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Asturias manages to bring together the best of many worlds: incredible natural mountain landscapes, picturesque coastal areas, unique cuisine and cities full of history. All in about 10,500 square kilometers not to be missed.
It is precisely on a journey through the Asturian valleys and through the towns and cities of our imagination that we embark on this journey, which can and should be done by car.
To plan a visit to Asturias, define well what you want to do and how many days you have available for this purpose. This must be the starting point for a relaxing and absolutely idyllic trip.
To organize this road trip, we included visiting the main cities in the region – Oviedo and Gijón – and the Picos de Europa National Park, where nature lovers will be delighted.
asturias: history of nature hand in hand
Cudillero – Aviles – Gijon
Start your trip in Cudillero and surrender to the charms of the north coast of Spain. This small town, about 52 kilometers from Gijón, is a small paradise by the sea.
Reflected in the calm waters of the Bay of Biscay, this fishing town rises from the cliffs in colorful patterns between reds, blues and whites. The economy grows around fishing, which is the basis of gastronomy. Luxurious dishes but absolutely simple in their preparation are the delight of those who venture here.
Cudillero is just one of the many fishing villages in Asturias. If you head along the coast to Gijón, you’ll find many others, such as Candás or Luanco.
Medieval Aviles
On this route, make a stop in Avilés, the city that completes the triangle – Avilés – Gijón – Oviedo. Here, lose yourself in the streets of the palaces and in the medieval historic center and visit the Neymar center, the last work of the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. The building alone is worth a visit, in addition to the various exhibitions that you can visit.
After this technical stop, head along the coast to Gijón, and expect to find a city full of life.
Built from mining operations, Gijón is today a city that knows how to live and a reference in Asturias. Ideal for walking, in a small center built around the Plaza Mayor, Gijón unfolds along high beaches, much like the north, like Playa de San Lonrenzo.
In addition, there is no lack of fun options, always maintaining the family trait. In Gijón, be sure to visit and linger in one of the most typical Sideria in the region – Sidrería Tierra Astur Poniente.
oviedocapital of Asturias
Before heading through Asturias towards the Picos de Europa, there are two obligatory stops. The first is Oviedo, about 30 kilometers from Gijón.
The capital of the principality of Asturias is a secular city, small, but full of charisma where the pulse of life can be felt at every corner, dressed in culture.
Strolling through Oviedo is like walking through a typically stately city, lined with medieval buildings. The Cathedral of San Salvador is surrounded by the Casco Antiguo (Historic Center) where the most fertile imagination takes us back to the classic of Spanish literature La Regenta, by Leopoldo Alas.
The historic center culminates in Plaza del Fóntám, where there is a market every day, with the most traditional products of Asturian gastronomy.
ciders to know
A tour of Campo de San Francisco and Mount Naranco is also a must in the city.
But being in Asturias is also looking for the gastronomy and the famous ciders. In Oviedo, a must visit to learn more about the typical drink is the Calle Gascona. Here you will find 12 cider bars offering tastings, gastronomy, cultural activities.
A street you cannot miss. For wine lovers, Manuel Pedregal and Campoamor streets have several bars where you can enjoy wine tasting and tapas, in true Spanish style.
Don’t leave the capital without trying the traditional sweets, carbayones (a kind of mini eclairs) and “muscovitas” (a kind of almond and chocolate biscuits). Once the visit to Oviedo is over, head towards the last part of the journey – the Picos de Europa.
asturias: The natural beauty of the Picos de Europa
In Picos de Europa National Park, there are more than many trails that take you to places of unique natural beauty.
The route we have chosen covers around 150 kilometers between mountains in a pristine state. It starts in Sames, passes through Torín and the famous Lakes of Covadonga, from here it goes to Cangas de Onís and Benia de Onís (don’t forget to stop in Sirviella.
After that, follow the AS-114 road towards Cabrales, a mandatory stop in the capital of blue cheese – Cabrales. Here you can taste Cabrales blue cheese, made completely by hand.
Try the different cheese factories in the Asturias region. You won’t regret it and stroll through the village surrounded by the mountains.
Bulnes – Peñamelleras
Continue your journey to Bulnes, where you will see the limestone colossus of the Picos de Europa and end your journey by going to Peñamelleras, through the Cares gorge, and be speechless when seeing the panoramic villages that you will find along the way.
This is a trip to take as a couple, with family or friends, in summer, spring or autumn, almost all seasons and companies are recommended. A unique trip that will show you one of Spain’s best kept secrets.
How to get?
This is a trip that must be done by car, so that you can make the most of everything you will find along the way.
Leave Porto, towards Chaves, to cross the border in Feces de Baixo. After that, follow the road to Leon, towards Oviedo and Gijón.
From the principality’s capital, take the A-64 to the Picos de Europa National Park. In total there are about 630 kilometers. The roads are good and there is no shortage of good places to rest.
Where to stay?
There are several options, from small pensions to rural tourism houses. the website of local tourism it is a good option with excellent suggestions to be inspired
Where to eat?
There are plenty of places to eat, good comfort food, or if we weren’t talking about Spain. Look in the guides for the best suggestions and with the locals, these will always be the best of the best.
Between restaurants and taverns, you will certainly find the ideal places for the most wonderful holiday meals.
