Cubes of Memory
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Cubes of Memory

4.1
·4k reviews·Llanes, Spain

Colorful, artistic wave breakers protecting Llanes harbor, offering vibrant memories against the sea.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny mornings

Colors pop, great light

CrowdLow
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Cubes of Memory

Cubes of Memory

Best Time

Sunny mornings

Colors pop, great light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Colorful, artistic wave breakers protecting Llanes harbor, offering vibrant memories against the sea.

4.1
(4k reviews)

"Nice scenery and some nice artwork on the cubic wave breakers."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Colors

Visit on a sunny day to see the 'Cubes of Memory' at their most vibrant. The colors are truly striking!

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Breakwater

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the breakwater for fantastic views of the town and the sea.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cubes of Memory

Cubes of Memory

Llanes Harbor

Vibrant, artistic wave breakers protecting the harbor, showcasing colorful memories against the sea.

Llanes Harbor Promenade

Llanes Harbor Promenade

Llanes Harbor

A pleasant stroll with scenic views of the town and the Cantabrian Sea.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Vibrant Views

The 'Cubes of Memory' are best viewed in good light to appreciate their vibrant colors. Consider visiting on a sunny day for the most striking visuals. Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer, more dramatic effects.

Embrace the Coastal Charm

These artistic wave breakers are part of Llanes' harbor protection. While the artwork on some outer cubes may have faded, those within the bay remain a colorful spectacle. Enjoy a stroll along the breakwater for scenic town views.

Best Times

When
Sunny mornings
Why
Colors pop, great light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#playagulpiyuri #playa#spain #playapequeña #cala #llanes #ribadesella #asturias #gulpiyuri
@albavillanueva__
122K likes • 2.3M views

📸 Capture the Colors

Visit on a sunny day to see the 'Cubes of Memory' at their most vibrant. The colors are truly striking! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Breakwater

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the breakwater for fantastic views of the town and the sea. Reddit

You won’t hear a single word. But you’ll feel everything. The House of Small Cubes is a short film that tells the life story of an old man through layers of memory — quite literally. As his home sinks in a flooded world, he adds new levels upward. When he dives into the water to retrieve a lost item, he travels down through time, revisiting memories of love, loss, and life. It’s only 12 minutes lo...
kamin_oanime
6 likes • 293 views

🎨 Art with a Purpose

These aren't just art; they protect the harbor! Appreciate their dual function. Reddit

✨ Fading Beauty

Some outer cubes may show fading, but inner ones are well-maintained. Enjoy the art while it lasts! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Colors

Visit on a sunny day to see the 'Cubes of Memory' at their most vibrant. The colors are truly striking! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Breakwater

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the breakwater for fantastic views of the town and the sea. Reddit

🎨 Art with a Purpose

These aren't just art; they protect the harbor! Appreciate their dual function. Reddit

✨ Fading Beauty

Some outer cubes may show fading, but inner ones are well-maintained. Enjoy the art while it lasts! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the unique artistic wave breakers, the 'Cubes of Memory,' which add vibrant color to Llanes' harbor. The breakwater offers pleasant strolls with scenic town and sea views. While some artwork shows signs of fading, the overall experience is considered a charming and worthwhile stop.

"The beautiful city of Llanes in the province of Asturias Spain 🇪🇸 the port with the painted “cubos de la memoria” enjoying the nice weather and scenery of the port"

Roberto Revilla Junco

"Nice scenery and some nice artwork on the cubic wave breakers. The artwork on the cubes of the outer open waters have started to fade away, but the ones in the bay are still relatively well maintained. Honestly nothing much to see other than the cubes. But there is a nice backdrop of the main cliffs of the mainland shores toward the end of this breakwater."

Lionel

"Fab views and nice place to stroll along."

Natasha Quirke

What People Like

Vibrant art installations
Scenic harbor views
Pleasant promenade

What People Dislike

Fading artwork on some cubes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cubes of Memory are located at the harbor of Llanes, Asturias, Spain. You can easily walk to them once you are in the town center. Llanes is accessible by car via the A-8 highway, and there are also bus services connecting it to major cities like Oviedo and Gijón. Reddit

Yes, there are parking areas available in Llanes, particularly closer to the harbor. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially during peak season, to secure a convenient spot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, viewing the Cubes of Memory is completely free! They are part of the public harbor area in Llanes. Reddit

For the most vibrant colors and best photographic opportunities, visit during daylight hours, especially on a sunny day. Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The breakwater itself offers excellent vantage points. You can capture the cubes against the backdrop of the town and the sea. Experiment with different angles to get the most dynamic shots. TikTok

Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances for Llanes and Asturias regarding drone usage in public areas and near harbors before flying. Instagram

🎫 ℹ️ Onsite Experience

The Cubes of Memory were created as artistic wave breakers to protect Llanes' harbor from the open ocean. They were painted in 2008, and while some have faded, they remain a significant artistic and functional element of the port. Reddit

The breakwater is generally accessible for walking. However, the surface can be uneven in places, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Reddit

Llanes is a charming coastal town with a beautiful old town, a picturesque port, and nearby beaches like Playa de Gulpiyuri. It's also a stop on the Camino de Santiago del Norte. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cubes of Memory offer a visually stimulating experience for children. The bright colors and unique shapes of the cubes can capture their imagination. A walk along the breakwater is a safe and engaging activity, allowing kids to explore the harbor area and enjoy the sea air. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for little ones, as the breakwater surface can be a bit uneven. TikTok

Llanes itself has other family-friendly attractions, including nearby beaches like Playa de Gulpiyuri, which is a unique inland beach accessible through a natural tunnel. The town center is also pleasant for a family stroll, with opportunities to enjoy local ice cream or snacks. The overall atmosphere of Llanes is relaxed, making it a good destination for a family outing.

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Cubes of Memory present a fantastic opportunity for colorful and abstract shots. The best light for capturing the vibrancy of the cubes is during sunny periods, particularly in the morning or late afternoon when the sun casts a warm glow. Experiment with different focal lengths to capture both the individual cube details and the broader harbor landscape. TikTok

Consider shooting at different times of day to see how the light and weather affect the colors and mood. The contrast between the man-made art and the natural sea and sky provides a rich subject matter. Don't forget to also capture the charming town of Llanes and its surroundings for a more complete portfolio of your visit.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art and Function of the Cubes

The Cubes of Memory (Cubos de la Memoria) are more than just colorful art installations; they serve a crucial purpose in protecting the harbor of Llanes from the powerful waves of the Cantabrian Sea. Created in 2008, these large, cubic structures are painted with vibrant designs, intended to represent memories and add a unique aesthetic to the coastline. While the paint on some of the outer cubes has weathered over time due to the harsh marine environment, the inner cubes within the bay often retain their striking colors, offering a beautiful contrast against the blue sea and sky. Reddit+1

Visitors often remark on the visual appeal of the cubes, especially on a sunny day when the colors are at their most vivid. The artwork serves as a reminder of the town's connection to the sea and its history. Walking along the breakwater where the cubes are situated provides not only a close-up view of the art but also panoramic vistas of Llanes and its surrounding cliffs. It's a unique blend of public art, engineering, and natural beauty that makes the harbor a distinctive spot. TikTokReddit

Experiencing Llanes Harbor

Llanes itself is a picturesque Asturian town, and its harbor is a central hub of activity. The Cubes of Memory are a prominent feature, but the harbor area offers a pleasant atmosphere for a stroll. You can watch local fishing boats, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the charming architecture of the town that rises behind the port. The breakwater extends out, providing a walkway that allows you to appreciate the scale of the harbor defenses and the artistic elements incorporated into them. Reddit

Many visitors find Llanes to be a relaxing stop, whether they are passing through as part of a larger trip along the northern coast of Spain or specifically visiting to see the unique art. The combination of the colorful cubes, the working harbor, and the scenic coastal landscape makes for a memorable experience. It’s a place where art, function, and natural beauty converge, offering a delightful visual treat for anyone who visits. InstagramReddit

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