2026 Asturias Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

morning (＾▽＾)ﾉ start in the old town around the cathedral of san salvador: gothic tower, cloister and the cámara santa (for relic fans). then drift between plazas — plaza de la catedral, plaza del fontán, plaza de la constitución — all very walkable, clean and compact. midday (｡•‿•)っ walk over to campo de san francisco, the big central park with long paths, old trees and random statues (yes, there’s a mafalda bench). nice spot to sit with a coffee and just watch people. if you like museums, pick one: • arqueológico de asturias in a former monastery (pre-roman, roman and asturian pieces) • museo de bellas artes with works by goya, picasso, dalí and more, spread over historic palaces (my choice!) afternoon head up to monte naranco for the pre-romanesque churches santa maría del naranco and san miguel de lillo (bus/taxi or a longer walk). both are tiny, stone and very “game-like”, and together they’re a unesco site with big views back to oviedo. evening (╹◡╹) back in town, finish on calle gascona — the “bulevar de la sidra” — with asturian cider poured from up high and plates of fabada, cachopo or whatever your appetite allows. it’s lively, but still feels local. #oviedo #asturias #oldtown #catedralsansalvador #plazadelfontan #campodesanfrancisco #santamariadelnaranco #sanmigueldelillo #montearanco #sidra #callegascona #bulevardelasidra #fabada #cachopo #northspain #daytrip #citywalk #itinerary #travelguide #tripcom

Far away from the European crowds there is a different Spain. The rugged mountains and beaches of northern Spain left from Santander and right from Santiago de Compastela you will find Asturia. Mainly known in Spain for the dairy products it is also an area with beautiful beaches, a long coast line and villages that are wrapped in time. If you like hiking there are many waterfalls like the one at Rio Arlos. If you prefer towns visit Gijon which has a rich history and great sandy beaches. The sea, colder than the med, inviting for a swim, good honest food and reasonable priced restaurants and hotels. There are few big chain hotels but many family run places with friendly and helpful people. I recommend driving there or flying to the regional airport and hiring a car, there are trains but public transport would limit what you can do and explore. To be honest the drive from Madrid through the hills with vines and mountains is worth the day it will take you to get there. Time to visit mid June to end of September.

📍Located in the North of Spain Asturias is a small region that has both mountains and beaches. You can drive all the region in less than 3 hours. You can be from the beautiful small towns in the mountains to the amazing beaches in the coast in only 40 minutes. ⛰️Recommended mountain hikes: Picos de Europa National Park Somiedo Natural Park Ribadesella 🏝️Recommended beaches: Gulpiyuri Beach Torimbia beach Beach of Cuevas del Mar El silencio Beach La Ribeirona (Cadavedo) beach 🏨Where to stay? Asturias is divided in three areas: the center, the east and the west. The most beautiful and convenient cities to stay in each area are the following : Center of Asturias : Oviedo and Gijón West of Asturias: Tapia de Casariego East of Asturias: Llanes 🍽️What to eat? Seafood and cheese are a must. Try also: fabada (A pot of beans), cachopo (Breaded beef) and sidra (typical drink made with apples). ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This region is pretty recommended as is beautiful, small and cheap. You can visit it in 1 week and have many things to do as museums, hiking, kayaking, visit caves, festivals and concerts.. #naturalwonders#beaches

#hellochristmas Muted Colors, Strong Atmosphere December softens Ribadesella’s colors but strengthens its atmosphere. Greens become deeper, the sea turns steel-blue, and the sky shifts constantly. These tones create a calm, reflective mood that feels perfect for photography or quiet contemplation. The beauty is subtle but powerful, rewarding those who take the time to look closely.

#hellochristmas Winter Silence by the Cantabrian Sea Early December in Ribadesella brings a rare kind of calm. The beach stretches wide and almost empty, with the sound of the waves becoming the main soundtrack of the town. The sea looks powerful and deep in color, and the cold air sharpens every view. Walking along the shore feels grounding, as if nature is fully in charge. It’s Ribadesella at its most honest, without noise or rush.

#hellochristmas Visiting Ribadesella in early December feels like stepping into a slower rhythm. The calm atmosphere, natural beauty, and cozy town charm allow for reflection and relaxation. It’s a chance to enjoy Asturias in a more intimate, personal way, where every view and every moment can be savored without distraction, making the experience deeply memorable.

#hellochristmas The sea in December has a different personality—stronger, more energetic, and strikingly beautiful. Watching the waves crash along Ribadesella’s shores is mesmerizing, and for those interested in surfing, the season offers exciting conditions. The sound of the ocean dominates the landscape, enhancing the feeling of being close to nature and far from the summer bustle.

#hellochristmas One of the best aspects of visiting Ribadesella in early December is the freedom to enjoy open spaces. Beaches and coastal paths are almost empty, letting you walk, breathe, and connect with nature. The Atlantic winds invigorate and refresh, while the vast skies create a sense of space and tranquility. It’s a perfect destination for a winter walk or reflective day by the sea.

#hellochristmas Early December reveals Ribadesella’s landscapes in their purest form. Rolling green hills meet the rugged coastline, and the Sella River glides calmly toward the sea. The mountains in the background are crisp under soft winter light, and the surrounding forests show off muted seasonal colors. It’s a great time for photography, hiking, or simply pausing to take in the natural harmony of the region.

we did a one-day loop by car and it felt like three trips in one (＾▽＾)ﾉ first stop: mirador del fito. we arrived in full fog, so no postcard views — but it was still great. horses grazing right by the lookout, thick clouds around us, rocks to climb and disappear into the mist. very “edge of the world” vibes. on a clear day you see both picos de europa and the coast, but even in fog it felt magical. for lunch, casa trabanco: classic sidrería with proper asturian food and cider. good place to warm up after the lookout and try local dishes before heading to the sea. then we drove to the coast: bufones de pria and playa de guadamía. when the tide is low you can walk along the almost-dry inlet and explore the rocks; when the tide is high, the whole bay fills with water and waves roll in like a fjord. on windy days you may hear or see the bufones — sea water and air shooting up through the cliffs. even without the sprays it’s a beautiful, wild stretch of coast. to finish, we turned inland toward covadonga— the basilica on the hill and the holy cave below (there’s a separate post about it). it’s important to arrive before sunset: the pink church, the mountains and the grotto with the waterfall all look much more intense in natural light, and after dark part of the magic disappears (｡•‿•)っ if you have a car and one free day in asturias, this loop — fito → lunch at casa trabanco → bufones de pria & guadamía → covadonga + holy cave — is a very solid plan. #asturias #roadtrip #miradordelfito #casatrabanco #bufonesdepria #playaguadamia #covadonga #santuariodecovadonga #santacueva #picosdeeurope #northspain #daytrip #mountainsandsea #viewpoint #hiking #cider #sidra #travelguide #itinerary #tripcom

morning (＾▽＾)ﾉ start with a walk along playa de san lorenzo: watch surfers, breathe atlantic air and follow the paseo all the way to iglesia de san pedro at the end of the bay. from there climb up into cimavilla, the old fisherman quarter, and continue to cerro de santa catalina with the “elogio del horizonte” sculpture and big cliff views over the city and port. midday (｡•‿•)っ drift back down through cimavilla’s streets and plazas toward puerto deportivo and plaza mayor for lunch or a quick sidra. this area is compact and good for just wandering and people-watching. afternoon stay by the water and visit acuario de gijón on playa de poniente — 60+ tanks from local rivers to tropical seas you can also take a bus or taxi to laboral ciudad de la cultura and the jardín botánico atlántico next door: huge old “university of labour” turned cultural centre + calm botanical gardens with seasonal sections and forest paths. however, i didn’t visit it evening come back to san lorenzo or cimavilla for sunset, then finish the day with proper asturian cider and tapas in a sidrería #gijon #asturias #sanlorenzobeach #cimavilla #cerrodesantacatalina #elogioDelHorizonte #puertodeportivo #plazamayor #laboralciudaddelacultura #jardinbotanicoatlantico #acuarioDeGijon #daytrip #northspain #citywalk #beachcity #itinerary #travelguide #tripcom

the sanctuary of covadonga sits in the picos de europa mountains: a pink neo-romanesque basilica on a hill and, just below, a cave carved into the rock with a chapel inside. it’s one of the key pilgrimage spots in asturias (＾▽＾)ﾉ the cave (santa cueva) is where tradition places the beginning of the reconquista: in the 8th century a small asturian force led by pelayo resisted here and won the battle of covadonga, seen as the first christian victory against the muslim armies. today the grotto holds the statue of the virgin of covadonga (la santina) and the tombs of pelayo and alfonso i. water falls under the rock and there’s a tiny balcony chapel above the pool — very atmospheric (｡•‿•)っ up on the esplanade the basilica de santa maría la real de covadonga rises in pink stone with two tall towers. from the square you see mountains on all sides, and right in front stands the statue of king pelayo with a cross in his hand — symbol of the first asturian king and of that “first step” of the reconquista. it’s one of those places where landscape, legend and history are glued together: you walk from the basilica down to the cave, pass under the rock, hear the water and understand why this tiny valley became such a big story for the whole country (╹◡╹) #asturias #covadonga #santuariodecovadonga #basilicadecovalonga #santacueva #lasantina #donpelayo #reconquista #picosdeeurope #spain #pilgrimage #history #mountainviews #roadtrip #thingstodo #tripcom

#falladventures

#europeonbudget From Ribadesella, it’s an easy trip to Covadonga — a place that feels almost sacred. The road winds through forests until the Sanctuary appears, carved into the rock above a waterfall. The air is cool, and the sound of the falls echoes softly. I continued up to the Lakes of Covadonga, where the peaks reflected perfectly in the still water. The silence there is powerful — just wind, mountain, and sky. By evening, I was back by the sea, grateful to have both worlds in one weekend.

#europeonbudget Asturias feels like two worlds holding hands — the wild Cantabrian coast and the green mountains just behind it. Sleeping in Ribadesella gave me the best of both: mornings by the sea, afternoons in the hills, and evenings filled with the sound of waves. Every day felt like a different chapter, but all part of one beautiful story. I left feeling lighter, as if the landscape itself had breathed life back into me.

#europeonbudget As the sun set, Ribadesella’s harbor turned golden. Boats swayed gently, and people gathered along the promenade for an evening stroll. Streetlights flickered on, casting reflections across the water. I sat on a bench watching kids fish off the docks and old men talk about the weather. The whole scene felt timeless, like nothing here ever really hurries.

#europeonbudget Tastes of the North in Asturias Each meal in Asturias feels like a small adventure. I tried fresh grilled fish by the harbor one night and slow-cooked fabada the next. Everything is local — from the cider to the cheeses. I even found a tiny bakery making warm apple pastries in the morning. The flavors reflect the landscape — bold, honest, and comforting.

#europeonbudget On my last morning, I woke early and walked to the viewpoint above Ribadesella. The horizon turned pink and gold, and the waves shimmered below. The town slowly woke up — fishermen heading to the port, the smell of bread from the bakery. I just stood there, watching the day arrive. Asturias doesn’t need grand gestures; it’s all about these quiet, perfect moments.

#hellohalloween Riding by the Cliffs I joined a small horseback riding tour that started just outside Ribadesella. The horses trotted along green pastures and coastal trails where the sea wind brushed your face. From the top of a hill, you could see both the ocean and the snow-capped Picos de Europa in the same view — surreal. It’s the kind of landscape that makes you fall in love with slow travel all over again.

#hellohalloween One morning I drove inland, taking random turns through the countryside. I found tiny villages like Cuevas del Agua, where you drive through a natural tunnel carved by a river. Old stone houses with red-tiled roofs stood among chestnut trees, and locals waved as I passed. I had lunch in a tavern where no menu existed — just fresh fish, bread, and wine. Sometimes, the best parts of Asturias are the ones you stumble upon without planning.

#hellohalloween After exploring the cliffs, I spent my afternoon stretched out on Santa Marina Beach. Families played by the water, locals walked their dogs, and the sun felt warm but never too hot. The promenade was lined with beautiful villas — old and elegant, facing the sea like guardians of time. I grabbed an ice cream and watched the tide roll in slowly. Ribadesella has that perfect balance of energy and calm — you can do everything or absolutely nothing and still feel fulfilled.

#hellohalloween I followed a coastal path from Ribadesella toward Guadamía Beach, where the cliffs drop suddenly into turquoise sea caves. The blowholes of Pría were incredible — you can hear the ocean breathing through the rocks. Along the way, wildflowers grew in every direction, and the wind carried the scent of salt and grass. I sat at the edge watching waves crash below, feeling tiny and free. It’s an easy walk but one of the most beautiful I’ve ever done.

#hellohalloween One of the best parts of staying in Ribadesella is how close the mountains are. I took a morning drive toward the Picos de Europa, passing fields dotted with cows and stone villages wrapped in mist. By midday, I was hiking through trails surrounded by ferns and waterfalls, the air cool and earthy. Afterward, I stopped in a mountain tavern for cider and fabada. It felt like two worlds in one day — the sea that morning, the mountains by afternoon.

#hellohalloween Waking up in Ribadesella feels like breathing fresh air for the first time. I started my weekend walking along Santa Marina Beach, the waves washing softly against the shore while surfers waited for the perfect set. The light was golden, and the mountains in the distance made it all feel like a painting. After coffee in a small seaside café, I strolled through the old town’s cobbled streets, the scent of salt and bread mixing in the air. It was the kind of peaceful start that sets the tone for the whole trip.

#hellohalloween A Journey You Feel Deeply The coastal Camino through Asturias touches something deeper than just wanderlust. It’s emotional — walking beside the sea, surrounded by green cliffs and misty mornings, makes you reflect. Each day felt both peaceful and powerful, as if the path itself was guiding more than just my steps. Asturias gives the Camino a wild, poetic soul that’s impossible to forget.

#hellohalloween Finding Stillness on the Trail The Camino along the Asturian coast isn’t just about reaching Santiago — it’s about finding moments of stillness along the way. I remember sitting on a cliff, watching the sea below, realizing how rare it is to feel that calm. The ocean seemed endless, the path simple, and life beautifully uncomplicated. That feeling stayed with me long after the walk ended.

#hellohalloween Wild and Peaceful The coast of Asturias feels wild in the best way. Waves crash against the rocks, the wind shifts constantly, and the trails follow nature’s own rhythm. Walking the Camino here made me feel small in a good way — part of something bigger, something ancient and alive. There’s peace in that wildness, and it’s what makes this stretch unforgettable.

#hellohalloween Walking the coastal Camino through Asturias reminded me how simple joy can be: fresh air, ocean views, friendly faces, and long, quiet paths. The trail winds between cliffs and meadows, with cows grazing in the distance and seabirds circling overhead. I met other walkers, exchanged smiles and stories, and felt that unique Camino camaraderie that makes even strangers feel like friends.