Asturias: What to see and what to do

Asturias offers a great variety of destinations. In Oviedo, the old town and the Catedral de San Salvador stand out. Gijón, with its port and beaches, is perfect if you are after sea and culture. Cudillero, Lastres and Taramundi win you over with their beauty.

Bordering the Galician province of Lugo is the Principality of Asturias, washed by the Cantabrian Sea. It is a single-province autonomous community and owes its name of Principality to history: since the XIV century, the heir to the Spanish Crown has borne the title of "Prince of Asturias".

The capital of Asturias is Oviedo, although Gijón is the most populous city and almost steals the spotlight. History, gastronomy, traditions and nature go hand in hand in a land of enormous beauty.

Its huge variety of monuments, landscapes and flavours makes Asturias an essential destination for any travel lover. Below, we tell you what to see and what to do in Asturias and you will discover why the Principality has earned a place in the heart of everyone who visits it.

From the most important monuments and the most charming villages to the prettiest hiking routes, here you will find plenty of reasons to come back. You will not just like Asturias: “te va a prestar”, which is how Asturians say they really like something.

What to see in Asturias

Although it is not a very large region, it offers endless things to do and see. We start with the cities and villages you cannot miss if you decide to travel to this wonderful place.

Oviedo, the capital of the Principality

The capital of Asturias is famous for its cleanliness and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the north. It is the second most populous city in the Principality and its medieval old town will not leave you indifferent. On every corner you will come across a sculpture, and you cannot leave without visiting monuments such as the Catedral de San Salvador or the Teatro Campoamor, where the Princess of Asturias Awards are presented every year. Its gastronomy is not far behind either: treat yourself to its dishes in one of its bars and restaurants.

Oviedo is also the starting point of the Primitive Way, the oldest route to Santiago de Compostela.

Gijón

It is the most populous city in Asturias and perhaps the most charismatic, with lively urban beaches. Sea, nature and a wide range of monuments come together in a city that looks out over the Cantabrian Sea. Its old town, Cimadevilla, is well worth a visit: a former fishing quarter that looks up to the hill of Santa Catalina, from whose top there are stunning views over the sea.

You will also find monuments such as the Town Hall, from the XIX century, the Palacio de Revillagigedo, the Palacio de Valdés, from the XVI century, the old Tobacco Factory, the church of San Pedro and the Roman baths of Campo Valdés, among many other corners. For a stroll, nothing beats the Parque de Isabel la Católica, next to the río Piles. And, of course, the local gastronomy.

Avilés

It may be the least known of the three big Asturian cities, but it is well worth it. We recommend that you explore it at a leisurely pace: its old town is declared a Historic-Artistic Site and holds gems of civil and religious architecture, such as the old church of Sabugo. Very close by is the beach of Salinas, one of the best known in Asturias. And do not leave without trying the fish: Avilés has one of the most important fishing ports in the Principality.

The most charming villages in Asturias

If you feel like getting into nature and visiting smaller places with a special air, here are some of the most charming villages in the Principality of Asturias that you cannot miss.

Cudillero

For many it is the prettiest. This small fishing village clings to the foot of the cliff, around a harbour full of restaurants. Its houses painted in bright colours are the first thing that will catch your eye.

Lastres

The best advice for visiting Lastres is to get lost in its cobbled streets and enjoy every corner. It is no coincidence that it received the Exemplary Town of Asturias Award in 2010. Climb up to the viewpoint to take in the landscape and stop by the harbour, where you can enjoy its gastronomy in any of its bars.

Taramundi

In this charming village the star is water, its greatest natural treasure. A dreamlike landscape of forests, valleys and mountains dotted with traditional cottages awaits you. If you enjoy outdoor activities, Taramundi has hiking routes among rivers, mills and old water-powered hammers. Just make sure you prepare with good gear, just as you would for the Camino de Santiago.

Luarca

On the western coast of Asturias lies Luarca, famous for its fishing port, its beaches and its gastronomy. Its cemetery also stands out, overlooking the sea next to the Atalaya and considered by many one of the most beautiful in Spain. The views from the top of the Atalaya are worthy of a postcard.

Llanes

The list would not be complete without one of the most popular villages for tourists, where well-known films such as "The Orphanage" were shot. Between the mountains and the sea, it stands out as much for its old town as for its lovely beaches. You can walk along the paseo de San Pedro, take a dip at the surprising beach of Gulpiyuri, a small beach in the middle of a meadow, or wander through its cider houses.

Of course, Asturias has many more charming villages, and perhaps you will like another one even more, but these are among the best known and most visited. If you are left wanting more, why not make up your mind to visit Asturias?

Activities in the heart of nature

If you like sport, nature and, above all, hiking, in Asturias you will find plenty of routes on foot or by bike. And if you have already walked the Camino de Santiago, you are sure to be curious about the different routes of the Camino that cross the north of Spain.

One of them runs along the whole Asturian coast: the Northern Way passes through Llanes, Gijón and Avilés before continuing towards Galicia. The landscapes of the interior will also stay etched in your memory.

Among the best-known hiking routes are the Cares Route, one of the best you can do in Asturias, the Foces del río Pino, the Oneta waterfalls route and the Senda del Oso, among many others.

And if what you want is to experience the Camino with all the flavour of Galicia, we recommend the Camino de Santiago from Sarria, the most walked route to Santiago de Compostela.

Once you are clear about which one is yours, calculate the price of your Camino here and start getting ready.