Asturias

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.
• Afternoon: Drop to Lastres and the Mirador de San Roque for a perfect postcard of the cascading village; wander the lanes down to the harbour. If you’ve energy, continue east to La Boriza above Andrín and Ballota beaches for twin-cove views.
• Evening: Aim for sunset at San Roque (or La Boriza if you continued east); seafood dinner in Lastres or Llanes. Summer haze can soften distant peaks—autumn light is often crisper.

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 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.

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).