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  • Travel Enthusiast
  • Mar 14
  • 7 min read

Updated: Mar 31

THE ULTIMATE ASTURIAS TRAVEL GUIDE


Asturias, Spain

Tucked away in Spain’s lush north, Asturias feels like a well-kept secret. The landscapes are stunning, the towns are full of character, and the food will have you dreaming of your next meal. It’s a place where nature, history, and culture come together effortlessly - without the crowds you’d expect from somewhere this spectacular.



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WHY VISIT ASTURIAS ?

 

Asturias isn’t just another pretty destination - it’s a region with soul. The coastline is wild and untamed, the villages look like they belong in a postcard, and the landscapes shift from rugged cliffs to rolling green hills that stretch endlessly.


Towering peaks rise in the Picos de Europa, fishing towns like Cudillero burst with color, and Oviedo hums with history. The beaches are just as striking, from the hidden cove of Playa del Silencio to the dramatic rock formations of Cuevas del Mar.


Asturias is a place to slow down, take it all in, and let life unfold at its own pace.


 

BEST TIME TO VISIT ASTURIAS

 

Asturias offers something special in every season:


  • Spring (April–June): The landscapes are at their greenest, and the weather is mild - perfect for hiking and exploring without the summer crowds.

  • Summer (July–August): Warm temperatures and lively coastal towns make this a great time for beach trips, though it's also the busiest season.

  • Autumn (September–October): A mix of warm days and crisp evenings, with fewer visitors and stunning mountain scenery.

  • Winter (November–March): A quieter time with misty mountain views and a rugged, dramatic beauty, ideal if you enjoy an off-season escape.



 

CITIES, TOWNS, AND BEACHES IN ASTURIAS

 

Asturias is a diverse region with vibrant cities, picturesque towns, and some of Spain’s most dramatic beaches. Here’s a breakdown:


 
CITIES
 

  • Oviedo – The elegant capital of Asturias, known for its historic old town, grand architecture, and cultural scene.

  • Gijón – A lively coastal city with beautiful beaches, a strong cider tradition, and a mix of history and modernity.

  • Avilés – A smaller but culturally rich city with a stunning old town and the striking modern architecture of the Óscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre.


 
TOWNS & VILLAGES
 

  • Cudillero – A postcard-perfect fishing village with colorful houses stacked along a hillside.

  • Llanes – A charming coastal town surrounded by beaches and medieval architecture.

  • Ribadesella – A beautiful riverside town known for its prehistoric caves and seaside charm.

  • Luarca – A picturesque whitewashed village with a scenic harbor and breathtaking coastal views.


 
BEACHES
 

  • Playa del Silencio – A stunning, rugged beach surrounded by cliffs, located near Cudillero - perfect if you love dramatic landscapes.

  • Playa de Gulpiyuri – Found near Llanes, this beach doesn’t look like one at first glance - hidden inland, seawater flows in through underground caves, creating a surreal natural pool.

  • Playa de Torimbia – A wild and untouched stretch of golden sand with incredible panoramic views - located near Niembro, close to Llanes.

  • Playa de San Lorenzo – Situated in the heart of Gijón, this is the city’s main beach, ideal for surfing and enjoying the vibrant coastal atmosphere.



 

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ASTURIAS

 

Asturias is packed with incredible places to explore, from historic cities to rugged mountains and hidden beaches. Here are some of the best experiences you don’t want to miss:


  • Wander through Oviedo’s Old Town:

Oviedo is the heart of Asturias - elegant, historic, and full of character. Stroll through the old town, admire the colorful plazas, and don’t miss the Cathedral of San Salvador, a masterpiece of Asturian Gothic architecture. Keep an eye out for the city’s many statues, including one of Woody Allen (yes, really).


  • Hike in the Picos de Europa:

If you’re up for adventure, the Picos de Europa National Park is unmissable. Towering limestone peaks, lush valleys, and winding trails make it a paradise for hikers. The Lakes of Covadonga offer breathtaking views, while the Cares Gorge Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Spain.



  • Visit Covadonga and its Basilica:

Covadonga is a place of legend in Asturias. The stunning Basilica of Santa María la Real de Covadonga, set against the mountains, is a must-visit. Nearby, you’ll find the Holy Cave, believed to be the site where the Asturian resistance began against the Moors.


  • Explore the fishing village of Cudillero:

Cudillero might just be the prettiest village in Asturias. Its colorful houses cascade down a hillside, and the harbor is perfect for a seafood lunch. Wander through the narrow streets and take in the views from Mirador del Pico, one of the best vantage points in town.


  • Relax on Asturias’ secret beaches:

Asturias is home to some of Spain’s most dramatic beaches, many of which remain blissfully uncrowded.

  • Playa del Silencio – A stunning, rugged beach surrounded by cliffs.

  • Playa de Gulpiyuri – A hidden inland beach that looks like something out of a dream.

  • Playa de Torimbia – A wild, untouched stretch of sand with panoramic views.



 

ASTURIAS ITINERARY

 

Planning a trip to Asturias? Here’s a quick itinerary to help you explore its cities, coast, and mountains in 3, 5, or 7 days.


  • 3 days in Asturias:

    • Day 1: Oviedo – Explore the historic old town, visit the Cathedral of San Salvador, and see the pre-Romanesque churches nearby.

    • Day 2: Cudillero & Beaches – Wander through Cudillero’s colorful streets, then relax at Playa del Silencio.

    • Day 3: Picos de Europa & Covadonga – Visit the Lakes of Covadonga, the Basilica, and take in the mountain views.


  • 5 days in Asturias:

    • Days 1–3: Follow the 3-day itinerary above.

    • Day 4: Gijón & Ribadesella – Walk along San Lorenzo Beach, then visit Ribadesella’s seaside cliffs and prehistoric caves.

    • Day 5: Llanes & Hidden Beaches – Discover Llanes, Playa de Gulpiyuri, and the untouched Playa de Torimbia.


  • 7 days in Asturias:

    • Days 1–5: Follow the 5-day itinerary above.

    • Day 6: Somiedo Natural Park – Take a scenic hike through Asturias’ wild, untouched landscapes.

    • Day 7: Luarca & The Western Coast – Explore Luarca’s whitewashed streets and rugged coastline.



 

GETTING TO AND AROUND ASTURIAS

 

Asturias offers various ways to get around - here’s how to explore the region:


  • By car – Renting a car is the best way to explore Asturias, especially if you want to visit small villages, hidden beaches, or the Picos de Europa. Roads are well-maintained, and the drives are stunning. The scenic coastal and mountain routes make the journey as exciting as the destination.



  • By train – RENFE trains connect Asturias with Madrid, León, and other cities. Within the region, the FEVE narrow-gauge railway offers scenic coastal routes between Gijón, Oviedo, Avilés, and Llanes, making it easy to explore without a car.

  • By bus – ALSA buses offer a reliable way to reach Asturias from major Spanish cities and are also useful for getting around the region, with frequent services between cities, towns, and rural areas.

  • By taxi – Taxis are available in major cities like Oviedo and Gijón, though they can be expensive for long distances and are best used for short trips within urban areas.

  • By bike – Cycling is a great option in coastal areas and countryside routes, though mountain roads can be challenging for casual cyclists.

  • By plane – Asturias Airport (OVD) is located in Castrillón, about 40 km (25 miles) west of Oviedo and 15 km (9 miles) from Avilés. It serves as the main airport for the region, offering flights from major Spanish cities and select international destinations.



 

WHERE TO STAY IN ASTURIAS

 

From historic cities to coastal villages and mountain retreats, here are the best places to stay:



  • Gijón – For a coastal stay

    • Budget-friendly: Hotel San Miguel – A cozy option near the beach and city center.

    • Boutique: Munna Hotel Boutique – A beautifully designed hotel offering comfort and style near the beach.

  • Cudillero – For a fishing village escape




 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

 

  • What is special about Asturias?

Asturias is one of Spain’s most breathtaking yet underrated regions. Towering mountains, dramatic coastal cliffs, and charming villages make it feel like a place lost in time. It’s where nature, history, and tradition come together, from the rugged landscapes of the Picos de Europa to the vibrant streets of Oviedo and Gijón. With its rich heritage, stunning scenery, and welcoming atmosphere, Asturias offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Spain.


  • Does Asturias have a beach?

Yes - and some of the most stunning in Spain. Asturias’ coastline is wild and unspoiled, with hidden coves, golden sand beaches, and dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea. Playa del Silencio is breathtakingly remote, Playa de Gulpiyuri is a rare inland beach, and Playa de Torimbia offers panoramic coastal views. Unlike Spain’s more crowded southern shores, Asturias’ beaches remain refreshingly quiet and pristine.



  • What is the prettiest village in Asturias?

Cudillero is often considered the most picturesque, with its colorful houses stacked on a hillside, overlooking a small fishing harbor. Its steep streets lead to stunning viewpoints, while its seafood restaurants serve some of the freshest fish in Asturias. Other contenders include Llanes, known for its medieval charm and coastal beauty, and Lastres, a postcard-perfect village with sweeping sea views.


  • Is Asturias different from the rest of Spain?

Yes, in many ways. Asturias is greener, wilder, and deeply tied to its traditions. Unlike Spain’s sun-drenched south, it has lush landscapes, a cooler climate, and a distinctive identity shaped by its Celtic influences and long-standing traditions. Flamenco and paella give way to bagpipes and hearty stews, while its history as the only part of Spain never conquered by the Moors adds to its unique character. Asturias is Spain, but with a personality all its own.


 

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