Honestly, there are so many beautiful places in Asturias that it’s going to be very difficult to pint out only 12 places that you must visit in Asturias. But I promise I’ll do my best 🙂
For more information about each place I mention or help putting these into a travel plan, check out these itineraries:
3 Days in Asturias
5 Days in Asturias
7 Days in Asturias
Ok, let’s start with the impossible task of mapping out the 12 places you must visit in Asturias.
East of Asturias
1. Lagos de Covadonga
By far my favorite place in Asturias, you can’t pass through Asturias without visiting this gem! The Lagos are two lakes in the Picos de Europa that are surrounded by green, mountains, and in the summer countless cows. In low season you can access the lakes by car and in high season you have to take a bus. Check the ALSA website for more info!
You can also ready my post Visit The Lagos of Covadonga (Public Transportation Option).
If you would like to visit the lakes of covadonga with transportation from Oviedo, Gijon, and aviles OR with a private guide, Civitatis offers these awesome tours:
2. Cangas de Onís
This town by the Picos de Europa is one of the most important ones in Asturias’s history. That is to say, Cangas de Onís used to be the capital of the Asturian Kingdom until the year 774.
It’s the perfect place to have lunch, dinner, or just a quick beer stop. Have a stroll around town and check out the town’s “Roman” bridge and Chapel of Santa Cruz. In addition, stop at the local stores for yummy souvenirs like cheese, cold meats, or an Asturian pastry.
3. Picos de Europa
Telling you to visit the natural park Picos de Europe is very general since the place is huge! However, I do think you should drive between the mountains, stop in little towns like Las Arenas, Bulnes, and Sotres, and go for a small hike to experience the amazing nature of Asturias. My favorite full-day hike is the Ruta del Cares, you can find more information in this post.
A cool way to explore the area of the Picos de Europa is with a 4×4 jeep tour which takes you to various lookout points and scenery spots. In addition, with this tour you can walk the Ruta del Cares mentioned earlier! Note: the tour is in Spanish.
4. Lastres
One of my favorite little towns! The houses are all on a side of a mountain, with an absolutely perfect view to the coast. I highly recommend for you to go up to the Mirador de San Roque (reachable by car). From there you have the perfect view over the town as well as the coast, and with good vision also the Picos de Europa. If you want to have coffee or a quick breakfast there is a restaurant at the mirador called Restaurante La Rula and it has THE BEST view!!
5. Ribadesella
Another beautiful coastal town, probably one of the most famous one in Asturias. In this town I recommend for you to get lost in the little streets, explore the beautiful boutiques, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Fun fact: During the summer, on the first Saturday of August (after the 2nd) celebrated in the area is the Descenso Internacional del Sella or Les Piragües. It is a 20 km kayak/canoe route/race in the Sella river which starts in the town of Arriondas and ends in Ribadesella. This event always includes many local parties in Arriondas when the race begins as well as in Ribadesella when the race ends.
6. Bufones de Pría
Such a beautiful phenomenon you can experience in Asturias! You can only see the full effect of the bufones with strong waves, however, I still think it is worth visiting in a calm day because it is beautiful.
The bufones are natural phenomena originated by the effect of the erosion of the sea and the rain in the limestone rock, giving rise to cracks and chimneys that connect the sea with the earth. The swell of the calm waves against the cliffs causes the expulsion of the compressed air in the galleries, however, in days of strong swell, air and water escape to the outside at great pressure with jets of water that reach great height.
Translated from the Asturias Tourism site
7. Llanes
This is my favorite summer village in Asturias! From June to September you will find there people from all over Spain who are taking advantage of the great weather and beautiful beaches. The center itself is amazing and the seafood is to die for! Highly recommend for you to have lunch here.
* in the winter the place is not full of people like in the summer but it’s still worth a visit!
Center of Asturias
8. Oviedo
Capital del Principado de Asturias y centro administrativo y comercial de la región. ¡Puedes perderte en la ciudad histórica del centro, disfrutar de las hermosas calles y casas coloridas, y comer deliciosa comida asturiana! Tengo un gran post con 10 cosas que ver y hacer en Oviedo.
9. Gijón
The largest city in Asturias, located on about 30 minutes north of Oviedo on the Bay of Biscay.
Must visit: The port, Cimadevilla (old fishermen’s quarter), Santa Catalina hill (beautiful park with ocean view), the 18th-century Revillagigedo Palace, and take a walk in the beautiful passage along Playa San Lorenzo.
West of Asturias
10. Cudillero
A beautiful fishing town on a steep cliff, it always makes it to the list of the most beautiful towns in Spain! I recommend that you pass and hour or two here exploring the streets, go up to the Mirador de la Garita and mirador de la Atalaya, and most importantly, enjoy a lunch of seafood!
11. Cabo Vidio
My favorite coastal view point in Asturias! You can see from here the coastline to the east and west and it is just breathtaking. You can also go around the lighthouse for a perfect view of the entire coast. In the high season there are a couple of places, on the cliff, where you can have a beer or coffee and enjoy the stunning view.
12. Playa del Silencio
One of the prettiest and unique beaches of Asturias. It looks like it came directly from a Game of Thrones scene and I think it is worth it to stop by and have a look or even enjoy the beach if the weather is nice.
EXTRA: Lagos de Saliencia
This extra option is for nature lovers who want to go for a hike!
The Lagos de Saliencia are located in the south part of Asturias in the natural park of Somiedo. The lakes consist of 3 lakes, Lago de la Cueva, Lago Cerveriz, and Lago Calabazosa. You can see them all with a pretty easy 8 km route (about 3 hours), you can find more information here.
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