Here’s my favorite Asturias road trip itinerary for those planning to spend 3 days exploring its natural wonders and discovering some of the most unique landmarks in northern Spain.

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An Ultimate Asturias Road Trip Itinerary

About Asturias

Asturias is a beautiful region in northern Spain, known for its wild, untamed nature – featuring Atlantic beaches, dramatic cliffs, and otherworldy beautiful landscapes, charming fishing villages, and delicious hearty dishes like fabada asturiana. It’s also home to one of Spain’s most iconic national parks, Picos de Europa. Unlike the dry and sun-drenched areas of central and southern Spain, Asturias is famously lush and green, a contrast made possible by its frequent rainfall throughout the year.

The region enjoys a mild oceanic climate. Summers are pleasantly cool, with average daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and nights dipping to about 14°C (57°F). Spring and autumn tend to be refreshing: 14–16°C (57–61°F). Winters in Asturias are chilly but not extreme, like in the Pyrenees mountains, typically ranging from 9°C (48°F) during the day to 3°C (37°F) at night. Rain is common all year round, so it’s essential to include layers and waterproof gear into your Spain packing list.

The capital of Asturias is Oviedo, but the region is often included in broader northern Spain itineraries, particularly for travelers starting in Bilbao, where most international flights arrive. If you’re planning to visit Asturias from Madrid, check out my post on Madrid road trip options to help with your planning.

When I took my Asturias road trip in July, it rained every single day! As you can see from my photos, wearing layers was absolutely necessary. In this post, I’ll share my detailed itinerary for this Asturias road trip, along with additional tips and information that I think will be helpful for planning – based on my own travels in the area.

What is Asturias known for

Landmarks in Asturias

Asturias is an autonomous community in northern Spain, located on the rugged and green coast of the Iberian Peninsula. It’s one of my favorite regions in the entire country and an absolute must-stop on Spain Travel Bucket list.

Asturias holds a significant place in Spanish history. The famed Reconquista – the Christian reconquest of Spain from the Moors – began here in Covadonga. To learn more about this chapter of history, check out my list of top documentaries about Spain. Even today, the heir to the Spanish throne carries the historic title of Prince or Princess of Asturias, a tradition that dates back to the 1300s.

The region’s most iconic natural wonder is Picos de Europa, one of Spain’s oldest national parks. It’s home to some of the country’s most breathtaking hiking trails, including the legendary Ruta del Cares.

Traditional food in Asturias

Asturias is known for its hearty cuisine. Some of the most iconic local foods include fabada asturiana (a traditional bean stew), cachopo (a breaded meat dish), pote asturiano, Cabrales cheese (a bold blue cheese and one of the popular food souvenirs from Spain), casadiellas (a typical local pastry filled with nuts and sugar), and tarta de frixuelos (a layered pancake cake).

The region’s most traditional drink is sidra (natural apple cider), which is deeply rooted in local culture. Around the area of Villaviciosa, you’ll find countless apple orchards – it’s the heart of cider production in Asturias. You can read more about the traditional dishes of Asturias in this post.

Landscapes and legends of Asturias

Thanks to its lush, green landscapes, Asturias is home to some of the most magical forests in Spain, including Robledal de Muniellos – the largest oak grove in the country – and the enchanting Hayedo de Montegrande. The region is also steeped in unique Spanish folklore, filled with mythological creatures such as the Busgosu (the guardian of the forests) and Les Xanes (fairy-like nature spirits). These legends add an extra layer of wonder to Asturias’ already mystical atmosphere.

How to get to Asturias

To explore the natural wonders of Asturias, renting a car is highly recommended (I use Discover Cars) – it gives you the freedom to reach remote spots, scenic coastal drives, and mountain villages at your own pace.

Alternatively, you can base yourself in one of the region’s main cities, Oviedo or Gijon, and book organized tours to explore the highlights without driving. You’ll find a selection of top-rated tours in my post Unique Things to Do in Asturias.

Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, is well connected to other Spanish cities by train and bus. You can compare routes and find the best ticket deals on platforms like Trainline or Omio.

For air travel, the closest airports with budget-friendly flight options are Asturias Airport (near Oviedo) and Santander Airport. You can also combine a visit to Asturias with other destinations in northern Spain and fly into Bilbao or Vitoria-Gasteiz airports, both of which offer good connections and additional travel flexibility.

Where to stay in Asturias

One of the most unique experiences in Asturias is staying in the serene Spanish countryside. For our Asturias road trip, we chose Las Helgueras, a charming rural house located in the small town of Noriega.

Here are a few examples of cozy places to stay in Asturias: Apartamentos Hacienda Llamabua, Hotel Los Caspios, Hotel El Babú, Hotel Rural Cantexos, Casona de El Castañíu, Apartamentos El Pedrayu, Casa Les Pedroses, Casas Rurales Prieto, El Prau la Iglesia I, and La Quintana de Marta.

Asturias Road Trip: My 3-day Itinerary

Day 1 – Cangas de Onis and Covadonga

Cangas de Onis

Our Asturias road trip began in the charming town of Cangas de Onis. Today, it’s a popular getaway, but it once played a key role in Spanish history. After the legendary Battle of Covadonga in 722 – considered the starting point of the Spanish Reconquista – the Hispano-Visigoth nobleman Pelagius (Don Pelayo) declared Cangas de Onís the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias. As he continued to reclaim territory across the Iberian Peninsula, this small town came to symbolize the birth of Christian Spain.

In front of the local church, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, you’ll find a monument to Pelagius, commemorating his role in Spanish history. While exploring the town, we also discovered a traditional hórreo asturiano – an elevated wooden granary once common throughout northern Spain, used to store grain and protect it from pests.

One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the Roman Bridge, also known as El Puente Romano or El Puentón. Although it may stand on Roman foundations, the bridge’s current structure dates back to the 13th century, featuring the distinctive arch that has become a symbol of the region.

Cangas de Onis is also an excellent spot to pick up local food souvenirs. Asturias is famous for its cheese culture, boasting over 30 varieties, many of which can be found in the town’s shops and markets.

Covadonga

You simply can’t visit Asturias without seeing two of its most iconic landmarks: the Basilica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga, a stunning Neo-Romanesque church set against the mountains, and the Santa Cueva de Covadonga – the Holy Cave that holds the tomb of King Pelagius (Don Pelayo).

Both sites are deeply significant to Spaniards and pilgrims alike, so if you’re visiting during the peak summer season, expect large crowds. The Holy Cave truly left a strong impression on me. Beyond its undeniable storybook charm, there’s something genuinely captivating about the atmosphere – it’s one of those places that feels both sacred and timeless.

Lakes of Covadonga

After visiting the holy sites of Covadonga, we continued our journey toward the famous Lakes of Covadonga. Unfortunately, this turned out to be the biggest disappointment of our Asturias road trip. As we made our way up the mountain road, the weather took a turn for the worse – it started to rain, and soon we were surrounded by thick fog. To make things more challenging, local cows wandered onto the road unexpectedly. With a long line of cars behind us and nowhere safe to turn around, we had no choice but to keep going.

Once we parked near the Tourist Information Center, it became clear that visibility was close to zero. We tried to walk around and wait for the weather to improve, but the fog and rain only got worse. With no view of the lakes and no signs of conditions clearing up, we reluctantly made our way back to Cangas de Onís and eventually returned to our rental.

Day 2 – Ribadesella, Llanes, and Playa de Torimbia

On the second day of our Asturias road trip, we set out to explore the region’s stunning coastline and its charming seaside towns, following an itinerary designed to capture the true essence of northern Spain.

Ribadesella

Our first stop of the day was the tiny village of Ribadesella. We had originally planned to stroll through the town center and explore several local beaches, but when the rain returned, we only managed to visit La Atalaya Beach.

Still, we were able to make a short drive to Cuevas del Agua (Cueves) – one of the rare villages in the world that can only be accessed through a natural cave, La Cuevona, which serves as both a road and a geological wonder.

Llanes

Llanes is one of the most beautiful small towns in Asturias, known for its picturesque port, charming old town, and the lovely beach Playa de Sablón. For lunch, we enjoyed a delicious cachopo – a classic Asturian dish made of two large veal fillets stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried to golden perfection. It’s hearty, indulgent, and a must-try for foodies in Spain.

If you’re looking for a traditional Asturian meals, Sidrería Casa El Rubiu is an excellent choice. For a more refined dining experience, check out Restaurante El Retiro, where local ingredients are transformed into beautifully presented, contemporary Spanish and Mediterranean dishes.

Playa de la Torimbia

Our last stop of day two was Playa de la Torimbia, one of the most stunning beaches in Northern Spain. Later on, we read somewhere that it was actually one of the top Spanish nudist beaches. However, during our afternoon visit, there was no soul around.

Our initial plan was to hike from Torimbia to the Gulpiyuri beach: it is an easy 14-km itinerary along the beautiful coastline of Asturias. Unfortunately, the weather was against us and it started to rain again, so we headed to the small town of Lastres and enjoyed some snacks with views at a local restaurant El Mirador.

Day 3 – Cudillero, Playa de las Catedrales, Luarca, and Playa del Silencio

On the third day of our Asturias road trip, we were finally greeted by sunshine. Although a light drizzle passed through, it wasn’t enough to disrupt our plans or dampen our spirits.

Cudillero

Our first stop of the day was Cudillero, one of the most unique Spanish villages, as well as one of the top colorful places on the Iberian Peninsula. This enchanting little town was one of my absolute favorites on our Asturias road trip. Cudillero, founded in the 13th century as a humble fishing village, had already evolved by the 19th century into one of the most important ports in Asturias.

Wandering through its narrow, winding streets, we discovered countless scenic viewpoints and postcard-perfect corners at every turn. We were so swept up in its charm that it wasn’t until I got back into the car that I realized – thanks to the endless stairs – that our leisurely stroll had actually felt like a full workout.

Playa de las Catedrales

Being so close to the Spanish region of Galicia, I was eager to visit Playa de las Catedrales (also known as As Catedrais Beach), famed for its breathtaking and uniquely sculpted cliffs that resemble towering cathedral arches.

Visiting at low tide is highly recommended to fully explore the natural arches and caves, but we ventured there regardless. After wandering along the dramatic coastline and soaking in the awe-inspiring views, we made our way to the nearby town of Ribadeo for a delicious seafood lunch at O Lar de Manolo.

Luarca

After lunch, we returned to Asturias to explore another of its enchanting villages – Luarca. This quaint town is proud to be the birthplace of Severo Ochoa, the distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1959.

One of Luarca’s most captivating sights is its charming little port, dotted with vibrant, colorful boats that create a picturesque scene. Equally intriguing is the Puente del Beso (Bridge of the Kiss), steeped in one of Spain’s most romantic legends – the tale of the pirate Cambaral, whose love story continues to capture hearts to this day.

Playa del Silencio

The final stop on our Asturias road trip was Playa del Silencio, celebrated as one of Spain’s most stunning natural landscapes. Locals affectionately call it Gaviero del Silencio, likely a nod to the large colony of seagulls (or gaviotas in Spanish) nesting along its dramatic, rugged cliffs. This serene beach is a favorite for fishing and diving enthusiasts throughout Asturias. The narrow, winding road leading down to the shore felt almost like a hidden secret – we were fortunate to encounter only a few cars along the way.

The photo I captured at Playa del Silencio is completely unedited, yet it remains one of the most breathtaking images I’ve ever taken in Spain – an authentic glimpse of nature’s quiet grandeur.

How to spend 5, 7 or 10 days in Asturias (+ map)

Here are a few extra suggestions on all the different places you can visit in Asturias, including beautiful viewpoints and hidden villages, so you can easily personalize your itinerary and extend your stay beyond three days.

The easiest way to spend five days in Asturias is to add to my 3-day itinerary one day in each of the region’s two major cities – one day in Oviedo and one day in Gijón. If you have a full week (seven days), I would also recommend dedicating a day or two to Picos de Europa National Park, especially if you want to hike the famous Ruta del Cares trail and visit the village of Bulnes – the last car-free village in Spain, accessible only by cable car.

You can save the full map of places to visit in Asturias here. The places visited on my 3-day road trip are marked in blue; all the extra things you can do in Asturias to stay in the area for 5, 7, or even 10 days are marked with orange stars.

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