Holidays with salt in the air: Spanish fishing villages where you can relax and unwind

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Among more than 8,000 kilometres of coastline, Spain hides some of the most beautiful fishing villages in Europe. Bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, these quiet towns will surprise you with their irresistible seafaring tradition. A real delight that must be seen... but also tasted. Keep reading and discover two fishing villages that you can't miss out on. Perfect for a getaway with a little... salty scent.

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Lastres (Asturias), declared an Exemplary Town

Located in the eastern part of the Principality of Asturias, the town of Lastres, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, received the designation of Exemplary Town in 2010 for its natural heritage and historical value.One of its most renowned places is the fishing port, where dozens of colourful boats are moored and two impressive cannons defend the bay – a bay that will take your breath away with the calm, transparent waters of its beach. A tranquility that invites you to cool off and observe the town's historic center from the sand.

In the centre you will find the Church of Santa María de Sábada and the Clock Tower, a building responsible for warning of pirate visits. In addition, there you will take the opportunity to delight your palate with succulent cuisine based on fresh fish and delicious seafood. You will discover pixín, the renowned monkfish of Asturias, delicious in fried dishes, with some sauce or simply with rice.Finish your getaway by going up to the Mirador de San Roque, considered by many to be one of the most spectacular in the town and, perhaps, in all of Asturias.

Tourist walking through Lastres, Asturias

Combarro (Galicia), the town with the most hórreos

In the north of the peninsula you will find Galicia. A region known for the Camino de Santiago, gastronomy and green forests, but also for its coast. The fishing village of Combarro, very close to Pontevedra, is part of the are known as the Rías Baixas – on the west coast of the autonomous community. But the most characteristic thing about this place are the hórreos, but what exactly are they? They are elevated granaries built to preserve food from humidity and keep it away from animals.Combarro has more than 30 of them, and they make up a nice walk where you can learn more about this type of structure. They are so special that the old part of town was declared a Site of Cultural Interest. You will want to leave everything behind and take to sailing the seas.

Tabarca (Valencian Community), the only town on the island

As soon as you take a boat from Santa Pola, about 20 kilometres from Alicante, you will begin to feel that the sea breeze has to be part of you forever.This is the only inhabited island in the entire Region of Valencia and is known for its subtropical, crystal-clear, turquoise waters. If you love diving, here you will enjoy: posidonia, schools of fish... and if you're lucky you might even see starfish or turtles.

Above, beach in Tabarca. Below, a girl snorkeling on the island

There are more villages on the island, but Tabarca still retains the essence of its fishing personality in its houses.Did you know that a long time ago it was known as Planesia? At that time, the Barbary pirates took advantage of this strategic point for their looting.And if you still haven't had enough and you fancy getting to know more of the loveliest fishing villages in Spain, discover Fornells, in the Balearic Islands, Cudillero, in Asturias; Nerja, in Andalusia; or Mundaka, in Vizcaya. They could steal anyone's heart.