Best Places to See in Asturias: Road Trip Itinerary

The Asturias region in northern Spain is renowned for its stunning landscapes, lush green valleys, rugged mountains, and pristine beaches. If you‘re looking for a road trip full of adventure, beauty, and culture, then the Asturias region is the perfect destination. From the vibrant city of Oviedo to the rugged mountains of the Picos de Europa, you‘ll be surrounded by stunning scenery as you traverse through one of Spain’s lesser-travelled gems. In the Asturias region you can savor delicious local cuisine and explore the historical sites as well as taking in the breathtaking views. Take a look at some of the best places to see the in Asturias region with our road trip itinerary tailored for you:

Starting off at Gijon

Once you have flown into Asturias Airport (OVD) you can pick up your hire car and set off to Gijón, which is a 33 minute (43 km) trip. Gijon has a lot to offer. Whether it be the beautiful beaches of Playa de San Lorenzo or the La Laboral City of Culture, or if you want to explore the background to this intriguing city visit the Museum of the People of Asturias.

Once you have found your accommodation in Gijón and settled in, be sure to check out the following:

The perfectly spotless beach Playa de San Lorenzo which also has a delightful boardwalk.
The City of Culture, or Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, stems from a project that the Government of the Principality of Asturias undertook in 2001 to regenerate the building of the old Labor University of Gijón. All sorts of activities take place here, from film to theatre, and perfect for a continental culture vulture.
Jardín Botánico Atlántico, the Atlantic Botanical Garden, is one of the most visually spectacular and astonishing places in the city of Gijón. Started in 2003, it is a plant museum where visitors can learn about and enjoy the vegetation of the northern peninsular. It is made up of several areas that have been part of Gijón for thousands of years and is remarkable for being the first botanical garden in northern Spain with a considerable footfall.
The Bioparc Aquarium of Gijón contains a tour of 60 freshwater and saltwater aquariums that will allow you access to the flora and fauna of the seas of the world. It recreates the ecosystems of seas, lakes and rivers around the world.

The Beautiful Fishing Village of Lastres

A 30-minute drive, some 25 miles, takes you to Lastres on the East Coast. Here, you can explore:

Lastres Vela, an ancient whaling village, which offers fabulous vistas over the small beach next to the port.
the watchtowers, fountains, stairways and typical houses with marine flavour of one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

Unforgettable Ribadesella

Another 27 minutes further on your car trip and you will find the stunning costal town Ribadesella with:

La Cuevona de Cuevas del Agua, an astounding cave tunnel.
Ermita de la guia, a beautiful viewpoint at the end of Ribadesella which you can walk up to from the waterfront passing local murals to see magnificent views along the way.
Cuadra el Alisal is a horse-loving family that has transformed their passion, over two generations, into a profession. There are horse riding routes for all levels, riding lessons, boarding, natural dressage and raid, endurance.
And, of course, a trip to the Santa Marina Beach, spacious and attractive.

Then just a 10km drive for 20 minutes to Bufones de Pria, one of the loveliest beauty spots on the Asturian coast. The erosion gives the impression of a volcanic landscape and added to this is the geyser-like effect when the water spurts through the holes in the rocks.

Vista Del Castro de las Gaviotas, Picos de Europa and the Stunning Covadonga Lakes

Then nearby is Vista Del Castro de las Gaviotas gives a glorious view over the coast; then time for the beach again at Playa de Gulpiyuri, a real must-visit though be aware that because of its popularity, the dunes may be overcrowded. After all this touring you may have a hearty appetite so why not take in Llanes where the seafood is to die for!

Then allow a day for one of the most-loved hikes in Asturia is from Ruta del Cares to Picos de Europa. This is a 24 km route passing the tall rocky mountains of the natural park Picos de Europa. You can dine out at Cain and then follow the path back to its source.

The following day can be fruitfully spent exploring the Covadonga Lakes surrounded by green mountains and you will be in the company of cows and goats.

Oviedo: The Historical Capital of Asturias

Definitely worth a day of anybody’s time is the attractions of OVIEDO, starting with:

The historic centre for you to browse around at your leisure.
Then onto the bars and restaurants of the Plaza del Fontan and the marketplace of Mercadillo del Fontan.
For some spiritual therapy, the gorgeous Cathedral of San Salvador will allow you refreshment and rejuvenation.
If you fancy some fancy fashion ware Calle Uria is the place for you and you get some local souvenirs here too.
Then Park San Francisco if you want to see a bit of greenery while you stroll, ice cream in hand!
Calle Gascona is the perfect place to explore the Siderias, the bars serving an apple-based alcoholic drink poured from a great height into a small glass to get the bubbles lively.
Or there is La Ruta de los Vinos for wine served with tapa.
Culture vultures will be glad to find the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias with everything from Goya to El Greco, Picasso to Miro.
And finally, if you want a panoramic view of the city take the Indigo hire car up to Monte Naranco and you will have a bird’s eye view par excellence.

Check Out the West Coast Before Heading Home

Then just before you head back to the airport with your Indigo hire car it would br rude not to explore the west coast. Take in Aviles’ historic quarter with the romantic Plaza de Espana and the attractive street of Galiana and San Francisco.

Also worth seeking out is Cudillero, a lovely fishing town, ideal to take in an exciting seafood dish. Cabo Vidio gives you a splendid view both to east and west while you take in coffee or beer. The beach beckons once more at Playa del Silencio above which you can explore Mirador.

So with a heavy heart, you will have to head back to the airport at the end of your sensational car trip having taken in a little bit of everything that the region offers.

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Rich Jevons was first published in the Yorkshire Post at the tender age of fifteen. After graduating at University of Humberside, Rich covered the visual and performing arts for a wide range of regional, national and international magazines, journals and newspapers. He has interviewed the likes of Patrick Stewart, Colin Baker and Christopher Eccleston. Currently, he is writing copy on road trips around the world, all from his office in Wortley, Leeds