Picos de Europa and the Covadonga Lakes
- Why go
- Lakes Enol and Ercina, viewpoints over the peaks and the Naranjo de Bulnes, also known as Picu Urriellu.
- Tip
- In high season car access is regulated: check the official conditions first.
Top attractions in Asturias
From the sea to the high mountains: the best of Asturias, summarised and by area.
The essentials
- Asturias covers about 10,600 km² and has 78 municipalities: Cantabrian Sea, mountains, green valleys and cities steeped in history.
- It has three UNESCO World Heritage listings: the monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias, the Camino de Santiago (northern routes) and several caves with rock art.
- A good split of your days: Oviedo and Gijón for city life, the Picos de Europa for mountains and Llanes–Ribadesella for the coast.
- It rains often, which is why it is so green: pack a light waterproof, even in summer.
The 10 must-sees in Asturias
Covadonga
- Why go
- The Holy Cave, the basilica and the memory of Pelayo, with the traditional story of the battle that gave rise to the Kingdom of Asturias.
Cares Trail
- Why go
- A path cut into the rock above the Cares river gorge, about 11 km each way.
Oviedo and pre-Romanesque art
- Why go
- Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo and the Holy Chamber, jewels of the Asturian monarchy's art.
Gijón / Xixón
- Why go
- Cimadevilla, San Lorenzo beach, the Elogio del Horizonte sculpture and a lively cider-house scene.
Llanes and Ribadesella coast
- Why go
- Coves such as Torimbia or Gulpiyuri, the Pría blowholes and fishing villages like Lastres.
Cudillero and Luarca
- Why go
- Two fishing ports with houses clinging above the sea, and excellent fish.
Somiedo
- Why go
- High pastures with teitos (thatched herders' huts), glacial lakes and one of the places where the Cantabrian brown bear lives.
Cider and Asturian cuisine
- Why go
- Fabada stew, cachopo, cave-aged cheeses and poured cider in the cider houses of Oviedo and Gijón.
Rock-art caves
- Why go
- Paintings tens of thousands of years old in World Heritage caves, with limited visits that are best booked ahead.
When to go
Spring and autumn bring green or golden landscapes and fewer crowds. Summer is best for beaches and high-mountain walks, but book accommodation early, especially on the eastern coast and near the Covadonga Lakes. In winter there is snow on the peaks and ski resorts in the mountain range, plus festivals such as Antroxu (carnival) and the autumn chestnut feast, the amagüestu.
Distances from Oviedo
- Mieres20 km
- Avilés30 km
- Gijón30 km
- Villaviciosa35 km
- Teverga (San Martín)40 km
- Cudillero55 km
- Cangas de Onís75 km
- Somiedo (Pola)80 km
- Ribadesella85 km
- Lagos de Covadonga95 km
- Cangas del Narcea100 km
- Luarca100 km
- Llanes105 km
Rounded figures by the most usual route; journey times depend on traffic and on the mountain roads. Check them with your satnav.
How many days do you need?
- 2 or 3 daysOviedo, Gijón and a day trip to the Llanes coast or to Cangas de Onís and Covadonga.
- 5 daysAdd a mountain walk (Cares or the lakes), Ribadesella and the Tito Bustillo cave, and an afternoon of cider in Villaviciosa.
- One weekAdd Somiedo or Teverga, Avilés, Cudillero and Luarca, and the Oscos in the far west.
For a ready-made itinerary, see Plan your trip and the map by area.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to see Asturias?
Two or three days cover Oviedo, Gijón and a trip to Covadonga or the coast. Add a week if you want mountains, Somiedo and the west.
When is the best time to visit Asturias?
Spring and autumn are ideal for cities and hiking; summer is best for beaches and the high mountains, but busier. It often rains at any time of year.