What to see in Asturias: 8 places we loved and that everyone should visit

Nicoletta Dasara
Jul 25
5 min read

Updated: Aug 8

Since moving to Spain, Reid and I have been eager to explore and learn more about our new home country. We've pinned so many spots on our map, which we can't wait to visit.

One of those pins is Asturias. This northern Spanish region caught our attention for its dramatic coastline, charming fishing villages, and, most of all, its mountain range: the Picos de Europa. I first heard about the Picos while watching a YouTube video on Europe’s best mountain ranges. Suddenly, “Picos de Europa – Spain” flashed across the screen. Wait, what? Spain had mountains like that? I had visited the Dolomites in Italy and the Pyrenees, so I assumed the most dramatic peaks in Europe were concentrated there. But the Picos were a total surprise.

Turns out, while they were unknown to me, they’re actually very popular among Spaniards. Asturias as a whole is actually very rich in culture and history, but often gets overshadowed by the big-name cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Seville.

So, full of curiosity and excitement, Reid and I booked a flight to Oviedo and kicked off our road trip through Asturias.

Here are some of the places we visited and absolutely loved. If you’re planning a trip to Asturias, save these spots!

Cudillero

cudillero asturias charming fishing village

Cudillero is easily one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Asturias. Some even say it might be the most beautiful pueblito in all of Spain! And honestly, I get it - it was so charming. With its colorful houses stacked up the hillside, the slow rhythm of village life set to the cries of seagulls, and cozy little restaurants lining the main square, it had us hooked from the start.

It’s a small, adorable place, and we ended up spending a few days here, working remotely from one of those hillside homes. We loved the vibe! We wandered through the narrow alleys and followed the scenic Ruta de Miradores, a 6-km walk along panoramic viewpoints that had us gasping at every turn and stopping every two minutes for photos.

No visit to Asturias is complete without tasting some of its most iconic dishes, like fabada (the most flavorful bean stew of my life) or cachopo (large veal fillets with ham and cheese, to be had when very hungry). And of course, you have to try the local sidra (cider), traditionally poured from about 30 cm above the glass. Head to Sidreria El Remo for a refreshing glass - let the waiter pour it for you first, or go ahead and try it yourself. (Spoiler: I did... and ended up spilling the whole thing on the floor. Oops!)

Playa del Silencio

Tucked away along the rugged Asturian coast, Playa del Silencio is about 17 km west of Cudillero. And its name really says it all: “The Beach of Silence.” A quiet stretch of sand framed by dramatic cliffs, untouched and raw. There’s no chiringuito, no music, no crowds.

When we visited, it was just us and a handful of others. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. Just the sound of the waves and a deep, grounding sense of peace.

It’s perfect for photography, especially at sunset or low tide. And if you're looking for a beach that feels truly off-the-grid, this is the one.

Ruta del Cares

The Ruta del Cares in Picos de Europa is arguably one of the most iconic hikes in Spain. As soon as we heard about it, we knew we had to do it. The trail stretches for about 12 km between the small villages of Poncebos (in Asturias) and Caín (in León), carved entirely into the rock walls of a deep canyon. At the bottom flows the Cares River, which has been shaping this incredible landscape for millions of years.

The hike itself is absolutely stunning! Walking right along the edge of the canyon makes for an exhilarating and very rewarding experience. And did I mention the friendly mountain goats?! They're everywhere and incredibly used to humans. Don’t be shy, get close, offer them a bit of grass, and maybe even give one a gentle scratch on the goatee!

Reid and I started our hike from Poncebos towards Caín, which took us around 3.5 hours. After a delicious home-cooked lunch at Casa Cuevas, we made our way back the same way. By the end of the day, having covered more than 24km, my legs were absolute jelly, but the views were totally worth it.

Good to know: Neither Reid nor I are huge fans of heights. We both get a bit shaky near cliff edges, but the trail here felt wide and secure enough that we made it through without any problems. Wear proper footwear, and bring snacks and plenty of water. Also - there are no toilets along the way, so be ready to duck behind a bush if needed.

Potes and 5. Mogrovejo

potes mogrovejo cantabria picose de europa

Ok, ok, yes technically, we're now in Cantabria, not in Asturias! But Potes and Mogrovejo are in Picos de Europa and very easily accessible if you're visiting the Asturian side. Might as well pay a visit!

Potes is a postcard-pretty town, on the eastern side of Picos de Europa. It's full of charming stone bridges, old towers, and tiny alleyways. Surrounded by mountains, it’s also the gateway to the Picos de Europa and a great base for exploring the region. Reid and I stopped by for a quick lunch in the city center and had a lovely walk around the river side, next to the Puente de la Cárcel.

A tiny hamlet near Potes, Mogrovejo feels frozen in time with traditional stone houses, a medieval tower, and a peaceful silence that makes you want to never leave. It was even used as a filming location for the movie Heidi (which they are very proud about, it seems). If you like the feeling of stepping into a fairy tale and peacefully soaking in mountain views, this is it.

Gulpiyuri Beach

A beach with no sea? Welcome to Gulpiyuri, a tiny inland beach just a few meters from the actual coast. The sea filters through underground tunnels and forms a saltwater pool in a grassy field. When the tide is high, it really looks just like a beach - but one that feels hidden in a grotto. No wonder it’s been declared a National Monument!

Reid and I walked around the edge of the grotto and sat down by the beach reading for a while, just enjoying the moment and the fresh breeze over our skin. It wasn't crowded at all when we were there, though I can't say if that's normal or we were just lucky! If you're planning to visit, just make sure you time it right so that you see it during hide tide.

Llanes

Llanes is a lively fishing town with a mix of medieval charm and coastal beauty. We only had a quick stop in Llanes before heading to the airport for our return flight, but even with limited time, the town left a strong impression. We wandered up and down the stone stairways between the colorful houses, just long enough to get a feel for its coastal charm and peaceful character. Wish we had a little more time to explore the town and enjoy a seafood lunch at the port!

Cangas de Onis

Cangas de Onís is the perfect gateway to the Picos de Europa, but it’s also worth a visit on its own. The star of the show is the iconic Puente Romano, a medieval stone bridge arching over the Sella River. From the center of the arch hangs a replica of the Victory Cross, a work of precious metal dating back to the 10th century! We stopped by in the late afternoon and caught it glowing in the golden light. The town has a relaxed vibe and makes a great base for nearby adventures like Covadonga or the Ruta del Cares.