Page 104 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Northern Spain

102  NOR THERN SP AIN REGION B Y REGION

E Cueva de Tito Bustillo from Roman times, when a
Ribadesella. Tel 985 18 58 60. major port already existed here.
Open mid-Mar–Oct: 10am–5pm Alfonso I of Asturias populated
Wed–Sun. & (free Wed if booked in the expanding town under his
advance by calling the number colonization policy, while
above). Children over 7 only. Alfonso VIII of Castile granted
∑ centrotitobustillo.com it privileges in 1210.
For centuries, San Vicente
Environs was an important stopover for
Nearby is the charming town of pilgrims travelling to Santiago
Llanes, ever popular for its well- de Compostela (see pp24–5).
preserved medieval quarter, its Today, it boasts a rich artistic
busy fishing port and its 30 legacy, which includes the
beau tiful sandy beaches. The Iglesia de Santa María de los
Asturian coast is the most imp- Ángeles, built between the
ortant Jurassic site in Spain. The 13th and 16th centuries. The
interactive and family-oriented interior features the beautiful
Museo Jurásico, near the village tomb of the Inquisitor Antonio
The richly decorated altar at the church of of Colunga, 46 km (29 miles) east del Corro, who is shown in a
San Salvador in Llanes of Villaviciosa (see p99), contains reclining pose immersed in
around 20 replica dinosaurs. A the pages of a book.
t Ribadesella great walking trail, which takes The 15th-century monastery
in some of the best fossils and of El Santuario de la Barquera
Asturias. Road Map E1. * 5,900.
n Paseo Princesa Letizia; 985 86 00 38. dinosaur tracks in the region, and El Convento de San Luis is
( Wed. _ Descent of the Río Sella begins on nearby Griega beach. worth a visit. Now a private
(1st Sat in Aug). ∑ ribadesella.es property, it is open to the public
E Museo Jurásico between April and July, and in
The old port straddling the Playa de la Griega, Colunga. mid- to late September.
mouth of the Sella river dates Tel 902 30 66 00. Open Feb–Jun & In the vicinity of San Vicente
from the reign of Alfonso X Sep–Dec: 10am–2:30pm & 3:30–6pm are broad picturesque beaches –
of Castile, who founded this Wed–Fri; 10:30am–2:30pm & 4–7pm Meron, Tostadero and Oyambre.
enchanting seaside town. Sat & Sun; Jul–Aug: 10:30am–8pm
It has always been of strategic daily. Closed Jan. & (free Wed). Environs
importance for the area. ∑ museojurasicoasturias.com The cave of El Soplao, 28 km
Today, on one side of the river (17 miles) inland, has brilliant
is the lively seaport full of tapas y Picos de Europa white helictites (like stalactites
bars serving fresh fish, while on or stalagmites, but without a
the other is the more modern See pp104–7. stem). These are so dazzling that
part; its beautiful broad beach it has been nicknamed “the
is the reason why Ribadesella u San Vicente subterranean Sistine Chapel”.
has become a popular holiday There is a bus service from
resort. A multicoloured flotilla de la Barquera Santander (see pp114–15)
of kayaks arrives here on the Cantabria. Road Map F1. * 4,400. run by ALSA.
first Saturday in August, in an n Avda del Generalísimo 20; 942 71
international regatta that is 07 97. _ La Folía (1st Sun after Easter). E El Soplao
held every year. Near Rábago. Tel 902 82 02 82.
On the edge of the town is The first mention of this Open call for details. & 8
the Cueva de Tito Bustillo, a beautiful maritime town dates 7 partial. ∑ elsoplao.es
series of interconnected caves
with beautiful prehistoric
paintings. Discovered in 1968,
the drawings date from the
Palaeolithic era – from 22,000 to
10,000 BC – and include superb
black and red images of stags’
and horses’ heads. To protect
the paintings, only 15 visitors
are allowed on each guided
tour. Put on warm clothing
when entering the cave, as the
temperature is surprisingly cool,
and wear sturdy, comfortable
walking boots – watch your step,
as the cave floors are uneven. The picturesque port in San Vicente de la Barquera
For hotels and restaurants see pp204–5 and pp217–19

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