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Museums #4 in Avilés

Philippe Cousteau Anchor Museum

4.5 · 1,289 reviews
A windswept and contemplative coastal viewpoint
Philippe Cousteau Anchor Museum, C. Luis Hauzeur, 33405 Salinas, Asturias, Spain
Interesting facts
1

The collection includes the anchor of the Spanish naval ship 'Castillo de Olite', which was sunk during the Spanish Civil War.

2

The site features a massive anchor from a 19th-century ship, weighing over 8,000 kilograms.

3

The monument to Philippe Cousteau acts as an orientation point for sailors and navigators entering the nearby Avilés estuary.

4

The museum is positioned on a geological formation known as La Peñona, which offers a unique vantage point for observing Atlantic swells.

5

Many of the anchors on display were donated by public institutions and private maritime companies to commemorate naval history.

Overview

The Philippe Cousteau Anchor Museum is an open-air exhibition located on the La Peñona headland overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. It houses a significant collection of maritime anchors recovered from various shipwrecks and naval vessels. The central monument is a dedicated sculpture of Philippe Cousteau, the son of Jacques Cousteau, designed by sculptor Vicente Menéndez 'Santarúa'. The site serves as both a museum and a memorial to those lost at sea. It occupies a strategic position providing panoramic views of the Salinas coastline and the nearby port. The anchors are arranged in an outdoor setting along the cliffs, exposed to the coastal environment. Visitors can observe the contrast between the industrial scale of the anchors and the natural maritime landscape. The museum is a focal point for maritime history enthusiasts in the Castrillón region of Asturias.

Photo spot

Beside the bronze bust of Philippe Cousteau with the lighthouse and ocean in the background.

Insider tips

Visit during low tide to observe the rock formations at the base of the cliffs.

Bring wind-resistant clothing, as the headland is highly exposed to sea breezes.

Combine your visit with a walk along the Salinas beach promenade located just below the headland.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to climb or lean on the historical anchors, as they are aged metal artifacts.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays; hours may be reduced during the winter off-season.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45-60 minutes
Best time to visit
Late afternoon on a clear day, to watch the sunset over the Bay of Biscay.
Address
Philippe Cousteau Anchor Museum, C. Luis Hauzeur, 33405 Salinas, Asturias, Spain
43.580, -5.967
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsLarge-scale maritime anchors and the Philippe Cousteau memorial sculpture

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45-60 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon on a clear day, to watch the sunset over the Bay of Biscay..

Beside the bronze bust of Philippe Cousteau with the lighthouse and ocean in the background.

Close by you'll find Museo de la Mina de Arnao, Salinas Pine Forest, Pinos Altos Recreation Area.