Cadavedo is a small village in the municipality of Valdés, on the western coast of Asturias between Cudillero and Luarca. It was named the most beautiful village in Asturias in 1954. Most people come for one view: a white hermitage and two hórreos on a green meadow at the edge of a cliff.
We came from our base in Novellana in July 2021 with our boys, then 8 and 5. Cadavedo, Cabo Busto and Luarca fit easily into one day on this stretch of coast.
The short version
- Where: Valdés, western Asturias, between Cudillero and Luarca.
- Don’t miss: the La Regalina viewpoint and hermitage on the clifftop.
- Beach: Playa de Cadavedo (La Ribeirona), 2 km from the village down a signposted road, with parking at the end. It’s a mix of sand and stones.
- Nearby: Cabo Busto lighthouse has an easy clifftop walk of about 3.3 km. Hold small hands near the edge.
- Time: a couple of hours for Cadavedo, or a full day with Busto and Luarca.
Short on time? Our top 3 picks on the western Asturias coast
Albergue Andén de Novellana – Novellana, a simple hostel in the old railway station with family rooms and a shared kitchen, minutes from the Playa del Silencio clifftop.
La Casona de Pío – Cudillero, a converted fish-salting factory a short walk from the harbour, with a home-made breakfast.
Hotel El Rosal de Cudillero – Cudillero, a renovated mansion with a garden and free parking, one of the best-rated stays on this coast.
La Regalina: the viewpoint everyone comes for
The Ermita de La Regalina sits on high cliffs above a wide meadow with two hórreos (the raised Asturian granaries), with open views of the coast in both directions. It’s the photo you’ve probably already seen of Cadavedo. It looks just as good in person.
It’s a meadow on a cliff, so there are no railings everywhere. With young children, keep them close near the edge.
On the last Sunday of August the meadow hosts the Fiesta de La Regalina, a traditional romería founded in 1931 and declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in Asturias. Expect crowds and closed roads that day, or come for the fiesta itself.
Playa de Cadavedo
The village beach, also called La Ribeirona, is about 2 km from Cadavedo down a signposted road off the N-632, with parking at the bottom. It’s around 400 metres long, curved like a shell, and mixes sand with rounded stones and rocks. Bring water shoes for small feet.
The smaller coves nearby, El Churín and Tablizo, have difficult footpath access. I wouldn’t try them with young children.
Cabo Busto lighthouse walk
A short drive west, Cabo Busto is a headland with a lighthouse, a car park and a picnic area. A route of about 3.3 km links a series of clifftop viewpoints looking along the coast towards Luarca, and it takes 1–2 hours depending on how often you stop. It’s easy enough for children. Keep them away from the cliff edges.
Cadavedo, Busto and Luarca in one day
This is how I’d plan it from a base between Cudillero and Luarca:
- Morning: La Regalina viewpoint in Cadavedo, before the day visitors arrive.
- Late morning: Playa de Cadavedo if the weather’s good, or straight on to Cabo Busto for the walk and a picnic.
- Afternoon: Luarca for the harbour and dinner.
Where to stay near Cadavedo
We stayed at Albergue Andén de Novellana, a simple hostel in Novellana’s old railway station, about 15 minutes east. It put Cadavedo, Cudillero and Luarca all within easy reach. Luarca has the most hotels if you want a town base.
More: Our Barcelona to Asturias road trip with kids · Tapia de Casariego
Exploring the western coast? See hotels in and around Luarca →
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cadavedo?
Cadavedo is a village in the municipality of Valdés on the western coast of Asturias, between Cudillero and Luarca.
What is La Regalina in Cadavedo?
La Regalina is a hermitage and viewpoint on the cliffs above Cadavedo, with two hórreos on the meadow beside it. On the last Sunday of August it hosts the Fiesta de La Regalina, a Festival of Tourist Interest in Asturias.
Is Playa de Cadavedo good for kids?
Yes, with water shoes. It is about 400 metres long, reached by road with parking at the end, and mixes sand with stones and rocks. The smaller coves nearby have difficult access.
Is the Cabo Busto walk suitable for children?
Yes. The clifftop route from the lighthouse is about 3.3 km and takes 1–2 hours. There is parking and a picnic area, but keep children away from the cliff edges.
How long do you need in Cadavedo?
A couple of hours for the viewpoint and beach. Add Cabo Busto and Luarca for an easy full day.
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