The Wise and the Chewy

 We are working our way down from the heights into Luarca. We go off streetview briefly and end up in one of the small amounts of flattish space in town, the Plaza Alfonso X el Sabio.  Do you want a bit of History? Of course you do. 


Alfonso the Wise was born in 1221 and died in 1284. He was chosen to be King of Germany in 1257 but eventually renounced his claim to Germany and the Duchy of Gascony.  Alfonso made laws and sponsored historians.  He was keen on astronomy and has a crater named after him.  On the military front he had an away win in Portugal, a draw in Granada and a bit of an own goal as his reign ended in a Civil War against his son, the future Sancho IV.



Crossing the river we will head down the Calle Parroco Camino. This street has the overspill of market stalls  We will pass the Almacenes Gago fabric shop [4.1 stars - Rocio said ‘Both for the communion of my first daughter and the second, the attention is excellent, both the owner Elena and her son, as well as Leticia, the employee. Lots of variety in all types of garments and fabrics.’ and the Oxido Toy shop [4.1 stars,  Ana said ‘Very charming store. Different items, very original. Attentive and helpful shop assistants. I bought a small compass and I will return, without a doubt.’]



The Asturian Artisanal Ice Cream Parlour is said to be LGBTQ+ friendly.   Jorge saisd ‘I am from Gran Canaria, last year I went to Asturias and I visited Luarca, I tried an incredible cottage cheese ice cream, this year I am going to Galicia and I plan to go to Luarca for the ice cream, thank you very much’




Out to the sea front and the harbour.  It bustles with boats.  The Sidreria Noray has 2.6 stars. Rarely do we come across such a low rating with 479 reviews.  We must go in.   The most recent review was two days ago.  Christopher said ‘Absolutely avoid at all costs. Disgusting badly cooked food barely edible. The owners manners match the quality of the food also.’   The best review is from SC who wrote ‘Good food and drink, great seafood, good staff. The waiters in particular do a good job, although they generally don't tell jokes and tap dance on request.’,  Marc reckoned ‘Baddest and most expensive place in Luarca. Very expensive and frozen scallops.  Very bad chewy octopus. The worst squid in Asturias. Cheese board purchased at Alimerka. Very unpleasant staff.’ As ever we advise you see for yourself.



We are spoilt for choice and we could stop anywhere but we must push on.  We will climb up to the fields above the town - pausing in the Bar El Mirador - maybe we can share with Alfredo ‘Ideal for terrace vermouth breakfasts, etc.’ We will emerge out on to the N-634 and head east.





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