Are you planning to visit Asturias, in the heart of green Spain? Here are 11 must-see places to discover the richness of this region.
Those who have set out on the Camino de Compostela will remember Asturias. This Spanish autonomous community is known as a green paradise. In its wild and peaceful landscapes, you’ll find real historical and natural gems. From the rocky beaches of the Atlantic coast to the small stone villages nestled in the mountains, Asturias has everything to seduce lovers of authenticity. Want to know where to stop so you don’t miss a thing? Here are 11 must-see places to visit in Asturias!
1. Cudillero
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pabkov
Cudillero is neither the biggest nor the richest village in Asturias. Yet it is without doubt one of the prettiest places in the region. You’ll find this unusual fishing village on the coast. It’s built into the hollow of a mountain, forming a sort of multicolored amphitheater.
To visit Asturias without passing through Cudillero is to miss this unique atmosphere. Rocked by the roll of the waves, the village evolves peacefully. Stroll along the seafront promenade and fishing port, before losing yourself in the narrow streets perched high above the sea.
2. La playa del Silencio
Photo credit: Shutterstock – OscarSurmano
« The Beach of Silence ». The name of this stretch of coastline is already evocative. The beach is encircled by cliffs, topped by sharp rocks. They give it an almost mournful atmosphere, especially on stormy days. To get there, you’ll have to take a sloping path. But when the sun is shining, there’s something heavenly about Playa del Silencio.
Completely wild, it offers breathtaking panoramic views. Bathing among these sculptural rocks and dense ocean vegetation is an experience not to be missed when visiting Asturias.
3. Oviedo
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Migel
How can we suggest what to do in Asturias without mentioning Oviedo, the provincial capital? Oviedo is famous for its rich historic center, which invites you to lose yourself in its cobblestone streets. At its heart is San Salvador Cathedral. It alone is well worth the detour. But don’t forget to visit the superb churches of Santa Maria del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. Built in the 9th century, they are remarkable examples of early medieval Asturian architecture.
To continue this journey through time, art lovers can visit the Asturias Museum of Fine Arts. As well as tracing the history of the region, it contains works by famous Spanish artists such as Picasso, Miró and Dalí.
4. Picos de Europa
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Anton Petrus
The Picos de Europa National Park is a must-see when visiting Asturias. It boasts breathtaking landscapes. Green valleys, snow-capped rocky peaks, forests, crystal-clear lakes… They form the backdrop to Asturian mythology and legends. The remarkable silhouette of Picu Urriellu, the highest peak in the mountain range, is an emblem of Asturias.
Discover this unique natural heritage on unforgettable hikes.
5. Covadonga
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jesus Barroso
Meet us in Cangas de Onís, at the gateway to the peaks of Europe. Or rather, on the threshold, as a large part of the municipality lies within the national park. With its pastoral traditions, country lanes and stone churches, it has retained all its character.
It is home to the Covadonga parish, which is brimming with treasures. Here you’ll find the monumental Covadonga complex, consisting of a small chapel set in a cave. And don’t miss the basilica of Santa Maria la Real de Covadonga. Its limestone walls give it a unique character, in perfect harmony with the surrounding wild landscape.
Further afield, let yourself be charmed by the superb Covadonga lakes. From here, you can follow numerous hiking trails.
6. Niembro cemetery
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Soloviov Vadym
The pretty village of Niembro in the municipality of Llanes is home to a little-known gem. It’s the Niembro cemetery. Situated on the water’s edge, it offers a striking landscape. It’s not surprising that so many films have been shot here, as this place seems to be out of the grip of time. The atmosphere here is terribly beautiful and peaceful. Watching the sun set over the river promises a solemn moment. Don’t miss this spectacle if you’re looking for something to do in Asturias.
7. Grandas de Salime Museum
Photo credit: museodegrandas
What can you do in Asturias to better understand the region? Head for the village of Grandas de Salime, home to an ethnographic museum well worth a visit. Situated in an untouristy, low-key area, it’s a real hidden treasure. In this old stone building, you’ll find all kinds of traditional features. Period kitchen and bedroom, early 20th-century stores, attics, workshops and more. The museum retraces the daily life of the period, bridging the gap between Asturian and Galician culture. Despite its humble character, it is remarkably well laid out and maintained.
Some of the rooms exude an incredible atmosphere, giving you a real sense of time travel. A marvelous place to visit Asturias.
8. Los bufones de Pría
Photo credit: Flickr – Walimai.photo
Looking for a feast for the eyes? When the weather’s not so good, head off to discover the bufones de Pría. In a sumptuous natural setting, you’ll find an enormous rock. It is pierced by geological chimneys. When the Cantabrian Sea rages, the water rushes into the chimneys with incredible force, only to rush out again. The result? A breathtaking spectacle! In fact, you’ll have the impression of seeing geysers shooting out of the rock!
It is said that the rumblings they provoke, or bramadoriu, can be heard for miles around. On stormy days, shepherds nestled in the peaks of Europe are said to hear the bramadoriu crying from their mountains…
9. Taramundi
Photo credit: Shutterstock – manjagui
What to do in Asturias for even more authenticity? In the heart of the Oscos Biosphere Reserve, discover the village of Tarramundi. Its stone buildings, topped with slate roofs, form an ensemble of great beauty. Here, you can still rub shoulders with Asturian traditions. The village is particularly well known for its handicrafts: blacksmiths, weavers, etc. You can take the Ruta del Agua (Water Route), which takes in the region’s main points of interest.
Last but not least, Taramundi is the ideal place to discover Asturian nature. The surrounding forests exude a powerful, enchanting aura. They pay tribute to the province’s reputation.
10. The Cioyo waterfall
Photo credit: Instagram – j.g.puga
From the pretty town of Castropol, you can follow a path to the Cioyo waterfall. Why set out to discover it when visiting Asturias? Because it’s an important part of the Asturian imagination. It’s in this magical setting that you’re most likely to come across a Xana… These bewitchingly beautiful nymphs are among the most famous creatures in Asturian mythology. And it’s said that they love to bathe here!
11. Gulpiyuri beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Migel
What can you do in Asturias to capture all the beauty of the landscape? Don’t miss the secret beach of Gulpiyuri. Why secret? Because it’s located… inland! Indeed, at high tide, the water rushes in through a hole formed between two rocks. You’ll find a small stretch of sea surrounded by cliffs and meadows. This particularity has led to its being declared a Natural Monument. In fact, it is said to be the smallest beach in the world. And to make matters worse, it’s often deserted. You’ll have to hike to get there!
How to get to Asturias
By car
You’ll have no trouble visiting Asturias by car. The road network is excellent. If you want to rent a car, we recommend using a Spanish company. As well as being more economical, this option ensures that you can move around the country freely.
By train or bus
The region has a well-developed rail network. You can easily reach Oviedo or Gijón from the main Spanish cities. The bus is a slower but very economical alternative. It’s the easiest way to get around the region and the whole country.
Good to know: the Transcantabrico is a luxury train that crosses Northern Spain. A pleasure trip that takes you through the Spanish Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia.
By plane
Oviedo airport is served by numerous airlines. The main cities in Asturias can be reached by bus or car. To find a flight at the best price, use flight comparators like the one provided by our partner Ulysse. It’s the ideal way to find great deals!
Where to stay in Asturias?
Wondering where to stay in Asturias? It all depends on your travel plans. If you want to be able to spread out over the whole region, you’ll want to head for the capital, Oviedo. It’s located in the center of the autonomous community. What’s more, you’ll find a wide range of hotels, Airbnb, couchsurfing… If you’re looking for good deals, we recommend you use this hotel comparator.
But what can you do in Asturias to immerse yourself in nature? Turn to B&Bs and guest houses. You’ll find some real gems, especially in the western part of the region. This is where you’ll find the wildest landscapes!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Spain