Llanes Holidays: Beaches, Basilica and Getting There
Province of Asturias · Asturias · Spain · 13,639 residents · on the coast
Peña Tú
Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Llanes
Cueva de Llonín
Playa de Toró
Playa de Cue o de AntillesLlanes is a coastal town of around 13,600 people in Asturias, sitting just 13 metres above sea level on Spain's northern shore. What makes it work for a family holiday is how much lies within walking distance: the Basilica of the Assumption and the Palace of Gastañaga are both a couple of hundred metres from the centre, Playa de El Sablón is about 0.2 miles away, and the Llanes Lighthouse is roughly 0.3 miles out. A short drive brings more sand at Toró, Cue, Ballota and Andrín, plus the prehistoric site of Peña Tú. Summers are mild rather than scorching, peaking around 24°C in August. With direct UK flights into three airports and ferries into Santander, it is an easy trip from Britain.
Why go
- Playa de El Sablón and Puertu Chicu Beach are both under half a mile from town.
- Santander airport, with direct UK flights, is about 67 minutes' drive away.
- August highs of around 24°C keep summer days warm without the heat of southern Spain.
Top sights in Llanes
Beaches, Basilica and Prehistoric Sites
The most notable sight is Peña Tú, a prehistoric archaeological site about 3.8 miles from the centre and a good half-day for families with an interest in the distant past. Back in town, the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Llanes and the Palace of Gastañaga stand within a few minutes' walk of each other, around 0.1 miles from the centre. Further afield, the Cueva de Llonín, listed as cultural property in Peñamellera Alta, is about 8.3 miles away.
Beaches are the town's real strength. Playa de El Sablón is roughly 0.2 miles from the centre, Puertu Chicu Beach about 0.4 miles and Playa de Toró around 0.6 miles. A little further out you will find Playa de Cue o de Antilles (1.2 miles), Ballota on the protected coast of Asturias (2 miles), Playa de Andrín (2.9 miles), Playa de Vidiago (5.3 miles) and the Playas de Entremares y de Buelna (7 miles). For something different, walk out to the Llanes Lighthouse, about 0.3 miles away, or head 3.2 miles to the Bufón de Arenillas, a natural geyser.
Tours and tickets for the area can be booked directly on this page.
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Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Llanes
In the centre · Photo
cultural property in Llanes, Spain
- 3museum
- 4beach
Playa de Toró
In the centre · Photo
- 5beach
Playa de Cue o de Antilles
1 mile from the centre · Photo
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6beach
7lighthouse
8beachPlaya de Andrín
3 miles from the centre · Photo
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Playa de Vidiago
beach · 5 miles from the centre
Playa de El Sablón
beach · In the centre
Tours & tickets in Llanes
Guided tours, day trips and tickets in and around Llanes can be booked in advance, priced in GBP.
See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)Where to stay in Llanes
Old Town or Beachside Bases
Staying in the centre puts the basilica, the Palace of Gastañaga and the town beaches of El Sablón and Puertu Chicu all within a short stroll, which is ideal if you would rather leave the car parked. As the largest town hereabouts, with around 13,600 residents, it is also where you will find the most going on in the evenings.
For a quieter stay, consider somewhere near the outlying beaches such as Cue, Ballota or Andrín, or the village of Posada, about 5.6 miles away with a population of roughly 1,600. This page shows live hotel prices so you can compare options across the area.
Hire a car
The easiest way to reach Llanes and the villages around it is a hire car from Asturias (OVD), about 1 h 32 min away.
Best time to visit Llanes
When to Visit Llanes
- 14°CJan218 mm
- 14°CFeb117 mm
- 16°CMar102 mm
- 17°CApr87 mm
- 18°CMay122 mm
- 21°CJun112 mm
- 23°CJul64 mm
- 24°CAug77 mm
- 22°CSept153 mm
- 21°COct174 mm
- 18°CNov177 mm
- 15°CDec178 mm
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
July and August are the most reliable months: highs reach 23°C and 24°C, overnight lows sit around 18°C to 19°C, and July is the driest month of the year at about 64mm of rain. June and September are pleasant too, at 21°C to 22°C, although September already turns noticeably wetter.
This is green Spain, and rain is part of the deal in every season. January is the wettest month with around 218mm, May has the most rainy days at roughly 20, and late autumn and early winter stay damp. On the plus side, winters are mild, with highs of about 14°C to 15°C even in December and January.
Full monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14°C | 8°C | 218 mm | 6 h |
| Feb | 14°C | 8°C | 117 mm | 7 h |
| Mar | 16°C | 9°C | 102 mm | 8 h |
| Apr | 17°C | 11°C | 87 mm | 10 h |
| May | 18°C | 12°C | 122 mm | 11 h |
| Jun | 21°C | 16°C | 112 mm | 10 h |
| Jul | 23°C | 18°C | 64 mm | 11 h |
| Aug | 24°C | 19°C | 77 mm | 10 h |
| Sept | 22°C | 16°C | 153 mm | 10 h |
| Oct | 21°C | 15°C | 174 mm | 7 h |
| Nov | 18°C | 12°C | 177 mm | 7 h |
| Dec | 15°C | 9°C | 178 mm | 6 h |
Averages 2015–2024. Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Getting there from the UK
Flights, Ferries and the Drive
Three airports serve Llanes, and all three have direct flights from the United Kingdom. Santander is closest, about 47 miles away and roughly 67 minutes by car. Asturias airport is around 65 miles away, a drive of about an hour and a half, while Bilbao is roughly 93 miles and just over two hours. Car hire is the simplest way to complete the journey.
If you would rather bring your own car, Brittany Ferries sails to Santander from Portsmouth (around 24 to 32 hours) and Plymouth (around 20 hours); the port is about 47 miles from Llanes. Bilbao, around 86 miles away, is also served from Portsmouth, taking about 28 to 32 hours. Driving all the way from Calais takes approximately 14 hours.
By air
- Asturias (OVD)65 miles, about 1 h 32 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Santander (SDR)47 miles, about 1 h 7 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Bilbao (BIO)93 miles, about 2 h 12 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
By car and ferry
Driving from Calais takes roughly 14 h 4 min without stops. Nearest ferry ports: Santander (47 miles), Bilbao (86 miles).
Llanes is good for
Around Llanes
Day Trips Along the Coast
Posada is the nearest neighbour at about 5.6 miles. Ribadesella lies roughly 15.5 miles along the Asturian coast, while Cangas de Onís and Amieva are both around 19 to 20 miles away.
Cross into Cantabria and San Vicente de la Barquera is about 18 miles off, Potes around 19 miles and Comillas roughly 24 miles. Posada de Valdeón, in Castile and León, is about 20.5 miles away, making it an easy option for a change of region in a single day.
Tips from Robin
Practical Advice for Your Stay
Pack a waterproof whatever the month. Even in high summer Llanes averages 13 to 17 rainy days a month, so plan beach days flexibly and keep the basilica, the palace or Peña Tú in reserve for wetter afternoons.
The town beaches are walkable, but Andrín, Vidiago, Entremares y Buelna, the Bufón de Arenillas and the Cueva de Llonín are spread over several miles, so car hire pays off. If you are coming by ferry, Santander is the closer port and keeps the final drive to under 50 miles.
Questions people ask
What is the nearest airport to Llanes?
Santander is the closest, around 47 miles away and about 67 minutes by car, and it has direct flights from the UK. Asturias airport is roughly 65 miles away (about 92 minutes) and Bilbao about 93 miles (just over two hours), both also with direct UK flights.
Can you get a ferry from the UK to Llanes?
Yes, via Santander, which is about 47 miles away. Brittany Ferries sails there from Portsmouth in roughly 24 to 32 hours and from Plymouth in around 20 hours. Bilbao, about 86 miles from Llanes, is reached from Portsmouth in about 28 to 32 hours.
What is the best month to visit Llanes?
July and August are the warmest, with highs of 23°C to 24°C, and July is the driest month at about 64mm of rain. June and September are also mild at 21°C to 22°C, though September is wetter. Expect some rainy days in every month.
Are there beaches within walking distance of Llanes town centre?
Yes. Playa de El Sablón is about 0.2 miles from the centre, Puertu Chicu Beach around 0.4 miles and Playa de Toró roughly 0.6 miles. Playa de Cue o de Antilles, about 1.2 miles away, is also close, with Ballota and Andrín a short drive further.
Is Llanes good for a family holiday?
It suits families well. Several beaches lie within a mile of the centre, the prehistoric site of Peña Tú is about 3.8 miles away, and the Cueva de Llonín is around 8.3 miles out. Summer highs of about 24°C are comfortable for children too.
How long does it take to drive from Calais to Llanes?
The drive from Calais takes roughly 14 hours. Many British travellers instead take the Brittany Ferries crossing to Santander from Portsmouth or Plymouth, which leaves only around 47 miles to drive on arrival.