Luarca, town, northwestern Asturias provincia (province) and comunidad autónoma (autonomous community), northwestern Spain. It lies on the Bay of Biscay at the mouth of the Negro River. Fishing, fish processing, and metalworking are the main occupations. Iron is mined in the vicinity. Local beaches (Cueva, Baroyo, Otur, Salinas) make Luarca a popular seaside resort. Nearby are the ruins of the fortress of Villademoros, built as a defense against pirates. The biochemist and Nobel laureate Severo Ochoa, a native of Luarca, is buried in the town cemetery overlooking the sea. Pop. (2008 est.) 4,414.