Lastres Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 4–8m on sand with rock outcrops, E of the harbour breakwater. The breakwater and the headland provide good shelter from W and NW Cantabrian winds. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE — if NE is forecast, seek Ribadesella or Gijón instead. Bottom is patchy — sand between rock shelves. Set carefully and confirm anchor is buried in sand, not draped over rock. Tidal range 4–4.5m. The picturesque village of Lastres climbs the hillside above the harbour — one of the most photographed fishing villages in Asturias.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Lastres is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra care. Note: depths given are above chart datum — with a 4–5m spring tidal range on the Cantabrian coast, always calculate your actual depth at the target tide state before entry. No Posidonia seagrass restrictions apply on this Atlantic coast, but seagrass may be present in some estuaries — anchor on bare sand or mud where possible.

1. Verify depth at target tide state — with 4–5m tidal range, charted depth alone is insufficient. Calculate HAT (highest astronomical tide) and your target entry depth using tide tables or an app.
2. Call harbour master on VHF Ch 09 — for ría and bar entries, always call before approach. Bars shift seasonally and harbour masters know current depths.
3. Drop into the current and pay out chain steadily. In tidal waters with strong river ebb, anchor into the current — not the wind. The boat will swing to the current.
4. Deploy 8:1 scope minimum — Atlantic swell and 4–5m tidal range demand more scope than Mediterranean conditions. Use 8:1 as your starting point; increase in any swell or if staying overnight.
5. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds moderate throttle astern. On mixed bottoms (sand/rock), snorkel to verify anchor is buried in sand.
6. Snorkel to verify — confirm anchor buried in sand, not resting on rock.

Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Lastres are feasible in stable conditions but require active monitoring — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius before going below. 100m for 4–8m on mixed sand/rock. Fair holding — snorkel to confirm anchor buried in sand not resting on rock. 100m radius accounts for tidal swing (4–4.5m range) and potential drag on rocky patches.

Tidal & Atlantic note: With a 4–5m tidal range and Atlantic groundswell that can build overnight without warning, the Cantabrian coast demands a reliable GPS anchor alarm at all times. Your boat will swing significantly as the tide reverses direction — ensure your swinging circle is clear of other boats, mooring lines, and the shore at all states of tide. The minimum recommended scope on this coast is 8:1; in any swell, increase to 10:1.

July–August in settled W/NW conditions only. Do not plan overnight stays when N or NE forecast. A fair-weather lunch stop or overnight in stable anticyclonic conditions.

Navigation Hazards

• Rocky bottom — anchor may drag if not set in sand; snorkel to verify in clear water
• Exposed to N and NE — do not stay if NE forecast above F3
• Tidal range 4–4.5m — set alarm generously
• Atlantic swell can make the anchorage uncomfortable even in settled weather

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: Free
• Key restrictions: Keep clear of fishing boat fairway and harbour entrance. Speed limit 3 kt. The harbour itself is a working fishing port — do not obstruct.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Colunga (2nm)
• Restaurant: Several restaurants in the village specialising in fresh fish and Asturian sidra. The climb to the village (15 min) is rewarding.
• Provisions: None on site — Colunga (2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Snorkel or use an underwater camera to verify the anchor is buried in sand, not resting on rock.
2. Use W-wind forecasts to time your stay — leave before any NE building.
3. The viewpoint (mirador) above the village gives a spectacular panorama of the Cantabrian Sea — worth the 20-min walk.
4. Good departure point E or W — Ribadesella 14nm E, Gijón 20nm W.