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This town has been named among “Spain’s most secret destinations” by European Best Destinations, with colourful houses, fresh seafood and vibrant festivals

Tucked away between verdant rolling hills and the Cantabrian Sea lies a hidden gem of a village that European Best Destinations has crowned amongst “Spain’s most secret destinations”. Cudillero, situated in the Asturias region, is celebrated for its enchanting winding alleyways, vibrant houses down the slopes, and thriving fishing harbour.

Fishing has long been the lifeblood of the village’s economy, and today you can still observe fishermen carrying out their age-old routines along the waterside. Tourists can meander along the harbour, observe the fishing vessels gently rocking in the water, and savour fresh seafood and traditional northern specialities in the village’s eateries.

Asturian gastronomy, originating from the Asturias region in northern Spain, is celebrated for its robust and richly flavoured fare that frequently showcases fresh seafood, substantial stews, and locally procured produce, reports the Express.

Arguably its most iconic offering, the Fabada Asturiana, is a sumptuous and soul-warming bean casserole prepared with large white beans (fabes), chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and pork.

Another comforting treat worth sampling during the chillier seasons is the Caldereta de Pescado, an Asturian seafood casserole that highlights the region’s maritime treasures.

It comprises an assortment of fish and seafood including hake, monkfish, prawns, and clams, simmered in a richly flavoured stock with tomatoes, onions, and garlic.

The Empanada Asturiana, a savoury pastry filled with tuna, chorizo, or other ingredients is a beloved snack in Asturias and often taken on picnic trips and to family events by locals.

Visitors to this corner of Spain simply must sample the traditional Asturian Cider, known locally as Sidra Asturiana, which is customarily poured from a considerable height to oxygenate it and amplify its taste.

Cudillero is a village that invites discovery, boasting a historic quarter resembling a labyrinth of narrow, twisting lanes flanked by quintessential Asturian dwellings, many decorated with vibrant balconies with pots brimming with flowers.

Perched atop the village on a clifftop commanding views of the ocean sits the Church of Santa María, providing sweeping vistas across the vegetation-clad surrounding landscape.

Nature lovers will find Cudillero offers abundant opportunities for adventure, with neighbouring walking routes winding through dramatic coastal terrain and lush woodland.

Beyond its scenic splendour and seafaring character, Cudillero is also celebrated for its lively festivals held year-round, including L’Amuravela, which occurs every June 29th and commences with a local resident delivering, in rhyme and “pixueto” dialect, a sermon wittily recapping the year’s events whilst seeking divine protection for the 12 months ahead.

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Frequently crowned the county’s ‘most beautiful village’ with its stunning natural landscapes, historic 17th-century stone cottages and charming rural atmosphere – it’s the perfect tranquil paradise.

Tucked away between the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Ribble Valley, brimming with fascinating history and stunning scenery, lies a village that appears ‘frozen in time’, often celebrated as Lancashire’s ‘most gorgeous village’.

The Lancashire community of Chipping ranks amongst those quintessential ‘picture postcard’ places you’d typically spot on television and instantly dream of calling home.

Boasting sweeping woodland vistas and immaculately maintained cottages, this settlement captures the true spirit of English countryside allure.

The area is equally famous for its deep historical foundations and cultural legacy, housing ancient stone dwellings, a historic inn with supernatural stories, and a flourishing community.

Chipping village’s past stretches back over a thousand years, and strolling through this charming hamlet feels like journeying through history, with the community exuding a distinctly medieval yet delightful ambiance, reports Lancs Live.

Indeed, many village stone cottages were built during the 1600s and 1700s.

A perfectly rural retreat, Chipping offers a wealth of attractions featuring cheese producers, a farm store, a furniture workshop, café, and arts centre, plus countless public walkways, bike paths and hiking trails.

This enchanting settlement showcases some of Lancashire’s most spectacular countryside directly at its entrance, providing endless attractions and pursuits in the neighbouring region.

Among Chipping’s most renowned attractions is Brabin’s Shop and Café, Britain’s longest continuously operating trading establishment; as of 2026, it functions as both a corner shop and eatery.

This modest enterprise has maintained its commercial role since initially welcoming customers in the 17th century, never fulfilling any alternative purpose.

The Sun Inn pub, an inviting yet notoriously legendary establishment, nestles discreetly on the corner of Chipping’s main thoroughfare, showcasing with pride its extensive paranormal heritage.

Upon reaching the village, visitors are greeted by evidence of Chipping’s RHS Gold Award for Britain in Bloom, with stunning floral displays scattered throughout the locale.

Venturing further into this magical settlement, a slender pathway, seemingly constructed for horse-drawn transport of bygone eras, draws travellers, flanked by delightful dwellings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Investigating more thoroughly into the community, Chipping’s mesmerising heritage becomes immediately apparent to guests.

The village showcases the 13th Century St Bartholomew’s Church, an active Anglican place of worship holding Grade II Listed status, which has experienced partial restoration in 1505, 1706, and during the 19th Century.

However, whilst the settlement boasts an extensive and captivating history, it’s genuinely the residents who make this charming village truly extraordinary. Evidently taking enormous pride in their locality, numerous properties showcase spectacular floral displays, breathtaking facades, and remarkable stone-constructed dwellings with charming architectural features.

How to reach there

By car: Chipping sits roughly 10 miles from junction 31A on the M6.

By public transport: The closest railway and coach stations are situated in Preston.

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