Luarca (Ḷḷuarca in Asturian and officially) is a parish and the principal town in the municipality of Valdés in Asturias, Spain.
Luarca (town) is a fishing and pleasure port. Luarca (parish) had a population of 4,670 (2021), and an area of . The town is from Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. The Nobel laureate for Medicine in 1959, Severo Ochoa, was born in Luarca. It is well known for its beautiful architecture, landscapes, gastronomy, and tourist attractions. San Timoteo festivities usually attract thousands of people every August.
Museo del Calamar Gigante, said to be the world's only museum dedicated to the giant squid, was based in the town from its opening in 2010 to its destruction by a storm in 2014; it reopened at a new location in the centre of town in 2022.
Way of St. James
The Way of St. James named The Northern Way (Camino de la Costa) passes Luarca.
Economy
Fishery and agriculture have dominated the region for hundreds of years. Luarca is home to the ALSA bus company.
Climate
The town experiences warm summers and relatively mild winters, but strong storms occur in autumn.
Points of interest
The Fishery Harbour
Palace of the Marquis of Ferrera
Lighthouse of Luarca
Giant Squid Museum
Notable people
Severo Ochoa (1905–1993), physician and biochemist, Nobel prizewinner
Villages in Luarca (parish)
Luarca (town): population 3,620 (2021) Almuña: 870 (2021) Fontoria: 92 (2021) Barceļļina: 87 (2021) Portizuelo: 1 (2021)
