Asturias Travel Guide
Asturias is one of Spain’s most striking combinations of mountains, coastline and traditional rural life.
Located on the northern coast between Galicia and Cantabria, the region is shaped by the Cantabrian Sea and the dramatic peaks rising just inland. Visitors can move from sandy beaches and fishing villages to deep valleys, green pastures and high mountain scenery within a relatively short distance.
Asturias is especially famous for the Picos de Europa, the Lakes of Covadonga, traditional cider culture, historic Oviedo and a coastline filled with small beaches, cliffs and colourful fishing towns.
It is an excellent destination for travellers who enjoy nature, walking, road trips, traditional food and quieter places away from Spain’s major Mediterranean resorts.
Explore the Regions of Asturias
Oviedo
Discover Oviedo – the historic capital of Asturias, known for its elegant centre, cathedral, traditional cider houses and important pre-Romanesque monuments.
Several monuments in and around Oviedo, including Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo and San Julián de los Prados, form part of the UNESCO-listed Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias.
Explore Oviedo Region
Gijón
Visit Asturias’ largest coastal city, where beaches, maritime history, restaurants and a lively waterfront combine with a modern urban atmosphere.
The old fishing quarter of Cimavilla sits beside the harbour, while San Lorenzo Beach stretches along the centre of the city.
Explore Gijón
Avilés Region
Discover a diverse part of central Asturias combining historic streets, Atlantic beaches, rural landscapes and cultural attractions. The region includes Avilés, Castrillón, Corvera and Illas, with highlights ranging from Avilés’ old town and Niemeyer Centre to coastal scenery, traditional villages and countryside.
Explore Avilés Region
Oriente de Asturias
Discover one of Asturias’ most spectacular regions, where the Picos de Europa rise close to the Cantabrian coast. Explore Llanes, Ribadesella, Cangas de Onís, Cabrales and Covadonga, alongside mountain villages, dramatic beaches, prehistoric caves and some of northern Spain’s finest natural scenery.
Explore Oriente de Asturias
Camín Real de la Mesa
Explore a historic mountain region crossed by ancient routes once used by Romans, pilgrims and travellers. Discover Somiedo, Teverga, Proaza and Quirós, the Senda del Oso, glacial landscapes, traditional brañas and protected natural areas including the Somiedo and Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Biosphere Reserves.
Explore Camín Real de la Mesa
Comarca del Nora
Explore the green central plains and gentle hills of Llanera, Noreña and Siero, between Oviedo, Gijón and Asturias’ historic mining valleys. Discover traditional markets, cider production, rural estates, Camino de Santiago routes, mining and railway heritage, local festivals and the Fernando Alonso Museum and Circuit.
Explore Comarca del Nora
Oscos-Eo
Discover Asturias’ far west, where green mountains meet the Eo estuary and Cantabrian coast. Explore Castropol, Taramundi and traditional villages surrounded by forests, rivers and waterfalls, while discovering a region famous for rural tourism, traditional crafts, water-powered workshops and its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Explore Oscos-Eo
Fuentes del Narcea
Explore the wild south-west of Asturias, home to extensive forests, mountains, rivers and one of the region’s most important protected natural areas. Discover Cangas del Narcea, traditional vineyards, local wine culture, brown bear country and the remarkable Muniellos forest within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Explore Fuentes del Narcea
Comarca de la Sidra
Discover the heartland of Asturian cider, where apple orchards, traditional cider houses and green countryside stretch towards the coast. Explore Villaviciosa, Nava, Colunga and picturesque villages while experiencing cider traditions that form an important part of Asturias’ UNESCO-recognised cider culture.
Explore Comarca de la Sidra
Montaña Central
Explore the mountainous heart of Asturias, shaped by high peaks, deep valleys, historic routes and a strong mining heritage. The region includes Aller, Lena and Mieres, with spectacular landscapes, famous cycling climbs, ski areas and parts of the Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park and Biosphere Reserve.
Explore Montaña Central
Nalón Valley
Discover a region where Asturias’ industrial history meets some of its finest mountain landscapes. Follow the Nalón through historic mining towns before reaching the greener upper valley, home to forests, traditional villages and Redes Natural Park, a protected mountain landscape and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Explore Nalón Valley
Navia-Porcía Region
Explore western Asturias through a landscape of rivers, mountains, reservoirs, green valleys and Atlantic coastline. The region is especially known for its remarkable castro heritage, with ancient fortified settlements, archaeological sites, fishing communities and traditional inland villages spread across the valleys of the Navia and Porcía.
Explore Navia-Porcía
Vaqueira Region
Discover a diverse western region stretching from mountains and forested valleys to the Cantabrian coast. Its name comes from the Vaqueiros de Alzada, traditionally nomadic pastoral communities whose culture shaped the area. Explore Cudillero, Luarca, Tineo, Salas and beautiful rural landscapes.
Explore Vaqueira Region
Lower Nalón
Explore the region where the River Nalón reaches the Cantabrian Sea, combining historic towns, fertile countryside, beaches and dramatic coastal viewpoints. Discover Pravia, once a royal capital, together with Muros de Nalón, Soto del Barco, San Esteban and the traditional fishing community of L’Arena.
Explore Lower Nalón
Cape Peñas
Explore Asturias’ northernmost region, centred on the spectacular headland of Cabo Peñas between Gijón and Avilés. High cliffs, hidden coves and wide Atlantic views define the coastline, while the traditional fishing towns of Luanco and Candás preserve the area’s strong maritime character and seafood traditions.
Explore Cape Peñas
Flag & History of Asturias
The blue flag of Asturias features the yellow Victory Cross, one of the region’s most important historic symbols and a link with the medieval Kingdom of Asturias.
The modern Asturian flag developed much later, with its design connected to the early 19th century and the Asturian uprising against Napoleon.
Explore the History of Asturias
Why Visit Asturias?
Asturias is ideal for travellers who want to combine very different landscapes within one trip.
The region has more than 200 sandy beaches along roughly 400 kilometres of coastline, while high mountain scenery begins surprisingly close to the sea. In eastern Asturias, the Picos de Europa rise only around 20 kilometres from the Cantabrian coast.
Historic cities such as Oviedo sit alongside fishing villages, cider-producing areas, rural valleys and major natural attractions.
Asturias works particularly well for road trips because visitors can spend the morning in the mountains, stop in a traditional village for lunch and finish the day beside the Atlantic coast.
Asturias UNESCO Heritage
Asturias preserves important evidence from both prehistoric and medieval Spain.
Around Oviedo, UNESCO recognises a group of exceptional pre-Romanesque monuments connected with the early Kingdom of Asturias, including Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo and San Julián de los Prados.
The region is also home to several caves included in the UNESCO-listed Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain. These include Tito Bustillo, La Peña de Candamo, Covaciella, Llonín and El Pindal, preserving some of Europe’s most important prehistoric cave art.
Together, these sites show two very different chapters of Asturian history — from the earliest artistic expression of prehistoric communities to the medieval kingdom that developed in northern Spain.
Best Things to Do in Asturias
Visit the Lakes of Covadonga
Travel into the Picos de Europa to see mountain lakes surrounded by green slopes and limestone peaks.
The area is one of Asturias’ best-known natural landscapes and an excellent starting point for shorter walks and viewpoints.
Explore Oviedo
Walk through the historic centre, visit the cathedral and discover the city’s pre-Romanesque heritage.
Oviedo is also one of the best places to experience traditional Asturian food and cider culture.
Walk in the Picos de Europa
Explore mountain routes ranging from easier scenic walks to demanding high-level hikes.
The landscape includes dramatic limestone peaks, valleys, forests and remote communities.
Explore Asturias’ Fishing Villages
Travel between coastal communities such as Cudillero, Lastres, Llanes and Luarca.
Each offers a different combination of harbour life, traditional architecture, restaurants and coastal scenery.
Discover the Beaches
Asturias has more than 200 sandy beaches spread along its coast.
Some are wide and easily accessible, while others lie beneath cliffs or can only be reached along smaller roads and walking paths.
Visit Cangas de Onís and Covadonga
Explore two places closely connected with the early history and identity of Asturias.
They also provide a practical gateway into the eastern Picos de Europa.
Walk the Coastal Paths
Asturias offers extensive opportunities for walking above cliffs, between beaches and through coastal countryside.
In many places, walkers can see both the Cantabrian Sea and the mountains on the same route.
Experience Asturian Cider Culture
Visit a traditional sidrería and watch cider being poured from height into the glass.
Cider is deeply connected with Asturian food, social life and local identity.
Try a Mountain Road Trip
Drive through valleys, small villages and mountain passes to experience the quieter inland landscapes of Asturias.
Explore Prehistoric Asturias
Visit caves and archaeological sites connected with some of northern Spain’s earliest human history.
Beaches and Coastline in Asturias
Asturias has one of the most varied coastlines in northern Spain.
Approximately 400 kilometres of coast contain more than 200 sandy beaches, fishing villages, cliffs, headlands and river estuaries.
The eastern coast around Llanes and Ribadesella is especially dramatic because the mountains rise close to the sea.
Some of the best-known coastal destinations and beaches include:
- Playa de Gulpiyuri
- Playa de Torimbia
- Playa del Silencio
- Playa de San Lorenzo
- Playa de Rodiles
- Playa de Vega
- Llanes
- Ribadesella
- Cudillero
- Lastres
Many Asturian beaches feel less developed than the large resorts found on Spain’s Mediterranean coast.
The sea is generally cooler and conditions can change quickly, but the combination of green countryside, cliffs and mountains creates a very different type of beach experience.
Food and Drink in Asturias
Asturian food reflects both the mountains and the sea.
Traditional dishes are generally substantial, while coastal communities provide excellent fish and seafood.
Popular Asturian foods include:
Fabada Asturiana
A rich bean stew traditionally prepared with large white beans and pork products.
It is one of the region’s best-known dishes.
Cachopo
Two large pieces of meat filled with ham and cheese, coated and fried.
It is commonly served in generous portions and has become one of Asturias’ most recognisable restaurant dishes.
Cabrales Cheese
A strong blue cheese traditionally produced in the Picos de Europa area.
The Cabrales area is closely associated with this famous Asturian cheese.
Asturian Seafood
Fish, shellfish and other seafood feature strongly in towns along the Cantabrian coast.
Arroz con Leche
A traditional rice pudding commonly found throughout Asturias.
Asturian Cider
Natural cider is one of the defining products of the region.
It is traditionally poured from height to aerate a small amount before drinking.
Asturias also produces numerous cheeses, with mountain valleys and rural communities maintaining strong local food traditions.
Best Time to Visit Asturias
Spring
Spring brings green valleys, flowing rivers and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and walking.
Weather can change quickly, but the countryside is particularly attractive and major destinations are usually quieter than during summer.
Summer
June to September is the most popular period for coastal trips, hiking and outdoor activities.
July and August generally offer the warmest weather, although Asturias is normally cooler than southern and Mediterranean Spain.
Popular beaches, mountain areas and destinations such as Covadonga can become busy during peak holiday periods.
Autumn
Early autumn can be an excellent time for walking, food, road trips and mountain scenery.
Forests begin changing colour and crowds reduce after the main summer season.
Winter
Winter is quieter and often wet, with cooler temperatures along the coast and snow possible in higher mountain areas.
Cities such as Oviedo and Gijón remain suitable for short breaks, while mountain conditions require greater preparation.
Getting to Asturias
By Plane
Asturias Airport serves the region and is located west of the main urban area formed by Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés.
Flights connect Asturias with several Spanish cities and selected international destinations.
By Train
Rail services connect Asturias with other parts of northern Spain and with major cities including Madrid.
Regional rail services also connect some of the larger towns and cities within Asturias.
By Car
A car is one of the best ways to explore Asturias.
It gives travellers much easier access to mountain villages, remote beaches, coastal viewpoints and rural areas that are difficult to reach efficiently by public transport.
By Bus
Long-distance and regional buses connect the main cities and many towns.
Bus travel can work well for visitors focusing on larger destinations, although reaching remote mountain or coastal areas is easier by car.
Getting Around Asturias
Distances within Asturias are relatively manageable, but the mountains and rural road network can make journeys slower than they appear on a map.
Public transport is useful between Oviedo, Gijón, Avilés and several larger towns.
For visitors planning to explore the Picos de Europa, coastal villages and smaller beaches, hiring a car provides much greater flexibility.
A practical first journey through Asturias could combine:
- Oviedo
- Gijón
- Cudillero
- Cangas de Onís
- Covadonga
- Picos de Europa
- Llanes
- Ribadesella
Travellers without a car can base themselves in Oviedo or Gijón and combine public transport with organised excursions.
Where to Stay in Asturias
Oviedo
Best for history, architecture, food and travellers wanting a central base for exploring the region.
Gijón
Best for visitors who want a city stay combined with beaches, restaurants and nightlife.
Llanes
Best for beaches, coastal scenery and exploring eastern Asturias.
Ribadesella
Best for a relaxed coastal stay with access to outdoor activities and nearby mountains.
Cangas de Onís
Best for visiting Covadonga, the Lakes of Covadonga and the Picos de Europa.
Cudillero
Best for a quieter coastal stay and travellers exploring western Asturias.
Rural Asturias
Best for walkers, nature lovers and visitors looking for countryside accommodation away from the main cities.
Suggested Asturias Itineraries
Three Days in Asturias
Day 1: Explore Oviedo and its historic centre.
Day 2: Visit Cangas de Onís, Covadonga and the Lakes of Covadonga.
Day 3: Explore the coast around Llanes or Ribadesella.
Five Days in Asturias
Day 1: Oviedo.
Day 2: Gijón.
Day 3: Cangas de Onís and Covadonga.
Day 4: Picos de Europa.
Day 5: Llanes and Ribadesella.
One Week in Asturias
Day 1: Oviedo.
Day 2: Gijón.
Day 3: Avilés and Cudillero.
Day 4: Cangas de Onís and Covadonga.
Day 5: Picos de Europa.
Day 6: Llanes.
Day 7: Ribadesella and the eastern coast.
Who Is Asturias Best For?
Asturias is particularly well suited to:
- Road-trip travellers
- Hikers and walkers
- Nature lovers
- Mountain enthusiasts
- Food and cider lovers
- Couples looking for quieter destinations
- Families interested in outdoor activities
- Travellers interested in traditional villages
- Visitors who enjoy beaches without large resort developments
- People wanting cooler summer temperatures
- Travellers discovering Green Spain
Discover Green Spain
Asturias lies at the heart of northern Spain’s Atlantic landscape.
Its combination of high mountains, green valleys and a rugged coastline makes it one of the clearest examples of the region commonly known as Green Spain.
Continue your journey through Northern Spain to discover:
- Galicia
- Cantabria
- Basque Country
- Navarra
- La Rioja
- Aragón
From Galicia’s Atlantic estuaries to Asturias’ mountain valleys and the dramatic coastline farther east, northern Spain offers a completely different journey from the Mediterranean resorts many visitors first associate with the country.
Plan Your Trip to Asturias
Explore mountain landscapes, historic cities, traditional fishing villages, beaches and one of Spain’s strongest regional food cultures.
Find places to stay, compare activities and start planning a journey through one of the most beautiful parts of Green Spain.