Asturias

Asturias suits travellers who crave wild landscapes where limestone peaks meet the Atlantic, rich tradition, and hearty food. In Asturias, you’ll find dramatic viewpoints, soulful villages, and coastal paths that feel a world away from Spain’s sun-and-sand south. It’s ideal for hikers, photographers, families, and slow travellers seeking authenticity in Green Spain.

• Scenery seekers: Revel in cliff‑top sunsets at Cabo Vidio/Cabo Peñas and 360° panoramas from Mirador del Fitu with sea and the Picos de Europa in one frame.
• Active travellers: Hike the Cares Gorge, circle the Covadonga Lakes, or cycle the legendary Angliru for world‑class mountain thrills.
• History lovers: Stand where the Reconquista began at Covadonga, explore Roman and medieval layers around Cangas de Onís, and trace pilgrim routes on the Camino Primitivo.
• Foodies: Feast on fabada, artisan cheeses, and sparkling Asturian cider in traditional sidrerías, with seafood feasts along the Costa Verde.
• Families: Easy-access miradores, funicular rides to Bulnes, and gentle coastal paths offer big views with low stress.

Day 1: Picos de Europa – Covadonga Lakes and mountain heritage

Wake early for crystal-clear air and fewer crowds as you climb from sea level into limestone peaks. Pack layers and waterproofs: the weather can swing from sunshine to borrina in minutes, even in August.

• Morning: Drive to Covadonga and continue to the Covadonga Lakes; in summer/Easter park below and use the shuttle buses. Pause at Mirador de la Reina for a sweeping peek of coast and mountains before a short stroll around Enol and Ercina.
• Midday: Walk the easy Entrelagos path for mirrored lake views and a picnic of local cheese and a bocadillo. If cloud forms, linger—light can change dramatically within 20 minutes.
• Afternoon: Visit the Sanctuary and cave at Covadonga, then choose: take the funicular to Bulnes for classic views of Naranjo de Bulnes, or sample the Cares Gorge from Poncebos (sturdy shoes, unfenced drops).
• Evening: Sunset saunter in Cangas de Onís by the Roman Bridge and cider in a sidrería. If skies are clear, detour to Mirador de Següencu for golden-hour views over the Sella valley to the Picos.

Day 2: Sea-to-peaks – Ribadesella, El Fitu and Lastres

Today is about Asturias’s trademark contrast: Atlantic cliffs and alpine silhouettes in the same gaze. If the morning is crystal-clear, flip the order and go to El Fitu first for long-range visibility.

• Morning: In Ribadesella, climb to the Mirador del Espíritu Santo for a bird’s-eye view of the estuary and Santa Marina beach; then stroll a short section of the E‑9 coastal path for cliff-top perspectives. Coffee by the paseo if orbayu drifts in.
• Midday: Take the AS‑260 to Mirador del Fitu for a 360-degree panorama of sea and Picos; bring a fleece—winds can be sharp even in summer. Optional 45–60 minute ridge stroll towards Picu Pienzu for fewer people.

By Air

• Asturias Airport (OVD), near Avilés.
  • Drive times: Avilés 15–20 min (15 km); Gijón 35–45 min (40 km); Oviedo 35–45 min (47 km).
  • ALSA airport buses: frequent services to Avilés (~15–20 min), Gijón (~45–60 min), and Oviedo (~45–55 min).
  • Car hire and taxis available at the terminal. Quick access to A-8 (coast) and A-66 (interior).
  • Alternative airports:
    • Santander (SDR): ~2 h by car via A-8; direct coaches to Asturias.
    • Bilbao (BIO): ~2.5–3 h by car via A-8; direct coaches to Asturias.
    • Santiago de Compostela (SCQ): ~3–3.5 h by car via AP-9/A-8.

By Train

• High-speed/long-distance (Renfe AVE/Alvia):
  • Madrid Chamartín to Oviedo ~3 h 15–30 min; to Gijón ~3 h 45–4 h (multiple daily).
  • Barcelona to Oviedo/Gijón ~8.5–9.5 h (direct Alvia).
  • León to Oviedo ~1–1.5 h.
• Coastal narrow-gauge (FEVE): links with Santander/Bilbao; scenic but slow.
• Main stations: Oviedo (central), Gijón Sanz-Crespo, Avilés.
• Good regional and commuter (Cercanías) coverage between major towns.

A lush, sea-to-summit corner of Spain where crowd-light viewpoints and everyday culture rival the headline destinations—without the hassle.

• Vibe: Slow, green and salty-aired; locals linger over sidra and conversation, take Sunday drives to hilltop miradores, and keep traditions alive at romerías like La Regalina.
• Scenery & Outdoors: From Mirador del Fitu’s 360° sweep and the Lagos de Covadonga to the Cares Gorge; coastal drama at Cabo Peñas and Cabo Vidio, plus quiet stretches of the Senda Costera (E‑9). Swap packed promenades for uncrowded trails and ocean‑edge benches.
• Culture & Food: Sidrerías pouring cider the traditional way, hearty fabada and Cabrales cheese in village bars, fresh fish in Lastres and Cudillero, and characterful strolls through Gijón’s Cimavilla and Oviedo’s old town—authentic, good value, refreshingly unstaged.
• Ease & Value: Free miradores, fairly priced menus del día, and handy bases like Cangas de Onís, Llanes and Ribadesella; seasonal shuttles to the Covadonga Lakes keep nature pristine and queues down—more space, better prices, same wow factor.

Asturias distils its magic into a handful of vistas where ocean cliffs, emerald valleys and limestone peaks collide. Here are the unmissable highlights to build your trip around.

• Walk the Cares Gorge between Caín and Poncebos for dizzying cliffside views over the “Divine Gorge”.
• Explore Cabo Vidio near Cudillero, with sheer cliffs, a lighthouse and the low-tide iglesiona sea cave for epic sunsets.
• Visit the Lagos de Covadonga (Mirador de la Reina and Entrelagos) for classic lake-and-peak vistas; use the shuttle in peak season.
• Take in 360° panoramas of sea and Picos from Mirador del Fitu on the AS-260 above Arriondas and Colunga.
• Hike the Saliencia Lakes circuit from La Farrapona in Somiedo for serene high pastures, mirror lakes and teito huts.

Asturias distils its magic into a handful of vistas where ocean cliffs, emerald valleys and limestone peaks collide. Here are the unmissable highlights to build your trip around.

• Walk the Cares Gorge between Caín and Poncebos for dizzying cliffside views over the “Divine Gorge”.
• Explore Cabo Vidio near Cudillero, with sheer cliffs, a lighthouse and the low-tide iglesiona sea cave for epic sunsets.
• Visit the Lagos de Covadonga (Mirador de la Reina and Entrelagos) for classic lake-and-peak vistas; use the shuttle in peak season.
• Take in 360° panoramas of sea and Picos from Mirador del Fitu on the AS-260 above Arriondas and Colunga.
• Hike the Saliencia Lakes circuit from La Farrapona in Somiedo for serene high pastures, mirror lakes and teito huts.

Asturian cuisine is hearty, local and full of character—mountain stews, Atlantic seafood and cave‑matured cheeses. Cider culture runs through everything, with the dramatic pour in lively sidrerías. Expect generous portions, simple recipes and big flavours made for sharing.

• Fabada Asturiana – slow-cooked white beans with chorizo, morcilla and pork; rich, smoky and comforting. Best savoured in rustic cafés and country restaurants after a day outdoors.
• Cachopo – giant breaded veal fillets stuffed with ham and cheese; crispy outside, juicy inside. A crowd-pleaser in bustling city bars and family-run eateries.
• Sidra natural – tart, still cider poured from height to awaken the aroma; perfect with tapas and seafood. Feel the buzz in classic sidrerías (cider bars) where glasses are shared in short sips.
• Cabrales (and other Asturian cheeses) – powerful blue cheese aged in limestone caves; creamy, tangy and unforgettable. Sample at village markets, speciality shops or on boards in relaxed wine bars.

Asturian cuisine is hearty, local and full of character—mountain stews, Atlantic seafood and cave‑matured cheeses. Cider culture runs through everything, with the dramatic pour in lively sidrerías. Expect generous portions, simple recipes and big flavours made for sharing.

• Fabada Asturiana – slow-cooked white beans with chorizo, morcilla and pork; rich, smoky and comforting. Best savoured in rustic cafés and country restaurants after a day outdoors.
• Cachopo – giant breaded veal fillets stuffed with ham and cheese; crispy outside, juicy inside. A crowd-pleaser in bustling city bars and family-run eateries.
• Sidra natural – tart, still cider poured from height to awaken the aroma; perfect with tapas and seafood. Feel the buzz in classic sidrerías (cider bars) where glasses are shared in short sips.
• Cabrales (and other Asturian cheeses) – powerful blue cheese aged in limestone caves; creamy, tangy and unforgettable. Sample at village markets, speciality shops or on boards in relaxed wine bars.

Choosing where to stay in Asturias is all about picking the right base for the experience you want—coastal vibes, mountain adventures, or culture-rich city breaks. Each area has its own rhythm, scenery and logistics, so choose by vibe first, hotels second.

• Oviedo — elegant, compact capital with pre‑Romanesque gems and top dining; ideal for history lovers, museum‑goers and calm evenings.
• Gijón — lively seaside city around San Lorenzo beach and classic sidrerías; great for nightlife, foodies and car‑free urban walks.
• Cangas de Onís / Arriondas — gateway to the Picos de Europa, Covadonga Lakes and the Sella; best for hikers, road‑trippers and outdoor fans.
• Llanes — pretty old town ringed by coves and the E‑9 coastal path; suits beach‑hoppers, families and relaxed dining by the sea.

Choosing where to stay in Asturias is all about picking the right base for the experience you want—coastal vibes, mountain adventures, or culture-rich city breaks. Each area has its own rhythm, scenery and logistics, so choose by vibe first, hotels second.

• Oviedo — elegant, compact capital with pre‑Romanesque gems and top dining; ideal for history lovers, museum‑goers and calm evenings.
• Gijón — lively seaside city around San Lorenzo beach and classic sidrerías; great for nightlife, foodies and car‑free urban walks.
• Cangas de Onís / Arriondas — gateway to the Picos de Europa, Covadonga Lakes and the Sella; best for hikers, road‑trippers and outdoor fans.
• Llanes — pretty old town ringed by coves and the E‑9 coastal path; suits beach‑hoppers, families and relaxed dining by the sea.

Travel in Asturias is straightforward, with good roads and reliable services, but a few details make planning smoother. Weather and access can change quickly in the mountains and at popular viewpoints, so it’s worth timing visits and checking conditions.

• Affordability: Asturias is good value: a menú del día is 12–18€, cider‑house dinners 15–25€ per person, mid‑range hotels 70–120€ per night (rural casas 50–90€), and car hire typically 30–60€ per day in shoulder seasons.
• Transport: Old towns are walkable, but for beaches, villages and mountain miradores a hire car is best; ALSA buses and the coastal FEVE/Cercanías trains link main towns, and peak‑season shuttles run to the Covadonga Lakes (plus a funicular to Bulnes).
• Language: Spanish is the main language (Asturian is also heard), and while younger people in tourist spots often speak some English, it’s not universal so a few Spanish phrases help and menus may be Spanish‑only.
• Safety & comfort: The region is very safe for families and solo travellers; take care on narrow mountain roads and unfenced cliffs, pack layers and waterproofs for changeable weather, and watch belongings at busy beaches and fiestas.
• Crowds: High season is July–August and Easter (book ahead and expect access controls at hotspots), while May–June and September–October are quieter with great light, and winter is peaceful but some mountain routes and rural services can be limited.

Travel in Asturias is straightforward, with good roads and reliable services, but a few details make planning smoother. Weather and access can change quickly in the mountains and at popular viewpoints, so it’s worth timing visits and checking conditions.

• Affordability: Asturias is good value: a menú del día is 12–18€, cider‑house dinners 15–25€ per person, mid‑range hotels 70–120€ per night (rural casas 50–90€), and car hire typically 30–60€ per day in shoulder seasons.
• Transport: Old towns are walkable, but for beaches, villages and mountain miradores a hire car is best; ALSA buses and the coastal FEVE/Cercanías trains link main towns, and peak‑season shuttles run to the Covadonga Lakes (plus a funicular to Bulnes).
• Language: Spanish is the main language (Asturian is also heard), and while younger people in tourist spots often speak some English, it’s not universal so a few Spanish phrases help and menus may be Spanish‑only.
• Safety & comfort: The region is very safe for families and solo travellers; take care on narrow mountain roads and unfenced cliffs, pack layers and waterproofs for changeable weather, and watch belongings at busy beaches and fiestas.
• Crowds: High season is July–August and Easter (book ahead and expect access controls at hotspots), while May–June and September–October are quieter with great light, and winter is peaceful but some mountain routes and rural services can be limited.

Asturias has a distinctly Atlantic climate: lush, changeable and often cooler than the rest of Spain, with the clearest skies in summer and the finest light and colours in spring and autumn. Crowds peak on the coast and at marquee viewpoints in July–August; winter brings dramatic seas and snow-dusted peaks.

• Shoulder Season (Spring & Autumn): Fresh, green (or autumnal) landscapes with mixed sunshine and showers, lighter crowds, and a relaxed, photogenic vibe ideal for hiking and road trips.
• High Summer (July–August): Warmest and sunniest with long days and the best chance of clear views; busiest period (book ahead, expect shuttle systems at hotspots) and a lively, festive atmosphere.
• Winter: Cool to cold with mountain snow and frequent Atlantic fronts; minimal crowds and low prices, moody coastal drama and cosy cider-bar vibes, but shorter days and some rural closures.

Asturias has a distinctly Atlantic climate: lush, changeable and often cooler than the rest of Spain, with the clearest skies in summer and the finest light and colours in spring and autumn. Crowds peak on the coast and at marquee viewpoints in July–August; winter brings dramatic seas and snow-dusted peaks.

• Shoulder Season (Spring & Autumn): Fresh, green (or autumnal) landscapes with mixed sunshine and showers, lighter crowds, and a relaxed, photogenic vibe ideal for hiking and road trips.
• High Summer (July–August): Warmest and sunniest with long days and the best chance of clear views; busiest period (book ahead, expect shuttle systems at hotspots) and a lively, festive atmosphere.
• Winter: Cool to cold with mountain snow and frequent Atlantic fronts; minimal crowds and low prices, moody coastal drama and cosy cider-bar vibes, but shorter days and some rural closures.

Day 3: Western highlands – Somiedo’s lakes and brañas

Head into UNESCO-listed Somiedo for pastoral valleys and wild ridges. Autumn here is glorious with copper beech forests; in winter, expect snow and occasional pass closures—check AEMET and webcams before you set off.

• Morning: Drive to the Collada de la Farrapona (go early for parking) and start the Lagos de Saliencia loop; the paths are rocky but straightforward with proper footwear. Keep an eye out for teito thatched huts dotting the high pastures.
• Midday: Picnic by Lago Cerveriz or Lago de la Cueva; weather can turn quickly, so carry layers and a waterproof. If cloud sits on the ridge, the moody light is superb for photography.
• Afternoon: Descend to Pola de Somiedo and continue to the Mirador del Príncipe for a sweeping read of the valley’s geography and brañas. Bear encounters are rare—don’t leave food, and follow local advice on wildlife.
• Evening: Drive back towards Oviedo/Gijón; on a clear, calm day and outside race closures, a detour up to the Mirador del Angliru delivers a stark, high-moor sunset. Celebrate with hearty mountain fare and, naturally, a shared bottle of cider.

By Bus & Coach

• ALSA operates frequent direct coaches:
  • Madrid to Oviedo/Gijón: ~4.5–5.5 h.
  • Bilbao: ~3–3.5 h.
  • Santander: ~2–2.5 h.
  • León: ~1.5–2 h.
  • Santiago de Compostela: ~5–6 h.
• Main bus stations: Oviedo and Gijón (central locations, frequent services to airports and towns across Asturias).

By Car

• Primary routes:
  • A-8 (Autovía del Cantábrico): east–west along the coast (from Galicia via Asturias to Cantabria/Basque Country).
  • A-66 (Autovía de la Plata): north–south to/from León; connects with AP-66 over the Pajares pass (toll section).
• Typical drive times:
  • Madrid to Oviedo: ~4.5–5 h (A-6/AP-66/A-66).
  • Bilbao to Gijón: ~2.5–3 h (A-8).
  • Santander to Oviedo: ~2–2.5 h (A-8).
  • Santiago de Compostela to Oviedo: ~3.5–4 h (A-6/A-8).

By Ferry (via nearby ports)

• No direct international ferries to Asturias.
• Nearest UK routes: Brittany Ferries to Santander or Bilbao; onward drive via A-8 (Santander to eastern Asturias ~2 h; Bilbao to eastern Asturias ~3–3.5 h).

Asturias suits travellers who crave wild landscapes where limestone peaks meet the Atlantic, rich tradition, and hearty food. In Asturias, you’ll find dramatic viewpoints, soulful villages, and coastal paths that feel a world away from Spain’s sun-and-sand south. It’s ideal for hikers, photographers, families, and slow travellers seeking authenticity in Green Spain.

• Scenery seekers: Revel in cliff‑top sunsets at Cabo Vidio/Cabo Peñas and 360° panoramas from Mirador del Fitu with sea and the Picos de Europa in one frame.
• Active travellers: Hike the Cares Gorge, circle the Covadonga Lakes, or cycle the legendary Angliru for world‑class mountain thrills.
• History lovers: Stand where the Reconquista began at Covadonga, explore Roman and medieval layers around Cangas de Onís, and trace pilgrim routes on the Camino Primitivo.
• Foodies: Feast on fabada, artisan cheeses, and sparkling Asturian cider in traditional sidrerías, with seafood feasts along the Costa Verde.
• Families: Easy-access miradores, funicular rides to Bulnes, and gentle coastal paths offer big views with low stress.
• City‑breakers: Base in Gijón or Oviedo for museums, cider bars, and beaches, then day‑trip to mountains and cliffs within an hour.