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Asturias Road Trip – Northern Spain Travel Itinerary

Although Spain is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world, the autonomous region of Asturias is relatively unknown by tourists. This stunning area is one of the lesser known regions of Spain, but honestly, it is a real hidden treasure. Located on the dramatic north coast of Spain looking out to the Bay of Biscay, the scenery here really packs a punch. With its breathtaking, mountainous landscapes and colourful, characterful seaside towns, there is so much to see on a road trip of this area. This 6 day road trip itinerary has been carefully curated to pack in all the best bits Asturias has to offer.

There is a lot to look forward to in this region, make the most of Asturias by immersing yourself in the culture, nature and outdoor activities. Dive into the traditions in the cider houses (siderias) and force yourself up the mountains in picos de Europa. You won’t regret it. And of course be sure to make the most of the stunning sandy beaches which look almost tropical! There are not many international tourists here which makes it so fantastic to visit. The region feels undiscovered, and unspoilt.

Although there is a lot to love about Asturias, the weather is not always on your side. Prepare for rain when visiting the region as it gets quite a lot of rain all year round. This is what keeps the area looking so lush and green especially in the summer months. This weather has helped create some of the best nature reserves in Spain; large chunks of Asturias are protected reserves.

Day 1 – Pechon to Ribadesella

Daily Mileage: 55.1 km

Time Spent Driving: 41 mins

A.M:

Technically, we are beginning this road trip just outside of the region of Asturias, but this spot is practically on the border and certainly shouldn’t be missed. Begin your day at Amio Beach in the Pechón area. This is one of our favorite beaches in the whole of spain. The golden sand is impossibly soft and the rugged backdrop makes the place look like something out of a music video. Due to its location the beach doesn’t get too busy. There is plenty of parking for motorhomes and cars above the beach with a fantastic lookout point for you to soak in the views.

Asturias road trip start point 
Amio Beach, Pechon

Spend your morning relaxing at the beach, this beach is pretty large so you have plenty of space to play beach games if you dont like to sit and sunbathe.

Lunch:

We recommend a relaxing picnic on the beach, but if you would prefer a hot cooked meal Pechón has a couple of options. This includes ‘Cafe Bar La Cambera’ which sells traditional mediterranean food and comes very highly rated. Pechón is a quaint little village with little stone buildings dotted around. Take a stroll and discover little bars and restaurants for yourself.

P.M:

When you can peel yourself away from the stunning beach it is time to move onto the next location on this Asturias road trip. Head east along the rugged coastline to the town of Ribadesella. There is a lot to discover in this unique little town. Begin your afternoon by strolling through the old town on the east of River Stella.

Asturias road trip
RIbadesella, town in Asturias region

You’ll notice the charming colourful streets which lead to the Santa Maria Magdalena. This is undoubtedly the most impressive building in the old quarter with its two bell towers and a statue right between them.

Dinner:

You’ll find most of the best places to eat in the old quarter. If you want to treat yourself to some fine dining, check out the michelin starred ‘Restaurante Arbide‘. This place has everything you’d expect from a fancy restaurant – tasting menus and wine pairings. If you want to taste the finest Asturian food, this is the place to do it.

If, like us, you don’t tend to go for posh restaurants, Ribadesella has plenty more relaxed dining options. This town has a wide selection of seafood. You know its fresh as you can see the fishing boats coming in regularly at the harbour dropping off fresh fish.

Asturias road trip. Ribadesella, church on hill.

After dinner make your way up to the church on the hill for sunset. The church ‘Ermita de La Guí‘ is perched on the tallest peak in the town. Don’t worry, it is not too difficult to reach it. It takes around 15 minutes to climb up from the harbour to the church. But prepare yourself, it is quite steep.

This is the perfect place to get 360 degree panoramic views of the sun setting over Ribadesella and its surrounding areas. The backdrop of Picos De Europa is quite beautiful.

Overnight Parking:

The overnight parking areas in Ribadesella are not brilliant but they are perfectly fine. This park up has space for 5 vans and has a water supply:

Ribadesella, Carretera Estación

43.460159, -5.053937

Hotels:

There are not a huge number of hotels to choose from in the area, but a decent enough selection at different price points.

If you want to stay in a luxury beachfront boutique ‘Hotel Villa Rosario‘ is the place for you. Don’t worry, if you are on a budget, ‘Hotel Argüelles‘ is perfectly adequate.

Day 2 – Ribadesella to Picos De Europa

Daily Mileage: 103 km

Time Spent Driving: 2 hrs 26 mins

A.M:

Begin your day 2 of this Asturias road trip in Ribadesella by seeing more of the sights in the area. Check out the Tito Bustillo Caves – this is one of the main attractions in Ribadesella and draws tourists to the area. These caves are a UNESCO world heritage site and are home to some amazing prehistoric wall paintings. The whole place is covered in paintings of animals and people, it really has to be seen to be believed. The dates of these painting vary from 22000 – 10000 BC which is absolutely crazy to think about!

We would recommend booking online in advance as tickets are fairly limited and can sell out well in advance, especially during the summer months.

Titos cave, Asturias road trip

If caves are not your thing, or they are fully booked, head to the beach instead. Playa de Santa Marina is the main beach in the town. The beach is situated right at the mouth of the river Stella where it meets the sea, stretching 1.5km the beach is pretty massive.

The position of this beach in Ribadesella makes it a perfect location for surfing, you’ll likely see surfers if you choose to visit this beach. If you fancy giving surfing a go, there are many surf shops dotted around Ribadesella for you to rent equipment from.

Asturias road trip, beach in Ribadesella

If you want to find out more about what there is to do in Ribadesella check out the post below:

5 Things To Do And See In Ribadesella, Spain

After your morning in the centre of Ribadesella it is time to jump in your car to continue the Asturias road trip. Head to ‘La Cuevona de Cuevas’, this literally translates to ‘The Cave of Caves’. This is an impressive drive through cave tunnel.

drive through cave - Asturias, Spain

road trip day 2
Lunch:

After exploring the cave tunnel, head to the small town Cangas de Onís for lunch. There is no shortage of places to eat in this small town. Restaurants, cafes, bars; there is plenty to choose from.

After you have eaten, take some time to wander around Cangas de Onís and discover its many treasures. The most famous sight in this town is the roman bridge pictured below. It has a distinctive look with its tall arch and cross hanging below it.

Cangas de Onis
P.M:

Once again, it is time to move onto another destination for the evening. This will be an incredibly scenic drive as you head to the UNESCO protected Picos de Europa. This is Spain’s only inhabited nature reserve making the whole area incredibly unique. Head to Santa Marina de Valdeón. This area has motorhome facilities and is a great base point for many of the surrounding trails. There are many areas on the route which are beautiful photo opportunities. Don’t hesitate to pull over into the parking areas along the way to admire the views.

Dinner:

Due to Picos de Europa being a big mountain range, it is not the best place to find nice restaurants. We recommend cooking your own food if you are in a motorhome. Be sure to fill up with some hearty food and have a good night sleep as tomorrow will involve plenty of walking. This area has some stunning sunsets, it is so peaceful watching the sun dip below the mighty peaks.

Picos de Europa - Asturias
Overnight Parking:

We would not recommend ‘wild camping’ in this area as there is quite a lot of police surveillance. Wild camping is technically illegal in Spain, but it is generally tolerated. This is however not the case in national parks where the rules are pretty strict. For this reason we would recommend parking in a campsite such as this one:

Camping El Cares

There are other motorhome acceptable areas nearby. Be aware that many campsites in these mountains are closed in the winter months.

Hotels:

There are surprisingly a few hotels to choose from in the mountainous landscape. But you can’t be too picky when you’re essentially in the middle of nowhere.

Ñeros de Següencu is an apartment in a very similar location to the motorhome parking. It it not the most luxurious place to stay but it has everything you would need.

Top Tips:

The road from Ribadesella to the drive through cave is single track and pretty windy so take care on your commute.
Picos de Europa is at quite a high altitude so the evenings can get pretty cold, be sure to wrap up warm.

Day 3 – Picos De Europa to Oviedo

Daily Mileage: 138 km

Time Spent Driving: 2 hrs 29 mins

A.M:

Begin Day 3 of this Asturias itinerary with a hike in Picos De Europa. We recommend the ‘Ruta del Cares‘. This hike follows the Cares river where you get to follow the most amazing and dramatic gorges. This walk is not particularly steep or strenuous, this is why we liked it. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear though. This is perhaps the most beautiful walk in Spain, a close 2nd place to El Caminito Del Rey in the south of the country.

Walk over bridges, through caves and beside goats; this walk certainly keeps you entertained. This scenic limestone walk is 12 km in length from start to finish. This is an out and back trail; don’t worry if you don’t make it out to the end point. Just walk for as long as you fancy, then head back.

Lunch:

Be sure to pack yourself a lunch on your hike to break up the journey a bit. There is nothing better than a lunch in the most beautiful surroundings. If you’ve had an early start, or cut the walk short, head back to your vehicle for a spot of lunch.

P.M:

Once you have completed your hike and had a little rest it is time to get back on the road. Continue the scenic drive through the nature reserve in the direction of Pozo Soton. This breathtaking drive should take around 2 hours.

Pozo Soton makes for a very exciting afternoon. This is a working coal mine which offers you the experience to go 500 metres below ground and experience what it is like to be a ‘miner for a day’. This is such a unique and unusual experience not to be missed. We recommend the ‘short visit’ which takes a couple of hours to complete.

Pozo Soton mine

road trip day 3

If a trip below the earth is too much for you, this mine has other, tamer, experiences for you. You can take a tour of the exterior of the mine (surface visit) or check out the mining museum.

Dinner:

For dinner, head to the capital of the Asturias region, Oviedo. This city was one of our favourite places in this area. You’ll find the best places to eat in the old town of Oviedo. There are many different squares in Oviedo which are full of restaurants, cafes and siderias.

Oviedo, Asturias region

road trip day 3

We recommend trying some traditional Asturias food from a cider house. We loved cachopo – this dish is quite similar to a chicken cordon bleu, except it’s beef. It is essentially two thin beef fillets with ham and cheese sandwiched in between and covered in breadcrumbs. This is usually served with chips – delicious.

After dinner, take a stroll around the old town. You’ll notice there are sculptures and statues around every corner, in fact the city is pretty famous for all of these works of art.

Sculptured in Oviedo

road trip day 3
Overnight Parking:

Aparcamiento público San Llázaro

43.352120, -5.847080

Hotels:

Oviedo is a pretty large city, so there are plenty of hotels to choose from in the area. We would recommend staying as close as possible to the old town as this is where all the sights are.

If you want a good amount of space to yourself, check out ‘Casco Histórico-Catedral Oviedo‘. This apartment is located right in the heart of the old town and is ever so beautiful. The price is also very fair.

Day 4 – Oviedo to Gijón

Daily Mileage: 35.9 km

Time Spent Driving: 31 mins

A.M:

Day 4 of this Asturias road trip itinerary is split between two cities. Begin the day in Oviedo and check off all of the sights you wish to see here. We recommend checking out the different city squares, Plaza Del Fontan was our favourite. It is very recognisable with it’s distinctive yellow and blue buildings.

If you are lucky enough to visit Oviedo on a weekend, you will find that Plaza Del Fontan is home to a market which runs from Friday through to Sunday. There are a huge number of stalls selling everything you could possibly imagine. This market brings in a lot of people as well as a joyful atmosphere.

Oviedo Cathedral - Asturias region, northern Spain

road trip day 4

Another must-see sight in Oviedo is Cathedral Of San Salvador. The stunning gothic Cathedral in the heart of the old town is arguably the main attraction in Oviedo. This impressive cathedral was built in the 14th and 15th century and it is seriously impressive. It is even possible to climb up the tallest tower to get fantastic 360 degree views of the city.

If you are lucky enough to be in Oviedo on a Saturday, you may be treated to the sound of bagpipes in Cathedral Square. As girls from Scotland, this is a sound of home that we love to hear! Believe it or not but bagpipes are actually quite popular in the Asturias region.

Lunch:

Grab a spot of lunch in the old town before finishing up your Oviedo visit. If the sun is shining we recommend taking a picnic to San Francisco park. This peaceful park is nestled in the heart of the historic centre. Be sure to check out the floral calendar on the edge of the park. This large changing calendar is made from grass and stones; every day the turf is changed to represent the new date – very impressive!

San Francisco Park, Oviedo

road trip day 4

For more inspiration on what there is to see in Oviedo, check out our guide below:

5 Things To See And Do In Oviedo

P.M:

When you are satisfied you have seen as much as you can in Oviedo, it is time to head to the nearby city, Gijón to continue the Asturias road trip. The journey to the coastal town is not long, only a 30 minute drive.

Gijón is the largest city in the autonomous region of Asturias, it is also one of the most popular cities in the region. Famous for its Roman history, this is a great place for tourists to explore.

Check out Cimadevilla, this is the oldest part of Gijón which juts out into the sea on its own little peninsula. This is essentially an old fishing village with bags of charm. Navigate the ancient stone buildings, sculptures and alleyways to discover the area for yourself.

Cimadevilla - Gijon, Asturias, Spain

road trip day 4

Another unique thing to do in Gijon is search for the colourful stairways, there are 2 particularly interesting ones in the heart of the city.

In Cimadevilla you will find the ‘Escaleras contra la violencia de género’ which translates to ‘stairs against gender violence’. This rainbow coloured staircase has a powerful message – for equality.

Stairway to heaven (Gijon)

asturias road trip day 4

Pictured above is another colourful stairway known as ‘Stairway Of Rock’ or ‘Stairway To Heaven’. These steps don’t hold such a heavy and poignant motive – these steps are just for fun. It is a tribute to rock and roll music from the past. Inscribed on the steps is the 50 best albums of rock history. From Queen to The Rolling Stones; decide for yourself if you agree with the albums which made the cut.

Dinner:

If you want to treat yourself, you’ll be glad to know that Gijon is home to 8 Michelin starred restaurants.

Located on a breakwater in the marina, ‘Restaurante Agua‘ is a real treat for foodies. This fine dining restaurant is more of an experience with its unique waterfront setting giving the best views in the city.

cider tree sculpture - gijon, Asturias

asturias day 4 road trip

After dinner, immerse yourself in the cider culture at on the the siderias (cider houses). These are dotted all over the city but the harbour area is a hot spot for cider.

If you want to enjoy the cider culture, but you’re not a big drinker, check out the cider tree sculpture (Árbol de la Sidra). This structure is located at Gijón Marina between Poniente Beach and Cimadevilla. It is made up of 3200 green glass cider bottles and is pretty impressive to look at, especially in the evening when it is illuminated.

Overnight Parking:

Paseo Dr. Fleming, 11A, 33203 Gijón, Asturias

43.540450, -5.639404

Check out the other overnight parking spots we tried out in Gijon here:

Best Places To Park Overnight In Gijón

Hotels:

There is no shortage of hotels to choose from in Gijon. Budget, luxury or anything in between, there will be an option for you.

Check out booking.com for hotels which will suit your needs and your budget.

Day 5 – Gijón to Cudillero

Daily Mileage: 56.6 km

Time Spent Driving: 38 mins

A.M:

Begin day 5 of this Asturias road trip itinerary by continuing to explore the fabulous city of Gijón. Take your pick on which attractions suits you best.

  • Botanical Gardens
  • Gijón Aquarium
  • Universidad Laboral De Gijón

If it is a beautiful day we recommend relaxing on San Lorenzo Beach. This massive beach has lovely soft golden sand and plenty of room for everybody. You may also see surfers hanging around here waiting for a good swell.

san Lorenzo beach, Gijon

Asturias road trip

Check out our post below to find out more information on the attractions in Gijon

Things To Do And See In Gijón, Spain

P.M:

Grab a bite to eat in Gijon then make your way back to your car to continue the Asturias road trip. The next stop on the road trip is Cudillero, this is a short 40 minute drive away. Cudillero is one of the most beautiful and charming little towns in Spain. It is incredibly colourful and photogenic. This charming little fishing village on the Cantabrian coast is highly recognisable with buildings practically stacked on top of eachother on the hills surrounding the bay.

Cudillero. Colourful seaside town in Asturias region

Asturias road trip start point

Cudillero is a tiny little town so there is not a huge amount to do here. It is one of those places you simply must see for its beauty. The town is somewhat a tourist town now as many spanish people flock to see this sweet Asturian fishing village in the summer months.

Walk up to the top of the hill to get the most brilliant view over the village and the bay. The walk is mostly meandering stairs which guide you from sea level upwards.

Dinner:

there is a surprisingly high number of restaurants in Cudillero considering its size. Not only its there a good choice of restaurantes, the quality of the food is outstanding. Wander through the main path and you will find places to eat everywhere, all with the freshest food!

Asturias road trip  
Cudillero. Colourful seaside town
Overnight Parking:

CU-3, 33159 Cudillero, Asturias

43.568266, -6.153635

Hotels:

if you want to stay right in the heart of Cudillero be sure to book your hotel stays quite early as these can book up quite quickly

Casona de la Paca is a great option if you don’t mind a 20 minute stroll into the centre of Cudillero. This hotel is so beautiful and full of character with its rustic charm.

Top Tips:

Don’t expect any of the locals in Cudillero to speak English. This is a fairly remote fishing village which even has its own dialogue. Everybody is incredibly friendly though and tries their best to help you out.

Day 6 – Cudillero to Cabo Busto

Daily Mileage: 40.6 km

Time Spent Driving: 52 mins

A.M:

Begin the final day of your Asturias road trip by heading to Vidio Lighthouse (Cabo Vidio). Located on the rugged Cudillero coastline, this is one of the most symbolic sights in the autonomous region of Asturias. The views from the lighthouse are simply stunning, full on panoramic views of the whole north coast. You can see for miles on a clear day. This is a must-see location and no trip along the north coast of spain would be complete without it.

After you have soaked in the surroundings it is time to get back on the road. A 15 minute drive west along the coast you’ll find yourself at Playa del Silencio (Silence Beach). Much like Cabo Vidio, this destination is an absolute must for breathtaking views. Take the scenic 10 minute walking route down from the car park to the beach. Listen to the waves crashing on to the stoney shore. This is less of an activity / swimming beach and more of a sitting and looking at the view type of beach.

Asturias road trip  - silence beach

Lunch:

For lunch, head to the small town of Busto. This is approximately a 20 minute drive from the stunning silence beach. This is quite a sleepy little village which doesn’t have a lot going on. There are a few different eateries in the area to choose from. Enjoy some hearty food as the afternoon includes a bit of hiking.

Check out the best restaurants in Busto on tripadvisor.

P.M:

Cabo Busto is one of the main attractions on the Asturian coastline. It is a circular walking route around the Busto area with some of the best scenery spain has to offer. The tranquil walk is roughly 8 km in length. Along the way you will find 7 impressive lookout points. Walking along a 90 meter high cliff edge, through luscious vegetation and glancing down at some stunning coves and beaches, this walk is pure joy.

Asturias road trip end point - cabo busto

Conclusion

Although 6 days may not sound like enough time to fully soak in Asturias true beauty, you can definitely get the essence of what this magnificent area is all about! This 6-day Asturias road trip itinerary tries to encompass as much of the area’s charm, culture, and beauty as possible. The great thing about this area is that it is so easy to imagine yourself living here with a relaxed, easy-going lifestyle. Of course if you have more that 6 days to spend in the Asturias region, slow down the road trip and spend more time in each area. If hillwalking is something you are passionate about, 10 days would be easy to spend in Asturias.

If this road trip has whet your Spanish appetite, why not check out our ultimate Spanish road trip? This trip explores the entirety of Spain, from the hustle and bustle of the big cities to the more tranquil moments that can be found in rural Spain.

Ultimate Spanish Road Trip

If you plan on sticking to the rugged north coast of spain check out our Basque Country road trip itinerary. This neighboring region is simply beautiful and definitely worth a visit.

5-Day Basque Country Road Trip Itinerary

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A complete 6-day road trip Itinerary of the Asturia region in Northern Spain; from Pechon to Cabo Busto. Everything you need for this epic Spanish road trip, from what to see, where to stay, and tips for your adventure! Theautonomous region of Asturia is seriously underrated, this itinerary is designed to help drivers navigate the coastline making sure you dont miss the best bits. | spain road trip | spain itinerary | #Asturias #NorthernSpain

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