Are you planning a trip to the wonderful land of Asturias? Good choice! If you don't know where to start, in this post we recommend the best things to do in Asturias and all the incredible places to visit during your stay in this northern region that we love so much.
Yes, because it is clear that the Principality of Asturias is a destination suitable for everyone: from families with children to couples, from groups of friends to solo travellers. And there are plans for all tastes: Do you want to party? You have it. Do you want to relax? You will get it. Seriously: few places are so appealing always and for everyone. Asturias is a small, large natural paradise… are you coming to discover it?
20 amazing things to do in Asturias
Sea and mountains, glasses of cider, abundant plates of stew, meat and fish, charming villages, forests, Romanesque churches. Natural beauty, cultural heritage and welcoming people. These are the ingredients that make Asturias one of the most beautiful corners of northern Spain . But what am I saying about the north… all of Spain!
We were lucky enough to take a legendary road trip through Asturias, during which we saw most of the top sites in the Community (and some unknown gems). To say that we loved it is an understatement: Asturias welcomed us with open arms and we are already looking forward to returning to that very special northern land.
Let's take a look at the 20 great plans that await you in those parts:
1. Gijón
We start with one of the main dishes: Gijón is, perhaps, the most pleasant city in Asturias, thanks to its beaches and its center, full of cider houses and opportunities to gain a few kilos with cachopos or delicious (and generous) dishes of fabada.
But Gijón doesn't live on food alone, this city offers visitors a ton of things to do, such as strolling through the Cimadevilla neighbourhood, enjoying the views of the Cantabrian Sea from the sculpture “El Elogio del Horizonte” (some people love it and others think it's horrible. We like it hehe) or relaxing on San Lorenzo Beach.
⭐ Low-cost plan : sign up for this free tour of Gijón to see the most important things in the city.
→ Here we tell you the best things to see and do in Gijón .
2. Oviedo
Don't let the people of Oviedo get angry with us (the rivalry between the two cities is well known), because of course we recommend you visit Oviedo as well . Capital of the Principality of Asturias and a perfect representative of pre-Romanesque art, this city hides a few wonders that will drive you crazy.
You can visit the vast majority on a walk through the historic centre, such as the beautiful Cathedral (the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of San Salvador de Oviedo), the Archaeological Museum of Asturias or the Plaza de Trascorrales, among many others.
→ Discover the best things to see and do in Oviedo .
3. Pre-Romanesque churches
Don't leave Oviedo without first visiting the surrounding area, because some of its greatest treasures are just a few kilometres away. We are talking about the three churches of Santa María del Naranco , San Miguel de Lillo and San Julián de los Prados , authentic pre-Romanesque gems and the best examples of this architectural style in all of Asturias and Europe.
It is certainly one of the most amazing things to do in Asturias. Were you expecting pre-Romanesque churches here?
4. Bear Trail
Are you not scared of muscle aches? Good, because those cachopos don't go down by themselves! In Asturias there are a good handful of active tourism options . One of the most fun is to ride a bicycle along the so-called " Senda del Oso " (Bear's Path). The route has a total of 22 km in which you will pass through landscapes so beautiful that they will take your breath away, over bridges, rivers, forests and, in addition, after so much cachopo and fabadas it doesn't hurt to move your skeleton XD.
The name of the route comes from the bears Paca and Molinera, who were rescued when they were still cubs and orphaned by a hunter. Since then, the Fundación Oso de Asturias has been in charge of caring for it (the two bears live in a fenced mountain next to the path).
Tip : It is best to rent a bike in the village of Entrago , this way you will avoid the steepest climbs. In addition, many companies have a bike delivery service in the last village on the route ( Tuñón ) to save you from having to pedal back. Allow about 3 hours for the trip (one way).
5. Lakes of Covadonga
The Lakes of Covadonga ! These lakes (Enol, Ercina and Bricial), are located in the Picos de Europa National Park , and really do not need much introduction. Nestled in a spectacular setting and surrounded by extreme scenic beauty, it has become one of the best-known places in northern Spain . Here we tell you about our experience doing the circular route of the Lakes.
Without a doubt, one of the top places and one of the best things to see and do in Asturias with children, friends, couples and even alone.
Put on some good shoes or bring your bike because there is no shortage of options for routes here. And with a bit of luck you might come across wild horses, goats or cows. Of course, don't leave without visiting the Sanctuary of Covadonga , a pilgrimage site much loved by the Asturians. Interesting fact: Lake Bricial can only be seen during the thaw, while Lakes Enol and Ercina are visible all year round.
6. Cares Path
One of the most spectacular routes in the Picos de Europa National Park is the Senda del Cares , where you can walk through a gorge between almost endless rock walls, crossed by a river of cold, blue waters. The route (outbound) is about 11 km, so it would be ideal to have someone pick you up at the end of the journey by car and avoid having to walk another 11 km on the way back :-P.
Another option is to visit it with this Jeep excursion from Cangas de Onís , or join this more complete tour of the Picos de Europa . The most famous section is the one that goes from Caín de Valdeón to Poncebos.
⭐ More information on hiking routes in Asturias .
Hiking the Senda del Cares is one of the top activities and one of the best things to do in Asturias, so if you have time, don't hesitate to sign up for this trek.
7. Cangas de Onís, one of the most beautiful towns to see in Asturias
Any trip through Asturias should include Cangas de Onís on the route, one of the historical towns of the Principality, as it was the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias . Its most famous image is the peculiar Roman Bridge that crosses the Sella River.
We decided to stay in this town and use it as a base for touring Asturias. We couldn't have been happier: well located, with a very interesting range of hotels and it's incredibly beautiful.
→ Here we tell you everything to do in Cangas de Onís.
8. Llanes
Another town you should visit in Asturias is Llanes . And perhaps, when you see it, it will look familiar to you. Why? Because several films were filmed here, such as “The Orphanage”. But it is not only film lovers who will fall in love with its charm: its historic centre has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site, and it has a beautiful coastline dotted with very pretty beaches.
Also, just 15 km away is the (increasingly) famous secret beach of Gulpiyuri , one of the most unique beaches to see in Asturias. However, to visit it we recommend avoiding the central hours and especially checking the state of the tide.
9. Pría Bufones, something curious to see in Asturias
If you continue along the coast from here towards Ribadesella you will come across the curious Bufones de Pría . The bufo-what? They are a very strange natural phenomenon: due to the erosion of the sea on the limestone rocks of the cliffs, small cracks have formed over thousands of years through which the sea water shoots out, as if it were a geyser!
10. Cudillero
For many, Cudillero is one of the prettiest towns not only in Asturias, but in all of Spain . Its picturesque location, nestled on the side of a small mountain facing the sea, with its small port from which the steep streets and colorful houses begin, is its greatest distinguishing feature. Enjoy the seafront promenade, take a route through its viewpoints, and visit the Humilladero chapel.
Many compare it to the villages of Cinque Terre . What do you think?
→ Here we tell you what to see in Cudillero .
11. Ribadesella and the descent of the Sella
The next point to visit on our itinerary through Asturias must be Ribadesella , a town that has gained popularity thanks to its famous festival of the Descent of the Sella . But beyond the hustle and bustle that occurs in August, it is a town with a historic centre, small but very pretty, where walking around is a real pleasure.
You can also create your own “Sella descent” by renting a canoe and sailing along its cold waters. Doesn’t that sound like a great plan? Oh, and by the way, if you like cave art, write down this name: Cuevas de Tito Bustillo (you can book your ticket here ).
12. Taramundi
Travelling to Taramundi will be like going back in time. This little village, almost on the border with Galicia and surrounded by greenery, seems to have stopped in a bucolic dimension. If you enjoy rural tourism, it will be one of your favourite places in Asturias. Here you can visit the interesting ethnographic complex "Os Teixois" and take home some handmade knives and pocket knives as a souvenir.
13. Ballasts
Also on the coast, Lastres is another interesting stop, especially for fans of the series “ Doctor Mateo ”, as it was filmed entirely here, in this Asturian town (in the series it is known as “San Martín del Sella”). But if you haven’t seen a single episode like us, it doesn’t really matter, as there are many reasons to come: its location next to a cliff overlooking the sea, its charming houses, the Buen Suceso chapel, the San Roque viewpoint or the Playa de la Griega. Lastres has earned its place on the list of essential places to visit in Asturias.
14. Somiedo Natural Park
With the presence of the imposing Picos de Europa, not all visitors pay attention to other parks, but that is a big mistake. The natural heritage of Asturias is almost infinite and another of the most suggestive enclaves is the Somiedo Natural Park , where the green seems to be greener and where forests, lakes, meadows and a few sore muscles await you as a souvenir (they are worth it, eh?).
→ You can visit it with this guided tour from Gijón .
15. Fitu Viewpoint
But you don't always have to suffer to enjoy amazing landscapes. You can easily reach the Fitu viewpoint by car (but pray first that the views are clear!). This panoramic point, opened in 1927, is located at an altitude of about 1,100 metres in the heart of the Sierra del Sueve and offers a 360º view that encompasses all the essence of Asturias: sea, mountains, plains, villages...
The good thing is that the viewpoint is very pretty, the bad thing is that almost everyone who visits Asturias knows about it... so during the high season you may have to queue to take a photo.
16. Cape Peñas
Cabo de Peñas holds the record for being the northernmost point in Asturias. But a visit is not only recommended for that, but because it is a place of unique beauty! Cliffs that drop straight into the cold waters of the Cantabrian Sea, the immensity of the sea in front of you and a lighthouse with great views.
17. Aviles
It does not boast as much fame as Gijón or Oviedo, but we cannot forget Avilés , with its medieval historic center and its houses of the " Indianos ", as the Spaniards who had emigrated to the "Americas" were known and returned with good rooms, bringing with them the typical colonial architecture so fashionable in those times (if you are curious, sign up for this Indian tour of Avilés ).
Also take a stroll through the fishermen's quarter and the curious Niemeyer Centre , a cultural centre with an architecture that combines sinuous lines and European rationalism.
18. Luarca
Luarca is another of the most beautiful towns in Asturias . A land of fishermen and sailors, it has a picturesque port and a handful of buildings that will surprise you, such as the Casa Guatemala, the Casas de Indianos, and the Palace of the Marquises of Ferrera. Here we tell you the best things to see and do in Luarca .
19. Cobijeru secret beach
We already mentioned the secret beach of Gupiyuri, but it is not the only one! The secret beach of Cobijeru joins this peculiar list of places and curious things to do in Asturias. These are beaches that do not have access to the sea and yet have salt water.
And that's it? The sea water filters through some rocks and gives the sensation of being on a beach that came out of nowhere. The truth is that they are amazing (although in high season they are full, of course).
20. Playa del Silencio, one of the great gems to see in Asturias
There are also traditional beaches in Asturias, in fact there are dozens of them that we would recommend without any problem, but if you only have time to visit one, there is no doubt: you have to go to Playa del Silencio (also known as Playa d'El Gavieiru).
Its perfect crescent shape, nestled between huge rocks and bathed by transparent waters, is its calling card (although don't expect fine sand, it's made of small pebbles). Getting there isn't that easy, you'll have to go down a few stairs, but nothing that a good adventurer (or someone who wants to go to the beach!) can't overcome. It is without a doubt one of the places you must see in Asturias.
But don't let your haste to get off leave you in a bad spot: ONLY park in the designated spots. When we went, a local told us, and rightly so, that they were fed up with tourists parking wherever they wanted.
→ Here we tell you which are the 10 best beaches in Asturias .
More things to do in Asturias
20+1. Dulcis in fundo we can only advise you (almost force you) to eat ! Seriously, Asturias is incomprehensible if you don't taste its dishes. Hearty, caloric and prepared with a lot of love. From the famous cachopos to fabada , passing through calderetas and corn cakes . Wow, how good the food is in this land, you will end up full and happy XD
⭐ Here we tell you about the 10 typical dishes to eat in Asturias .
⭐ And don't forget to take a look at these interesting facts about Asturias to discover a different side of this beautiful region.
Map of visited sites
We leave you a little map so you can easily locate all the sites and places we talk about in this article:
This concludes our tour of the Principality and our recommendations of things to see and do in Asturias . It is no secret that for us it is one of the most surprising, complete and beautiful communities in all of Spain. Coming here means soaking up beautiful places, having an overdose of colours and… gaining a few kilos. But they will be kilos of happiness.
Do you know more things to do in Asturias ? Have we forgotten any essential places? Tell us in a comment!
