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Famous for its stunning natural landscapes and charming fishing villages, Asturias has been on my Travel Bucket List for several years now. And yet, I should admit that before moving to Spain I´ve barely heard of this beautiful region at all. A few nature lovers might be familiar with Picos de Europa National Park, but I can assure you that Asturias has much more to offer. Many call Asturias one of Spain´s best-kept secrets, any ideas why?

Asturias: 5 experiences you can´t miss

Asturias and Northern Spain

The weather vs. the landscapes

After years of living and traveling around Spain, I could claim with all certainty that Asturias is one of my favorite regions in the whole country… Northern Spain was my biggest surprise over these last years in terms of weather and landscapes. In fact, it is everything but not what most tourists expect of Spain: rainy, green, cold, windy, mountainous…

Also read: The most colorful villages in Spain

The unfriendly weather – is the reason behind this gorgeous green scenery. Yet, it is at the same time, something that discomforts many international visitors and immediately redirects them to the never-ending summer of Costa Brava and Costa Blanca.

My brief visit to Asturias in July was no exception: out of 3 days, it was raining every single one of them. In fact, the clothes you see on my pictures – I do wear those during the winter season in the Province of Castellon, where we live. So, keep in mind that with these constant weather changes, even in summer, smart packing and knowing what to wear in Spain should be an important part of your trip planning.

And yet, if you´re an adventurous nature lover and passionate traveler – Asturias should definitely be on your travel bucket list. There are way too many stunning places and experiences in the province to miss them out!

5 experiences you can´t miss in Asturias

1. Rural Tourism: When all alone…

The best thing you could do in Asturias is to stay in a local family-owned place, somewhere in the countryside, far from city life and just immerse yourself in nature… Unlike in the coastal areas of Spain, the price–quality relation is really good for most of the homestay places in the North. Plus the owners normally are very friendly people and could help you with some useful tips & suggestions.

Rural Landscapes of Asturias Spain
Rural Landscapes of Asturias

2. Charming Villages: Let´ s get lost

There are many pretty villages in Asturias that have officially made it to the list of the most beautiful places in Spain. You can read more about my top 5 villages in Asturias here.

The most beautiful small towns of Asturias:

  • Cudillero
  • Luarca
  • Lastres
  • Cangas de Onís
  • Llanes
  • Tazones
  • Arriondas
  • Puerto de Vega
  • Avilés
  • Candás
  • Ribadesella
  • Bulnes
  • Salas
  • Cangas del Narcea
  • Taramundi
Cudillero Asturias Spain
Cudillero

3. Beaches: When happiness comes in waves

If you´re lucky with the weather, you might even get a chance to swim. Ocean beaches might not be able to compete with the Mediterranean, especially in terms of water temperature and mirror-like surface. But come on, there´s something striking and captivating about them: happiness here comes in waves.

Don´t miss the gorgeous setting of Bufones de Prías. Plus, your 3 must-see beaches in Asturias are definitely Playa del Silencio, Playa de Gulpiyuri, and Playa de Torimbia.

You can read more about some of my favorite beaches in Northern Spain here.

More epic beaches in Asturias:

  • Playa de Ballota
  • Playa de Rodiles
  • Playa Cuevas del Mar
  • Playa de Poo
  • Playa de Andrín
  • Playa de Penarronda
  • Playa de Aguilar
Playa de Torimbia

4. Sightseeing: Explore the region´s history

Despite being famous for its natural wonders, Asturias has several top Spanish landmarks that will reveal to you more of the region´s history and culture. The Holy Cave of Covadonga, The Collegiate Church, and The Roman Bridge (Cangas de Onis) should be your must-stops.

Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga
Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga
Roman Bridge - Cangas de Onis in Spain
Roman Bridge/Cangas de Onis

Asturias Sightseeing Checklist:

  • The Oviedo Catedral
  • Museo de Fernando Alonso
  • Museo del Jurásico
  • Centro Cultural Niemeyer
  • Museo de la Minería
  • Museo de Bellas Artes de Asturias
  • Jardin Botanico Atlantico de Gijón
  • The Holy Cave of Covadonga
  • The Collegiate Church of Covadonga
  • The Roman Bridge of Cangas de Onis
  • El Museo del Pueblo D´Asturies
  • Museo de la Sidra
  • Museo del Ferrocarril
The Holy Cave of Covadonga in Asturias Spain
The Holy Cave of Covadonga 

5. Hiking and Natural Parks: Experience the Northern nature

Hiking is possibly the best way to admire Northern nature: I only list it the last one here, cause in my case, the weather conditions made things complicated. Driving in the mountains with fog, rain, and cows jumping towards our car out of nowhere, made the road to the Covadonga Lakes one of the scariest in my life.

Also read: Northern Spain – 3 beaches to awaken your wanderlust

Moreover, as we only had 3 rainy days in Asturias – none of the hikes I planned initially seemed reasonable. However, if we would have had more time in the region – even a week, we´d definitely find a way to do some trails… Asturias has 9 partial nature reserves, 39 natural monuments, and 9 other protected landscapes – it is known for some of the best hiking trails in Spain. Check the routes here.

Epic hiking routes in Asturias:

  • Ruta del Cares
  • Senda del Oso
  • Ruta del Desfiladero de los Arrudos
  • Senda del Cervigón
  • Ruta de los Molinos
  • Ruta de las Cascadas de Oneta
  • Ruta del Alba
  • Senda Costera y Bufones de Pría
  • Ruta del Mazo de Meredo
  • Ruta del Pico Pienzu
  • Ruta por el Bosque de Muniellos
Cows on the he road to The Lakes of Covadonga, Asturias, Spain
The road to The Lakes of Covadonga

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Asturias: 5 experiences you can´t miss