Overview
Asturias is one of Spain’s most captivating regions, defined by dramatic mountains, green valleys and a rugged coastline shaped by the Cantabrian Sea. It is a land where nature and tradition coexist deeply, with fishing villages, medieval towns and rural landscapes forming a mosaic of authenticity. The region’s identity is rooted in its Celtic heritage, its gastronomy and its strong cultural character. From the Picos de Europa to the cliffs of Llanes and the historic streets of Oviedo, Asturias offers a blend of wilderness, heritage and northern atmosphere that feels both powerful and welcoming.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Asturias is from May to October, when mild temperatures and long days make exploring the coast and mountains ideal. Spring brings fresh colours and comfortable weather, perfect for hiking and visiting rural villages. Summer offers bright days and lively seaside towns, though never with the intense heat found elsewhere in Spain. Early autumn provides soft light and pleasant conditions, ideal for scenic drives and cultural visits. Winter is cool, rainy and atmospheric, suited for travellers who enjoy quiet landscapes and cosy indoor experiences.
Getting around
Asturias is easy to explore with a combination of coastal roads, mountain routes and well‑connected towns. A car is the most convenient way to reach beaches, viewpoints and rural areas, while cities like Oviedo and Gijón are walkable and served by public transport. The region’s geography encourages slow travel: winding roads through forests, scenic passes across the Picos de Europa and short detours to fishing villages. Movement is relaxed and shaped by the natural environment.
Safety and local etiquette
Asturias is safe and welcoming, with a calm atmosphere typical of northern Spain. Visitors should be mindful of changing weather, especially in the mountains where fog and rain can appear quickly. Respect for nature, rural spaces and cultural sites is appreciated. Locals value politeness, quiet behaviour and support for traditional shops and cider houses. The region’s rhythm is gentle and embracing it enhances the experience.
Food and water
Asturian cuisine is one of Spain’s richest, known for fabada, cachopo, fresh fish, cheeses and traditional cider. Meals are hearty and reflect the region’s rural heritage. Tap water is safe throughout Asturias. Dining tends to be generous and social, often enjoyed in cider houses, coastal restaurants or mountain inns.
Day trips and excursions
Asturias offers countless excursions across coast and mountains. The Picos de Europa provide dramatic peaks, lakes and hiking routes. Cudillero, Llanes and Ribadesella offer colourful fishing villages and beaches. Oviedo and Gijón provide cultural heritage, museums and urban life. The region also includes scenic drives, rural viewpoints and natural parks that reveal its diversity. Each excursion complements Asturias’ blend of nature, culture and tradition.
Essence of Asturias
The essence of Asturias lies in its harmony between sea, mountains and heritage. Cliffs meet green valleys, peaks rise sharply above rural villages and the Cantabrian Sea shapes the coastline with constant movement. It is a region where authenticity remains strong, where nature feels close and where tradition defines everyday life. Asturias embodies the wild, cultural and welcoming spirit of northern Spain — powerful, green and deeply rooted in its identity.
Highlights in Asturias
The stunning landscape reigns supreme in this mountainous province, but human intervention complements nature well. The Picos de Europa are a dazzling image in the park of Lagos de Covadonga, and Aviles of a surprising beauty.
Visited places
Cangas de Onis
Lagos de Covadonga
Soto de Cangas
- Asturias is an autonomous community in northern Spain, located between the Cantabrian Sea and the Cantabrian Mountains.
- The capital of Asturias is Oviedo, while Gijón and Avilés are important coastal cities.
- Tap water is safe to drink and of excellent quality.
- Asturias is famous for its spectacular green landscapes, rugged coastline, mountain scenery, and traditional villages.
- The region is home to much of the magnificent Picos de Europa National Park, one of Spain’s most spectacular mountain areas.
- Covadonga is one of Asturias’ most important cultural and religious sites, featuring the Sanctuary of Covadonga and the famous mountain lakes.
- The region played a crucial role in Spanish history as the birthplace of the Christian Reconquista.
- Asturias preserves strong Celtic influences visible in local traditions, music, and festivals.
- The coastline includes dramatic cliffs, fishing villages, sandy beaches, and scenic viewpoints.
- Traditional villages such as Cudillero, Taramundi, Lastres, and Llanes rank among Spain’s most beautiful destinations.
- Asturias is internationally renowned for its gastronomy, especially Fabada Asturiana, artisanal cheeses, seafood, and traditional cider (Sidra Asturiana).
- The region produces more than forty varieties of traditional cheese, including the famous Cabrales.
- Popular activities include hiking, mountain tourism, surfing, whale watching, cycling, gastronomy tours, and cultural tourism.
- The destination is safe and visitor-friendly; normal precautions are generally sufficient.
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the region.
- The official currency is the Euro (€).
- A car is highly recommended for exploring the mountains, coastline, villages, and natural parks.
- Respect natural parks, coastal ecosystems, mountain trails, historic monuments, and local traditions when visiting.
Asturias enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Mountains. Unlike much of Spain, the region is known for its mild temperatures, lush green landscapes, and regular rainfall throughout the year.
- Spring (March to May) – mild temperatures, blooming countryside, and excellent conditions for hiking, sightseeing, and coastal exploration.
- Summer (June to August) – pleasant and generally mild, with temperatures typically ranging between 20°C and 28°C, making Asturias one of Spain’s most comfortable summer destinations.
- Autumn (September to November) – moderate temperatures, colourful forests, and ideal conditions for nature tourism, gastronomy, and photography.
- Winter (December to February) – cool conditions, generally ranging between 5°C and 15°C along the coast, with snowfall possible in the Picos de Europa and higher mountain areas.
Spring and summer are widely considered the best seasons to visit Asturias.
Today:
🌐 Regional connection
This destination is part of the Asturias y Cantabria Cluster, a curated region showcasing rugged mountains, Atlantic coastlines, traditional villages, and some of Spain’s most beautiful natural scenery.
Travelling in Asturias
One of the provinces in Spain most favored by nature, it joins to breathtaking landscapes some towns of surprising beauty. We took a couple of days to see only the best of Asturias, and confirmed that travelling in Asturias, even in low season, is a great pleasure.
Covadonga
Immortalized in history for being a landmark in the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, Covadonga is today an important tourist destination, as it has become a place of pilgrimage.
Europa peaks
If a monastery and a cave are the main local attractions, the biggest attraction is the beautiful park of the lakes of Covadonga, requiring strict access control.
Aviles
Avilés is a charming town with a well-preserved medieval center with narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Key landmarks include the Gothic churches of San Nicolás and San Francisco, as well as the modern Niemeyer Centre, designed by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer. In this great visit to Asturias, it was our biggest surprise.
Gijon
Nestled along the Bay of Biscay, Gijón offers a blend of urban charm and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the historic Cimavilla neighborhood, which showcases the city’s Roman roots and maritime past. The city is also home to the impressive Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, a cultural complex that hosts various events and exhibitions.
Cangas de Onis
Cangas de Onís is a small town located in the valleys formed by the Sella and Güeña rivers. Far from being one of Asturias highlights, it is renowned for its Roman bridge, but also as the entrance to the regio of Covadonga lakes.
Cudillero
Cudillero is a picturesque fishing village nestled on the side of a mountain and renowned for its colorful houses with brightly painted windows, cascading down the steep cliffs surrounding the harbor. The town’s economy is primarily driven by tourism and fishing, with many visitors drawn to its charming, narrow streets and vibrant atmosphere.
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