hillside.

Nestled in the Pico Paradiella mountains, the unassuming fishing port in Asturias, northern Spain, is an Instagrammer’s paradise, surrounded by rolling hills and horseshoe cliffs.

Of course, the buildings don’t actually hang from the rocks, but the way they’ve been built makes them look as though they’re perched on the edge, overlooking the harbour.

If this mental picture has already made you want to book flights, then let us help you plan your itinerary. Cudillero isn’t just a pretty face; there’s so much more to this picturesque village than meets the eye.

Things to do in Cudillero

First up, let’s talk about the views. If you’re an avid hiker, Cudillero and the Asturias region should be on your hit list.

The landscape is full of trails suitable for every skill level, with standout landmarks including the lighthouse, La Garita, La Atalaya and El Pico.

There’s also the Cabo Vidio, a coastal area with cliffs and viewpoints. Not to mention Mirador de la Garita-Atalaya, another iconic viewpoint with panoramic scenes of Cudillero harbour.

For those who like a challenge, Cudillero is part of the spiritual Camino del Norte pilgrimage route. While trekking in the area, you’ll find panoramic landscapes, from verdant forests, the Cantabrian Sea and stretches of rugged coastline.

If sightseeing without hiking up mountains is more your vibe, Cudillero on the ground is just as stunning.

The village’s two most important buildings are the 13th-century chapel of El Humilladero, the oldest in town, and the Church of San Pedro, a 16th-century Gothic-style parish church replete with Baroque carvings. Both buildings are open to the public.

Once you’ve checked out the architecture, take a stroll around the village. The narrow cobbled square is home to the fish taverns, which are the main tourist attraction, according to Cudillero’s tourism website.

TripAdvisor rates Restaurante Isabel as the best restaurant in the village, and diners seem to agree. From the traditional rustic blue and white interior, to the generous portions of local seafood, one visitor said they enjoyed ‘premium product and exceptional care.’ Another said ‘do not pass without stopping,’ while a third spotlighted the ‘delicious’ lobster rice.

Prices here range in affordability. Fabas con Almejas (beans with clams) costs €15 (£12.82). The lobster rice (Arroz de Bogavante) is €30 (£25.64), while a Caldereta de Pescados (fish stew) will set you back €60 (£51.28).

As Cudillero is a coastal town, the village is perfect for beach lovers. Playa de San Pedro is a popular spot, as it sits between the ocean and the Esqueiro River.

There’s also Pedreru de la Concha de Artedo, which is a 15-minute drive from town. Here you’ll find a long stretch of sand, pebbles and cobalt blue water. If you’re looking for more seclusion, Playa del Silencio is a 20-minute drive away. Also known as ‘Silence Beach,’ this shell-shaped cove is only accessible via dirt track and steps.

Back in Cudillero, relax in the Plaza de la Marina, the lively square and heart of the village. This spot has the best views of the ‘hanging houses,’ as they surround the plaza. Sip on an Aperol Spritz or enjoy a spot of lunch at one of the many bars and restaurants.

The plaza is much more than just an attractive lunch spot, though.

It dates back centuries and has always been the epicentre of Cudillero’s social and commercial activity. Many of the buildings were constructed during medieval times, when the village was purely reliant on its fishing industry.

Nowadays, Cudillero’s economy relies on tourism, but residents still respect the village’s past. This is most obvious during July’s Fiesta del Carmen, an important date in Cudillero’s calendar, where locals and fishermen come together to pay homage to their patron saint.

How to get to Cudillero

The closest airport to Cudillero is Asturias Airport, around 10 miles away. Spanish budget airline Vueling flies from London Gatwick for as little as £65, even in summer. The journey takes 1 hour and 55 minutes.

You can also fly to Asturias from Bristol, Birmingham, and Edinburgh airports, but not direct. You’ll need to stop in Barcelona, Alicante and Frankfurt. The average flight time is around 6 hours.

What’s the weather like in Cudillero?

Cudillero has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, meaning mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

August is the hottest month, with temperatures averaging around 23°C. June, July and September range between 20°C and 22°C.

The shoulder season, late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), enjoys a comfortable heat between 18°C and 20°C, while the winter months can peak around 13°C to 14°C.