A day in Asturias between gardens, sea and sunsets: from Las Mimosas del Nalón to Luarca and La Regalina

There are days that begin with the aroma of coffee and end with the gentle sound of a shared dinner. Days when Asturias isn't visited in a hurry, but is savoured slowly: in the vibrant green of a garden, in the deep blue of the Cantabrian Sea, at a table by the harbour, on a road that invites improvisation.

From Las Mimosas del Nalón, we propose a new escape to awaken the senses: a route to western Asturias with a stop at the La Fonte Baxa Forest Garden, a walk and lunch in Luarca, a visit to the San Agustín Lighthouse, an option to discover Puerto de Vega, a return journey via the La Regalina Viewpoint, and a final dinner at Las Malvinas in San Juan de la Arena.

A plan for enjoyment without rushing. To make room for wonder. To remember that, often, the best part of the journey happens when it wasn't planned.

Waking up at Las Mimosas del Nalón: the prelude to an unforgettable day

The day begins at home. Because that is Las Mimosas del Nalón: your home in Asturias.

Before you head out, we suggest starting with a hearty breakfast. Without looking too much at the clock. With the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the room, crispy bread on the table, and that calm that only appears when you know the day promises great things. The soft Asturian morning light filters through the window, inviting you to savour every moment.

From San Juan de la Arena, our accommodation is a perfect base for exploring Asturias: close to the sea, by the Nalón river, surrounded by nature and with that cosy feeling of refuge you look forward to when you return.

Today the route heads west. Towards gardens with sea views, dazzling whitewashed villages, lighthouses guarding infinite horizons, seaside ports that smell of salt, and viewpoints where the Cantabrian Sea seems to embrace the sky.

First stop: La Fonte Baxa Forest-Garden, an oasis for the soul

Our first recommendation is one of those places that surprises even those who think they know Asturias: the La Fonte Baxa Forest Garden, in Luarca.

Here nature is not observed from afar. You walk through it. You breathe deeply, feeling the pure, fresh air. You hear the murmur of the wind in the leaves and the songs of the birds. La Fonte Baxa is a garden full of winding paths, exotic and native plant species, ornamental nooks that invite introspection, strategically placed benches for contemplation, and viewpoints that offer spectacular sea views. It is a place to walk slowly, letting the intense green of the vegetation work its effect on the spirit and feeling your body slow down, connecting with the earth.

It's a perfect walk to start the day with your senses awakened: the smell of damp earth and blooming camellias and rhododendrons, the soft touch of leaves, the constant murmur of trees, the light filtering through branches creating plays of shadow and, in the background, the immense and reassuring presence of the sea.

Our advice: check opening times before you go and allow yourself plenty of time to wander without rushing. This isn't a place to tick off a list. It's a place to get a little lost and let its magic envelop you.

Luarca: a stroll through the White Town, where the sea whispers stories

After the garden, it's time to head towards Luarca, one of the prettiest fishing villages in Asturias.

White, elegant, luminous. Luarca opens up to the sea with its vibrant harbour, its tiered houses that seem to defy gravity, its narrow streets steeped in maritime flavour, and that air of a tranquil town that invites aimless wandering. The white of its facades, which gives it the nickname «Villa Blanca» (White Town), shines under the Asturian sun, creating a hypnotic contrast with the blue of the sky and the green of the cliffs.

You can go down to the harbour and watch the boats come and go, feel the sea breeze on your face, wander its cobbled streets, stop at a café to enjoy the local life, or simply sit and observe the unhurried pace of the day. Luarca is known as the White Town of the Green Coast, and its close relationship with the sea, its lively harbour, and its strategic viewpoints are an essential part of its undeniable charm.

It's worth remembering a simple rule here: don't try to see everything. Look less, feel more. Let the atmosphere envelop you, let the sounds of the port lull you, and let the scent of the sea permeate you.

Food at El Ancla, a feast for the palate on the Cantabrian Sea

For something to eat, our recommendation is El Ancla in Luarca, located on the quay, with privileged sea views and a gastronomic offering based on fresh produce and traditional Asturian cuisine. The sound of seagulls and the gentle sway of boats will accompany your culinary experience.

After your stroll, sitting by the harbour is almost a must. Your body craves authentic flavours, easy conversation, a sense of calm and the unmistakable backdrop of the sea. Freshly caught fish, seasonal dishes prepared with care, good food and that harbour atmosphere that makes your meal an unforgettable part of your trip.

Don't be in a rush to finish. The after-meal conversation, with the taste of coffee and quiet chat, is also an essential part of the journey.

Visit to the San Agustín Lighthouse: the infinite gaze of the sea's guardian

After eating, we continued towards the San Agustín Lighthouse, in Ortiguera.

Lighthouses have something special. Perhaps because they always look to the horizon, defying the vastness. Perhaps because they seem to remind us that, even on the densest of foggy days, there are luminous signals to guide us. The San Agustín Lighthouse stands majestically on the western Asturian coast, a white speck between the intense green of the meadows and the changing blue of the sea. It's an ideal stop to breathe in salty, pure air, feel the force of the wind on your face, take photographs that capture the immensity, and let your gaze travel without limits over the Cantabrian Sea, feeling a mixture of insignificance and freedom that only appears when facing the open ocean.

Here the plan is simple: get out of the car, walk a bit along the cliffs, gaze into the distance, and let yourself be carried away by the grandeur of the landscape.

Making room for improvisation: Puerto de Vega, the charm of the unexpected

If the weather is good and you fancy continuing to explore, we suggest leaving the door open to improvisation and visiting Puerto de Vega.

Not as an obligation, but as a possibility. Puerto de Vega is one of those seafaring villages where you feel like walking without a map, letting your intuition guide you. Its picturesque harbour, its history-filled streets, its charming nooks, and its tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect stop for those who want to linger in the afternoon without turning the day into a race. Here you can have a drink on one of its terraces, wander along the pier, approach the fishing boats, let yourself be swept away by the beauty of its facades, the aromas of seafaring cuisine wafting from its restaurants, and that very Asturian feeling of being in an authentic place, where time seems to flow at a different pace.

But remember: if your body asks you to stop, that's okay too. The best journey isn't always the one with the most miles, but the one that accumulates the most feelings and memories.

Return with a stop at the Mirador de La Regalina: the golden touch at sunset

On your way back to Las Mimosas del Nalón, we recommend stopping at the Mirador de La Regalina, in Cadavedo.

It's one of those places that seem purposefully placed to bid farewell to the day with an overwhelming beauty: imposing cliffs, green meadows that merge with the horizon, centuries-old granaries dotting the landscape, a small white hermitage that seems to cling to the land, and the sea stretching out in the background in a palette of colours that change with the setting sun. Here, Asturias reveals itself in its purest state, wild and serene at the same time.

The green beneath your feet. The blue ahead. The fresh wind on your face carrying the scent of the sea. And that deep peace that arrives when you don't need to say anything, just feel. It's a perfect stop for photos that will be etched in your memory, to take a deep breath and finish the route with an unforgettable image before heading home.

Back to Las Mimosas del Nalón: the sweet end to a perfect day

After a day of lush gardens, charming harbours, guiding lighthouses and breathtaking viewpoints, returning to Las Mimosas del Nalón feels like coming back to a warm and familiar haven.

You arrive with eyes full of sea and landscapes, with a body beautifully tired and with that feeling of having experienced Asturias without the need to rush, of having savoured it in every detail. Because our accommodation is not just a place to sleep. It is the starting point for experiencing Asturias intensely and the place you'll want to return to when evening falls, to rest and relive the day's experiences.

At Las Mimosas del Nalón, each apartment has its own soul, its own rhythm, and its own way of accompanying your journey, offering a space of comfort and tranquillity.

Las Hortensias Apartment: a haven for two, where romance blossoms

For couples seeking intimacy, calm, and a special getaway, we recommend Apartment Las Hortensias. It is a 60 m² apartment for 2 people, designed as a romantic retreat, with soft tones that invite relaxation, spaciousness, and serene garden views. A place where luxury is measured in the enveloping silence, the natural light that floods it, and the deep rest it promises. Perfect for those who want to have a leisurely breakfast, explore Asturias during the day, and return to an intimate, cosy, and tranquil space where connection is strengthened.

L'Arena Apartment: Ideal for families, a space of light and sea

For families or small groups, L’Arena is a bright and comfortable option. This 65 m² duplex, connected by a spiral staircase that adds a touch of charm, is inspired by the coast and the calm of the sea. It is an ideal accommodation for families, with capacity for up to 5 people. For 4 people it is perfect: space to share laughs and moments, rest peacefully, and organise getaways around Asturias with the freedom to feel at home, with all the comforts at hand.

Apartamento Los Quebrantos: space to share, memories to treasure

For large families or groups of friends, we recommend Los Quebrantos. Inspired by the most iconic beach of the Nalón, this spacious, bright apartment with a nautical style that evokes the proximity of the sea, is designed for sharing days of rest and adventure near the Cantabrian Sea. With 70 m² and capacity for 6 to 8 people, it is an ideal option for 6 people: comfortable, spacious and perfect for those who want to experience Asturias together, creating unforgettable memories, but with enough space to rest well at the end of a day full of excitement.

Perfect closing: dinner in Las Malvinas, the taste of tradition

To round off the day, our recommendation is to dine at Restaurante Las Malvinas, in San Juan de la Arena. After returning from Luarca, there's no need to complicate things. Close to Las Mimosas del Nalón, Las Malvinas allows you to end the day with a relaxed dinner, a pleasant atmosphere, and authentic Asturian flavours. Reviews highlight its quality cuisine, fresh fish, seasonal dishes, and friendly service that makes you feel right at home. It's the perfect ending: a shared table, gentle conversation flowing unhurriedly, the taste of the sea in every bite, and the peace of mind knowing that a restorative rest is very close by.

A journey to awaken the senses: Asturias in every detail

This plan is not designed for rushing. It's designed for savouring. To experience Asturias with all your senses:

• A calm breakfast: the aroma of coffee, the taste of freshly baked bread.

• Walking among trees: the smell of damp earth, the feel of leaves, the rustle of the wind.

Stroll through Luarca: the dazzling white of its houses, the scent of salt and nets, the murmur of the port.

• Eating by the harbour: the taste of the sea in every dish, the sound of seagulls.

Looking at the horizon from a lighthouse: the immensity of the Cantabrian Sea, the salty breeze on your face.

•Improvising in Puerto de Vega: the smells of sea-fare cuisine, the tranquillity of its streets.

Stop at La Regalina: the green of the meadows, the blue of the sea, the wind on your face, the peace of the silence.

Dine in Las Malvinas: the taste of tradition, the warmth of conversation.

• And back to sleep at Las Mimosas del Nalón: comfort, calm, the feeling of home.

Asturias isn't just understood with your eyes. Asturias can be smelled, heard, touched, tasted, and remembered in every fibre of your being.

The Mimosas del Nalón Your house in Asturias.

Feed your senses.

Bookings and WhatsApp: 075 9529 6969

San Juan de la Arena, Soto del Barco, Asturias

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