Itinerary: 3 Days in Asturias – Spain’s Natural Paradise

So you only have 3 days in the Natural Paradise region of Spain (or in its official name, Asturias) and can’t decide what to see first. I organized for you the perfect way to take advantage of your time here, the ultimate Asturias 3 days itinerary. Of course, you can spend a lot more time here, which is why I have additional posts about other Asturian gems you should explore, but this post covers the best of the best!

If you have a little more than 3 days, I have other itineraries of 5 Days in Asturias and 7 Days in Asturias.

* Check out my post Everything to Know Before Traveling to Asturias for general information and tips.

What to see in Asturias?

Day 1 – East Coast
Day 2 – Lagos de Covadonga / Covadonga Lakes
Day 3 – Asturian Cities
Have More Time?

Important: the weather in Asturias is pretty tricky! Therefore, I would recommend for you to alter the order of the days according to the weather. Additionally, note that cloudy weather in the Lagos of Covadonga can impact the visibility of the site.

Itinerary Map

This map organizes the routes for each day and gives you an indication for where everything is locates. The airport is marked in red for indication.

Where to Sleep in Asturias?

If you are only spending about 3 days in Asturias I think it would be most convenient for you to stay around the center. You can stay in the city of Oviedo or surroundings for minimization of travel time or in the city of Gijon or surroundings if you want to be closer to the beach.

Booking.com

Day 1 – East Coast

This day is dedicated to small fishermen towns and beautiful coastal views. This path goes through many more beautiful places so feel free to stop and explore if time permits!

Lastres

One of my favorite little towns! The houses are all on a side of a mountain, with an absolutely perfect view of the coast. Firstly, 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!! Secondly, you should get lost in the streets of Lastres, that’s the best way to find pretty allies.

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 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.

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 but 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

Vista del Castro de las Gaviotas

A beautiful point of view over the coast that is pretty easy to get to!
Certainly, it is the ultimate way to observe the coast and unique nature that Asturias has to offer.

Playa de Gulpiyuri / Gulpiyuri Beach

One of the coolest, unique, must-visit place in Asturias! Gulpiyuri beach is a flooded sinkhole with an inland beach, so it looks like the beach is coming out of a huge rock. However, don’t expect to be there alone if you are going in the summer.

Llanes

This is my favorite summer village in Asturias! From June to September you will find here people from all over Spain who are taking advantage of the great weather and beautiful beaches. Most likely because the center itself is amazing and the seafood is to die for! Therefore, I 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!

Day 2 – Lagos de Covadonga / Covadonga Lakes

Lagos of Covadonga, by far my favorite place in Asturias, you can’t pass through Asturias without visiting this gem!
You can change the order of the day according to where you stay. I usually plan to have lunch at Cangas de Onís but it is up to you!

Important: during the summer and busy season you can only go up to the lakes with a special bus. The bus passes through Cangas de Onís, Covadonga, and Lagos de Covadonga. For detailed information check my post Visit The Lagos of Covadonga.

Covadonga

The place consists of the Real Sitio de Covadonga, also known as the “cradle of Spain”, a pilgrimage site dedicated to Our Lady of Covadonga and commemorating the Battle of Covadonga. The Sanctuary of Covandonga is a monument dedicated to Our Lady of Covadonga that commemorates the Battle of Covadonga. It comprises the Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga, a church built in the 19th century to a design by Roberto Frassinelli and Santa Cueva de Covadonga (“Holy Cave of Covadonga”), in which the bodies of Kings Pelagius and Alfonso I lie.
If this does not interest you, I recommend that you spend a few minutes quickly checking out the cave, as it is very beautiful!

Lagos de Covadonga / Covadonga Lakes

As I mentioned earlier, it is my favorite place in Asturias! The Lagos are two lakes in the Picos de Europa. They are surrounded by green, mountains, and in the summer countless cows and goats. You can quickly visit the two lakes by climbing over a hill to see the second lake. The total walking time is less than an hour but you will want to stop often to enjoy the views. However, if you would like to see more than just the two lakes, here is a great 10 km easy route.

Cangas de Onís

This town by the Picos de Europa is one of the most important ones in Asturias’s history. Most noteworthy is that 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. Certainly 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.

On Sundays, you can find here a beautiful town market that I highly recommend! Since most other towns are pretty dead on Sunday so this is a great way to pass your Sunday.

Day 3 – Asturian Cities

Oviedo

The capital city of the Principality of Asturias and the administrative and commercial center of the region. You can get lost in the historic city of the center, enjoy the beautiful streets, and eat delicious Asturian food! Additionally, I have a great post with 10 Things to See and Do in Oviedo.

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.

Have More Time?

If you finished the itinerary early or have a little over 3 days in Asturias, check out my post with 12 Places You Must Visit in Asturias.

Another possibility is to go for a nice hike, in Asturias there are endless amazing one-day hikes. You can do the most famous one, the Ruta del Cares, or you can browse all the hikes HERE.

Need Some Help?

If you are not sure how to spend your time here and need help to build a trip to Asturias, I can help you create a customized itinerary. Firstly, the activities will be based on your interests, the accommodations will be booked for you, you will get restaurant recommendations, and a few secret places to visit that are not mentioned in the blog. Secondly, all of this will be selected according to YOUR budget. Finally, just fill out the form HERE or click on the picture below.

I am sure this 3 days itinerary left you anxiously waiting for your trip to Asturias. So book your flight now and check Spain’s Natural paradise off your bucket list!