Travel Tips for Asturias to Ensure a Great Experience

As summer approaches, the desire to spend time outdoors surges. Imagine breathing in the fresh air, feeling the sand between your toes on stunning beaches, and savoring delicious meals with loved ones. The north of Spain is an ideal destination, and in this article, we’ll provide you with essential tips for traveling to Asturias that will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

Asturias is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. With its endless beaches, diverse hiking trails suitable for all levels, charming stone villages, and mouthwatering culinary offerings, it is a region that captures hearts at first sight. Are you ready to embark on a journey to Asturias and create memories that will last a lifetime?

Key places to visit in Asturias

Asturias may seem compact, but it’s filled with an abundance of stunning sites worthy of your time. While one could spend a lifetime exploring this beautiful area, if your visit is limited, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 things to see and do in Asturias. Here are five experiences you simply cannot miss:

1. A scenic hike through the Lakes of Covadonga and a visit to the Santuario de Covadonga.
2. Experience the thrill of the Sella River descent.
3. Stroll through the picturesque towns of Cangas de Onís and Cudillero.
4. Explore the vibrant cities of Gijón and Oviedo.
5. Relax and swim at the stunning Playa del Silencio.

Asturias offers diverse options for every type of traveler. If you yearn for adventure, don’t miss the Senda del Cares trail or climbing to Bulnes. Alternatively, if lounging on the beach is your preference, Gijón and Oviedo can be set aside for another visit as you explore the beautiful coastline. The choice is yours! 😉

Discovering Asturias' best beaches and charming villages

As previously mentioned, Asturias is a land of beauty, filled with delightful surprises. Among the most appealing activities are exploring quaint villages and lounging on the stunning beaches of Asturias—of which there are many!

For those eager to discover the loveliest villages, be sure to check out our guide on the 8 most beautiful villages in Asturias.

Regarding beaches, we must admit that while we’re not huge beachgoers, we are certainly not immune to the allure of Asturias’ stunning coastlines. With 400 km of shoreline, you’ll find a variety of beaches that range from golden crescent-shaped sands to hidden gems tucked away from the crowds.

For a comprehensive overview, check out our guide to the 10 best beaches in Asturias.

Additionally, consider checking this website for tidal levels to determine the best times to visit certain beaches, as some locations, like Gulpiyuri, can be disappointing if visited at low tide.

Planning your trip around Asturias

Here’s an obvious yet often overlooked tip: don’t try to see everything in one trip. Given the multitude of attractions in Asturias, if you have only one or two weeks, focus on a specific area and take your time to enjoy it rather than spending the majority of your trip in the car.

If it’s your first time in Asturias and you're keen on experiencing the highlights, we’ve prepared a one-week itinerary that breaks down daily activities for you.

Are you lucky enough to have two weeks at your disposal? Great! Expand your journey to include a visit to the Somiedo Natural Park and take your time exploring the stunning landscapes.

For those with just a weekend in Asturias, don’t despair! Three days can still be packed with memorable experiences. Here’s a suggested plan:

• Day 1: Visit the Lakes and village of Covadonga, then explore Cangas de Onís.
• Day 2: Go for the Sella River descent and spend time in Gijón.
• Day 3: Discover Cudillero, Luarca, and Oviedo.

Best time to visit Asturias

When it comes to weather, summer is undoubtedly the prime season for visiting Asturias. However, it comes with a significant downside: it’s when most travelers flock to the region, making it hard to enjoy popular spots like Lastres, the Lakes of Covadonga, or Cudillero in peace.

If you must travel in summer, aim to wake up early on the days you visit the most touristy attractions.

We recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, as these months typically see fewer crowds and, with good planning and a little luck regarding the weather, you can enjoy pleasant conditions.

Is it essential to rent a car in Asturias?

This is a tricky question. While it’s not absolutely necessary, having a car is immensely convenient and highly advisable. If you have the option to explore Asturias by car, do it! However, if you don’t possess a driving license, don’t worry—you can still enjoy your trip.

There are buses connecting major tourist destinations (you can refer to this site for routes). Alternatively, consider establishing a base in a well-connected place like Cangas de Onís, where you can join local tours for easy excursions. Some of the most intriguing organized tours in Asturias include:

• Jeep tour + Hiking the Cares Route.
• Sella River descent by canoe.
• Excursion to the Lakes of Covadonga.
• Jeep tour through the Picos de Europa.

Should you establish a base or move around?

During our trip to Asturias, we opted to make Cangas de Onís our base, which turned out to be a smart and convenient choice. Its central location allowed us to embark on daily excursions without the hassle of changing accommodations every night, maximizing our explorations. For beach lovers, staying in coastal towns like Llanes or Ribadesella might be more suitable.

Another great alternative for fans of rural tourism is to stay in a charming stone house typical of the region. Here are some delightful rural accommodation options:

• La Casa de Juansabeli.
• C.A. Heredad de la Cueste.
• Hotel La Ercina.

Extra tip: remember to book in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the summer.

Culinary delights to savor in Asturias

One of the most delightful experiences you’ll have in Asturias revolves around food, as the region boasts a rich culinary heritage. Be prepared to indulge in hearty portions that will make it hard to resist going back for seconds. Signature dishes include cachopo, fabada, and cabrales cheese, not to mention the region’s famous cider.

To dive deeper into the local cuisine, check out our guide on the 10 must-try dishes in Asturias.

Planning your visit to the Lakes of Covadonga

If you’re planning to visit the Lakes of Covadonga during the summer, be aware that there are access restrictions in place. The access road to the park closes at 08:30 AM. What are your options? You have three: arrive before 08:30 (highly recommended), take a bus, or join a tour. Here are some of the most interesting tours available:

• Excursion to Covadonga and Cangas de Onís from Oviedo.
• Excursion to Covadonga and Cangas de Onís from Gijón.
• Tour to Covadonga from Cangas de Onís.

For a detailed guide on navigating the Lakes of Covadonga, check out our post on the circular route around the lakes.

Parking tips in Asturias

This is less of a travel tip and more of a common sense reminder: don’t park wherever you like! Near tourist attractions like beaches or trailheads, there are designated parking areas, both free and paid (with reasonably low fees). However, some of these areas can be small, so arriving early is wise to secure a spot.

We noticed many cars parked unlawfully near Playa del Silencio, despite the presence of official parking lots nearby. Not only is this inconsiderate, but you might also end up with a ticket! Be a responsible tourist: follow the rules and avoid taking shortcuts just to save a few steps.

It’s a good idea to explore the area with Google Maps (satellite view is best) and read recent user comments for parking updates before visiting a site.

Additional tips for traveling to Asturias

Here are a few items that should definitely make it into your backpack when traveling to Asturias:

• Water shoes (many beaches have rocky areas).
• Sun protection and a hat.
• Comfortable shoes for hiking.
• A stylish dress for Instagram-worthy photos (just kidding!).

Finally, check out these curiosities about Asturias to uncover a different side of this remarkable region.

With these tips for traveling to Asturias, you're now ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure. May your journey be filled with breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, and cherished moments!

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