Dinosaur footprints, steep rock faces and the light signal of a lighthouse give Luces a very varied character. There is also a rural route and traditional architecture. If you are looking for accommodation in Luces, these themes can help you decide: are you particularly interested in geological traces, appreciate views over the coast, or want to plan a route with the lighthouse as your destination? The sights and activities mentioned offer different points of interest, without all being part of the same excursion.
Dinosaur Footprints and Cliffs
At the Acantilados de Lluces, a loose sandstone block preserves two casts of dinosaur footprints. One shows a three-toed theropod track, while the other is a crescent-shaped sauropod handprint. The shapes give the tracks distinct contours: here, a footprint lies alongside a handprint. This makes the site particularly interesting for anyone studying dinosaur footprints and gives the geological sights around Luces a specific, unusual focus.
About 300 metres west of this site are layers of grey sandstone tilted at around 24 degrees. They contain several three-toed dinosaur footprints and a sauropod track; the latter is badly worn by marine erosion. The two sites therefore differ not only in the shape of the sandstone block and the layers. The preserved tracks also vary: the block has a theropod track and a handprint, while the layers contain several three-toed tracks and a sauropod track. The erosion affecting the individual sauropod track is part of this picture too.
The Acantilados de Lluces are sheer rock faces more than 100 metres high, where the Cantabrian Sea breaks against the cliffs. They also form a natural viewpoint, with views from Punta de Tazones across much of the eastern Asturian coast. The landscape and expansive views take centre stage here, while the dinosaur footprints appeal to a specific geological interest. Photography and the colours of sunset are also a draw at the cliffs.
Lighthouse and Light Signal
The Faro de Lluces rises above the rugged cliffs and has been in operation since 1994. Its signal consists of five white flashes every 12 seconds, visible from a distance of 23 nautical miles. Along with its position above the rocks, these details give the lighthouse a clearly defined feature. Those interested in coastal scenery can enjoy the expansive views from the cliffs; those drawn to the lighthouse’s function can focus on the rhythm, colour and visibility range of its signal.
Route and Traditional Architecture
The Ruta del Faro del Cabo de Llastres follows rural paths for about 4 kilometres to Luces, then continues to the Faro del Cabo de Llastres. The distance of around 4 kilometres refers to the stretch to Luces; the route description then continues with the section to the lighthouse. This is a useful distinction when factoring the route into your travel plans: the stated distance does not necessarily describe the entire way to the Faro del Cabo de Llastres.
Traditional architecture in Luces is another sight to see. It offers a different focus from the rock faces, footprints and light signal, adding a cultural theme to the options for your stay. This can help you plan your accommodation around the experiences you want, without combining the places and activities mentioned into a single route.
Discover more destinations: Sales, Lastres, Colunga, LibardĂłn, Pivierda
Go to the parent travel overview: Colunga.
