THERE are some destinations around the world that are so beautiful, they don’t look real.
The pretty fishing village of Cudillero in Spain is one of those, having even been called ‘staged’ it’s so perfect.
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Cudillero has been called so beautiful that it looks ‘staged’ Credit: Alamy
The fishing village has bright-coloured stacked houses Credit: Alamy
The village is in the north of the country looking out directly over the Bay of Biscay and sits in a horseshoe shape at the bottom of the Cantabrian Mountains.
It’s known for its brightly-coloured stacked houses at the front of the harbour that have led visitors to describe it as ‘charming’ and even ‘staged’.
One even called it “the most beautiful village in Spain” and like “stepping back in time”.
The village dates back to the 13th century and is well known for its fishing, which it continues with today.
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You’ll even see the traditional methods being used like hanging fish out to dry in the streets.
But thanks to this, there are plenty of seafood restaurants to explore like Casa Julio and Sidrería El Remo which have been recommended by visitors.
Not only is fish popular here, but it’s also known to serve the region’s speciality cider which is a little different to what you’ll find in the UK as it isn’t bubbly.
Lots of restaurants will serve local cider and pour it traditionally as well.
They use a technique called ‘escansiado’ which translates to ‘throwing’.
The drink is poured from a height, often above the waiter’s head into a glass held near their waist.
Cudillero has a ‘charming’ horseshoe-shaped harbour Credit: Alamy
Thanks to its surrounding hills and mountains, a popular activity to do in Cudillero is hike to one of its viewing points.
One of the most popular is Mirador de la Garita where hikers can see over across the village to the lighthouse.
Many say it’s a ‘must-do’ whilst in Cudillero, not to mention it’s the perfect spot for photos.
Being a harbour town, Cudillero doesn’t have beaches of its own, but there are some nearby.
Playa de Aguilar is a 10-minute drive away and is a long-stretch of golden sand, but don’t expect the sea to be too warm as its in the north of the country.
It’s described as a family beach as it’s got fine sand as well as lifeguards during peak summer periods.
Playa de Aguilar is a nearby family-friendly beach Credit: Alamy
If you’re visiting on June 29 then you will get caught up in Cudillero’s annual festival where there are fanfares, street parades and bands.
It celebrates the village’s maritime history and it’s completely free to go down and see the live events.
A visit doesn’t have to cost a lot either, Jattvibe Travel found a one-night stay in July at Pensión El Pozo from £30pp.
The room has a private bathroom with mountain views and there’s even a picnic area.
To get to Cudillero from the UK, the quickest way would be to fly directly to Santander.
Flights depart from London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh – which you can do for as little as £16 each way.
Then drive just over two hours along the coast to Cudillero.
