5-day car trip in Asturias

It may be its magnetic green, the aroma of fresh cider that hangs in the air or the promise of incomparable gastronomy, but Asturias certainly has something. It is no secret that it has become one of the most coveted destinations in the north of the peninsula and, to really make the most of it, you can’t beat the freedom that a car gives.

If you are looking for the perfect getaway in Asturias, buckle up: we are going to design an unforgettable journey through a land where nature and tradition go hand in hand at every turn. Hold on tight!

Tips for organising your tour through Asturias by car

Planning is key for a car trip through Asturias to be a total success. According to data from the local tourist sector, the Bay of Biscay coast has seen a notable increase in visitors which therefore calls for some anticipation:

• The choice of car. You will not need an SUV, but you do need a car in good condition and a driver who is comfortable driving on windy roads. The main roads (such as the A-9) are in perfect condition, but, in order to reach certain viewpoints or mountain villages, you will need to drive on narrow roads and run into sharp bends.
• Strategic overnight stay. On a five-day trip,  changing hotels every night will mean you will waste precious time packing and unpacking suitcases. The most efficient thing to do would be to decide on two strategic bases, (for example, the surroundings of Oviedo and Villaviciosa) and move around from there.
• Flexibility in the face of the “orvallo” (an almost imperceptible fine drizzle, but one that is constant). In the north, the weather rules. Check reliable weather forecast sources like AEMET but always have a plan B involving cultural activity or food  in case the fog decides to do its thing.

What to see in Asturias in 5 days: essential day-by-day itinerary       

The biggest challenge is drawing up a balanced plan. It is not a matter of rushing to check a list but of savouring the experience. Below is a proposal of what to see in Asturias in 5 days. Let’s start! 

Day 1: Gijón and the Dinosaur Coast

Start in Gijón, a city open to the sea. After strolling through the historic neighbourhood of Cimadevilla and contemplating the Bay of Biscay from Eduardo Chillida’s Elogio del Horizonte, take the car eastward. The AS-265 takes you along the Dinosaur Coast to Lastres, one of the most photogenic villages in Spain, literally hanging over the cliff. 

Day 2: the heart of the Picos de Europa

Today it is time to get up early. Head towards Cangas de Onís, with its well-known Roman bridge. Fr0m there, climb to the Covadonga Sanctuary and emblematic Lakes of Covadonga (Enol and Ercina). Remember that access by private car is restricted in high season and holidays, so you may have to resort to the public ALSA bus system or authorized local taxis. 

Day 3: Llanes and its picture postcard beaches

The eastern coast of Asturias is a geological spectacle. Spend the day exploring Llanes town and its Cubos de la Memoria. Don’t miss Gulpiyuri beach, declared  a Natural Monument, a totally stunning inland beach with no direct access to the sea.

Day 4: the charm of Cudillero and Cape Vidio

Change course to the west. Cudillero is a mandatory stop: its colourful houses form a natural amphitheatre in front of the harbour that will make you reach for your camera every two minutes. In the afternoon, drive to Cape Vidio to enjoy one of the most imposing and photogenic cliffs in the region.

Day 5: Oviedo, culture and gastronomy

Finish the trip in the Principality’s capital. Oviedo is a pedestrian city, very clean and dotted with statues. Spend the morning discovering Pre-Romanesque Asturias on Monte Naranco (Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo), listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and finish the trip with a good meal on the famous Gascona street. 

The best places in Asturias that you cannot miss

When deciding what to visit in Asturias, the list can be endless, but if you had to condense the essence of the Principality based on its landscape, cultural and historical relevance, these are the best places in Asturias. 

1. The Somiedo Natural Park. One of the refuges par excellence of the Cantabrian brown bear. Their brañas with teitos (high mountain meadows with traditional broom-roofed huts) offer one of the most authentic and wild images of the north.

2. Taramundi. At the western end, it is the epicentre of iron and water craftsmanship. A trip to the past where mills and living museums show you how hydraulic energy is used.

3. The Cape of Peñas. The northernmost point of the community. A territory of lighthouses and cliffs worn by the force of the sea offering hypnotic sunsets. 

4. The Cares Route. Considered one of the most spectacular hiking routs in Spain. This historic path cut into the rock runs through the gorge of the Cares river between vertical walls hundreds of metres high, offering one of the most impressive landscapes in the Picos de Europa. 

The perfect luggage for the north: what to pack for a trip to Asturias

Packing for the north of Spain requires applying the “onion theory”: dressing in layers. Forget about extremes; in Asturias,  the weather can change several times throughout the day, I promise! 

• Footwear with a grip. Even if you are not going hiking in the high mountains, the wet ground and steep cobbled streets of the fishing villages make it advisable to have a sole that does not slip.
• A light raincoat. It is one of the most useful garments for any traveller. It takes up little space and will protect you from the drizzle without the added warmth of a heavy coat.
• Comfortable clothes and a sweater. Even in the middle of August, the nights in the north can be noticeably cool, especially if you are staying near the coast or in a mountain area 

As you can appreciate, the tierrina (Asturian territory) makes it very easy for you to enjoy, but very hard for you to leave. Organizing a getaway to this region is a safe bet: you will return home with an eyeful of green postcard pictures, your lungs full of pure air and, most likely, a couple of craft cheeses. Have a good trip and puxa Asturies! (Up Asturias)