Oviedo and the Paradise of Asturias

Asturias provides an authentic taste of Spanish nature, offering a retreat from the hustle and bustle of tourist cities at a pace that invites reflection and full enjoyment of nature and culture. Here, the green landscapes remain indelibly in the memory like the Picos de Europa National Park and the Lakes of Covadonga, coveted spots for those seeking a holiday immersed in nature with options for simple outdoor activities or more vigorous sports.

To visit the highlights of the region, through nature, historical heritage, and culinary delights, the city of Oviedo with its city airport serves as an excellent starting point to then explore Asturias and its beauties by renting a car, providing the right flexibility to visit various places in relatively short times and with greater convenience. Allocating 1 or 2 days to visit the main tourist attractions of Oviedo requires at least another 4 days to discover the most important attractions of Asturias, from the sea to the mountains. If desired, one can always use Oviedo as a base, go on day trips, and return to the city in the evening.

Starting from the capital and heart of Asturias, Oviedo is a city that exudes urban elegance and ancient charm. Its well-preserved medieval historic center can be explored by visiting the Cathedral of San Salvador, famous for its Gothic architecture and spiritual significance on the Camino de Santiago, as well as the Pre-Romanesque churches of San Miguel de Lillo and Santa María del Naranco or the Church of San Julián de los Padros, architectural jewels declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

 

If more time is available, one can also visit the unique beaches of the seaside towns of Gijón (about 30 km from Oviedo), Cudillero (about 57 km from Oviedo), Ribadesella (about 57 km from Oviedo), Llanes (about 83 km from Oviedo), and Luarca (about 90 km from Oviedo), which offer spectacular viewpoints and the chance to engage in surfing and other water sports.

Starting from Cangas de Onís (about 35 minutes by car from Oviedo), a charming town that serves as the gateway to the national park. From here, one can explore the famous Lakes of Covadonga (Enol and La Ercina, 90 km from Oviedo) of glacial origin with the Belvedere of the Princesa at Lake Enol and the Sanctuary of Covadonga with the Holy Cave dedicated to the Virgin of Covadonga, a pilgrimage site and place of great natural beauty.

An hour's drive from the Basilica, one traverses the Cares Trail, the most famous mountain path in Asturias (12 km trail in about four hours), while less than 20 kilometers from Cangas de Onís, one can also visit the Belvedere of Fito, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the park. If preferred, after the excursions, one can return to Oviedo for the evening and relax in one of its cafes or cider houses or opt for an overnight stay in one of the picturesque local villages.

To better understand the local traditions, some of the most charming villages in Asturias remain to be explored. For example, Tazones and Llanes, which can be reached by car (Tazones about an hour from Oviedo, Llanes just over an hour). Tazones, a charming fishing village in Asturias, is famous for its history linked to the arrival of Charles V in Spain and for its colorful houses and cobbled streets. While Llanes is another picturesque coastal town with a strong medieval heritage, ideal for strolling among old palaces and along the harbor. One can explore their natural and historical beauties or taste local specialties in small restaurants such as mariscada (a mixed seafood dish), navajas (razor clams), and local lobster.

 

Oviedo. Photo: Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

 

Oviedo is a welcoming city and offers different possibilities for accommodation.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for districts or landmarks.