Spain’s little-known village with ‘hanging houses’ is a hidden gem overlooked by tourists

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

But at a time when popular destinations are pushing back against overtourism, lesser-known gems are finding themselves in the spotlight.

And, for those actively seeking tourists, there’s nothing we love more at Metro Travel than putting them on the map.

One place worth your time is Cudillero, a small and unassuming fishing port in Asturias, northern Spain. Nestled in the Pico Paradiella mountains, with a surrounding landscape of rolling hills and horseshoe cliffs, it’s an Instagrammer’s paradise.

But its defining feature is the brightly-coloured ‘hanging houses’ that protrude from the hillside.

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.

What to do in Cudillero

First up, let’s talk about the views. If you’re an avid hiker, Cudillero and its surrounding areas should be on your hit list. The region boasts diverse trails suitable for all skill levels, 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 focuses 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.

This year, the traditional festival will be celebrated on Sunday, July 21, with the maritime procession in the Plaza de la Marina being the main attraction.

Throughout the day, expect the Avante Cuideiru Bagpipe Band, a concert by the San Pedro de Cudillero Mixed Choir, the folk group Arduríu Pixuatu, and even a DJ set. The festival is free to visit, but certain venues within the festival are ticketed.

How to get to Cudillero

The closest airport to Cudillero is Asturias Airport, around 10 miles away. On July 1, Spanish budget airline Vueling is operating a flight from London Gatwick for just £65. The journey takes 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Bristol, Birmingham, and Edinburgh also fly to Asturias, however there are no direct routes. 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.