2025 Asturias Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

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

#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.

#hellohalloween The coastal stretch of the Camino de Santiago in Asturias is pure magic. Every turn reveals cliffs, beaches, and endless views of the Cantabrian Sea. The sound of the waves keeps you company for miles, and the ocean breeze gives you energy to keep going. Each small fishing village feels like a secret reward — peaceful, colorful, and full of warmth. Walking here feels like therapy, where every step brings calm and clarity.

#hellohalloween Asturias is full of surprises, and near Ribadesella I even saw locals riding horses through the hills and along the beaches. It gave me a sense of how connected life here still is to nature. Sleeping in Ribadesella gave me access to that authentic Asturian vibe — a mix of traditions, landscapes, and simple pleasures that make you want to stay longer than just a weekend.

#hellohalloween Sunsets on the Coast One of my favorite moments in Ribadesella was watching the sunset from the beach. The colors over the Bay of Biscay were magical, shifting from gold to pink to deep blue, with the mountains still visible in the distance. Staying in town meant I could end each day with this view, a peaceful reminder of how special Asturias is.

#hellohalloween 🌿 Nature All Around What struck me most about Asturias was how green everything was. From Ribadesella, it felt like nature was always right outside the door — cliffs overlooking the sea, rivers winding through valleys, mountains rising in the distance. Sleeping here for the weekend gave me time to soak in that lush beauty, with quiet mornings and nights surrounded by pure tranquility.

#hellohalloween Coastal Charm Ribadesella itself was a highlight of my weekend in Asturias. The town has this lovely mix of traditional fishing village vibes with elegant houses along the promenade. I’d spend mornings walking by the Sella River, afternoons exploring nearby coves, and nights dining on fresh seafood. Sleeping here meant I was close to both nature and good food — the best of both worlds in one charming spot.

#hellohalloween Sea and Mountains Together Sleeping in Ribadesella gave me the perfect base to explore Asturias. Waking up to the sound of the waves and knowing the Picos de Europa mountains were just a short drive away felt incredible. Days were spent hiking in green valleys, evenings walking along the beach, and nights resting in a town that felt welcoming and relaxed. The combination of sea and mountains is what makes this part of Asturias so unforgettable.

#mytraveldiary Gijón in Asturias, Spain, is a lively coastal city that perfectly combines culture, history, and seaside charm. The city’s beaches, like San Lorenzo, are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or a relaxing stroll along the promenade. Walking through the old town, you can enjoy narrow streets lined with cafés, tapas bars, and local shops, giving a taste of Asturian life. Cultural highlights include museums, art galleries, and historic buildings that reveal the city’s rich heritage. Parks and waterfront areas provide peaceful spots to relax or enjoy outdoor activities. In the evenings, the city comes alive with music, local cuisine, and friendly chatter. Gijón offers a mix of vibrant city life, coastal beauty, and cultural experiences, making it a perfect destination to explore in Asturias.

Stop: Ojo de Buey The Ojo de Buey, or “Ox’s Eye,” is a natural rock formation that stands out for its unique circular window carved into the stone by centuries of erosion. Found in the rugged landscapes of Spain, it frames sweeping views of the surrounding cliffs, valleys, and skies, almost like a giant natural picture frame. Its name comes from its resemblance to the small round windows often seen in traditional architecture. Reaching the Ojo de Buey typically involves a scenic hike, where the path winds through rocky terrain and Mediterranean vegetation before opening up to the dramatic sight of the stone arch. Standing beneath or looking through the opening, visitors are rewarded with vistas that feel otherworldly, the perfect blend of geological wonder and artistic beauty sculpted by nature. The sense of discovery adds to the magic, as it is often a hidden gem compared to more well-known natural landmarks. The site is also popular among photographers and adventurers, who find the rock window a striking focal point for capturing the surrounding landscape. Its peaceful setting makes it an inviting place to pause, rest, and take in the silence of nature, broken only by the sound of the wind. The Ojo de Buey is not just a rock formation but an example of how nature can create something both simple and profoundly beautiful.

#summervacay Llanes is the kind of town that makes you want to unpack your bag and stay a few days longer than planned. It’s got this perfect combo of historic streets, cute buildings, and beaches that are just a short stroll away. You can wander around the old town and find random corners that look like movie sets, with little cafés tucked into stone buildings and locals just chilling like it's no big deal. The coastline here is the real star though. Crazy cliffs, secret coves, and little sandy spots where you can kick off your shoes and forget what time it is. Playa del Sablón is right in town and super easy to get to, but there are a bunch of others nearby if you feel like beach-hopping. There’s also this cool energy in Llanes, kind of artsy, kind of laid-back, and just really easy to vibe with. Grab a bite, watch the waves, and let Asturias work its slow magic on you.

Collado de Pandébano is one of those places that makes you want to pause, take a deep breath, and simply soak in the moment. This serene mountain pass in the Picos de Europa offers breathtaking views that feel like a dream. Picture lush green hills, rugged peaks in the distance, and a few relaxed cows lounging around as if they own the place. Reaching this spot typically involves a drive along a bumpy road followed by an easy hike, but the reward is well worth it. It serves as the starting point for the trail to Urriellu, so you might spot serious hikers with hefty backpacks. However, you don’t need to be on a mission to enjoy it—come up just to wander, take photos, and savor a sandwich with a view. The atmosphere is incredibly tranquil, with the sounds of birds, a gentle breeze, and the distant chime of cowbells. There are no crowds here, just pure, unspoiled nature. It’s the perfect place to disconnect and feel like you’re a world away. Be sure to bring layers and some snacks, and take your time to truly enjoy the experience.

About 20 minutes into the flight, a passenger sitting a row behind me, who is only 3 months post aortic valve surgery, started feeling unwell. Thankfully, there was an English doctor on board who stepped in quickly. Suddenly, our little cabin turned into a three-language relay – English, Spanish, and French – as the crew coordinated with ground teams and medical support. We had to divert and land in Nantes, where the passenger was taken off by ambulance (we’ve since heard he’s doing OK – relief!). But then our crew timed out and couldn’t continue the flight, so we had a few unexpected hours on the ground while waiting for a standby team to fly in from Barcelona. Airline handed out food vouchers, and spirits stayed surprisingly high despite the delay. A reminder of how quickly things can change, and how grateful we are for medical professionals everywhere – even at 30,000 feet.