La Griega Beach

From Colunga, the beach is a quick five-minute drive — follow signs toward La Griega. Parking is available near the beach in a mix of free and paid lots; the free spaces fill fast in summer, so a private paid option in an adjacent meadow is available for a few euros. Be aware that as of August 2024, the beach lost around half its parking spaces, causing real congestion on busy days — arrive early or expect a walk. There is no entry fee to the beach itself.

The dinosaur footprints embedded in the cliffs at the beach itself are the headline act — free to see, extraordinary to stand next to, and unlike anything else on the Spanish coast. Just 1.1km away, the Jurassic Museum of Asturias (MUJA) is purpose-built in the shape of a dinosaur footprint and houses complete Jurassic exhibitions — a natural follow-up to what you've seen on the cliffs. About 2km along the coast, Lastres is a historic fishing village with staggered houses climbing the hillside above a working port, worth the short drive. For a panoramic reward, Viewpoint San Roque sits 1.9km away and frames the coastline beautifully.

Restaurante La Cabaña del Mar and Restaurante Vista Alegre are both within 0.3km of the beach — close enough to reach in sandy feet. Restaurante La Botica and Hotel Restaurante Casa Eutimio are each about 1.5km away and both carry strong reputations locally. Restaurante El Mirador, 1.9km out, is another solid option with views to match the name.

Hotel Restaurante Casa Eutimio, 1.5km from the beach, combines lodging with one of the area's well-regarded restaurants — a practical and comfortable base. For something more distinctive, CoolRooms Palacio de Luces is 2.8km away and earns consistently high marks. Camping Costa Verde sits just 0.4km from the beach, making it the closest option if you're travelling light.

The red-ochre cliffs with the dinosaur footprints photograph best in the soft light of early morning, when the warm tones in the rock really come alive against the blue water. For a wider composition, Viewpoint San Roque at 1.9km gives you the full sweep of the coastline — golden sand, cliffs, and open Atlantic in a single frame.

Strong waves are common at Playa de La Griega — assess conditions carefully before entering the water, and keep a close eye on children near the shoreline. The Libardón river flows into the beach and can occasionally carry contaminated water; the risk is generally low, but worth knowing if you're swimming near the river mouth. Summer parking is genuinely tight since the 2024 reduction in spaces — arriving before 10am or after 5pm makes a real difference. November through February brings cold water and rough seas; plan your visit between June and September for the best conditions.