| Día | Ciudad / Zona | Highlights | Km entre paradas (aprox.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Día 1 | Oviedo | Catedral, Santa María del Naranco, Casco Antiguo | 0 km (Base) |
| Día 2 | Gijón | Elogio del Horizonte, Universidad Laboral, Playa San Lorenzo | 30 km |
| Día 3 | Avilés y Cabo de Peñas | Centro Niemeyer, Ermita de San Roque, Acantilados | 28 km |
| Día 4 | Llanes y Costa Oriental | Casino de Llanes, Playa de Gulpiyuri, Cuevas del Tito Bustillo | 65 km |
| Día 5 | Picos de Europa | Santuario de Covadonga, Lagos de Enol y Ercina | 40 km |
5-day itinerary in Asturias: overview
“This 5-day itinerary covers Oviedo, Gijón, Avilés, Llanes, and the Picos de Europa with a budget of 600-800€ per person.”
This route is designed for travelers seeking a complete exploration of Asturias in a limited but well-used amount of time. It is ideal for couples, groups of friends, or active families looking for the perfect balance between pre-Romanesque history, vibrant coastal life, and the majesty of the mountains. When planning this 5-day trip to Asturias, we have prioritized quality of experience over quantity of visits, ensuring time to enjoy the local gastronomy without rushing. From the elegance of Oviedo to the cliffs of Cabo de Peñas, and the charm of Llanes, this plan will allow you to discover the essence of northern Spain.
Day 1: Oviedo, the monumental capital and its gastronomy
Morning
- Visit to the Cathedral of San Salvador de Oviedo: Begin your tour of Asturias in the heart of the city. Visit the Cámara Santa (Holy Chamber) to see the Holy Shroud and the Cross of Victory. (Estimated time: 1h 30m).
- Stroll through the Old Town: Walk along Calle Uría and Plaza de la Catedral, admiring the architecture and local atmosphere.
- Recommended breakfast: Traditional café in the center. Try a “Carbayón” (a typical Oviedo pastry made with puff pastry, filled with almond paste, and covered with glaze). Indicative price: 3€ – 5€.
Midday
- Where to eat: Cider house in the Calle Gascona area (the “Cider Boulevard”). Order a Cachopo (two large breaded and fried veal fillets filled with serrano ham and cheese) to share. Average price: 25€ – 35€ per person.
- Activity: A leisurely walk through Campo de San Francisco, the city’s green lung.
Afternoon
- Pre-Romanesque Art: A must-visit to Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. These are 9th-century gems located on the outskirts but very accessible. (Estimated time: 2h including travel).
- Afternoon snack: A coffee or hot chocolate on a terrace in Plaza de la Escandalera.
Night
- Dinner: Tapas crawl around Calle Fontán or the El Fontán Market. Try Chorizo a la Sidra (chorizo slowly cooked in natural cider, a very popular appetizer). Price: 15€ – 25€.
- Atmosphere: Oviedo has a moderate but elegant nightlife, ideal for ending the day with a glass of wine or cider in a bar with character.
Day 2: Gijón, Modernism and the Cantabrian Sea
Morning
- Transfer: Travel from Oviedo to Gijón (30 km, 25 min by car or 25 min by Renfe train).
- Elogio del Horizonte: Visit Chillida’s iconic sculpture in Cimadevilla with sea views. (Estimated time: 45 min).
- San Lorenzo Beach: Stroll along the seafront promenade and the golden sand.
- Recommended breakfast: Beach bar or café facing the sea. Indicative price: €4 – €6.
Midday
- Where to eat: Restaurant in the Cimadevilla quarter or near the marina. Option: Pastel de Cabracho (a smooth, flavorful pudding or pâté made with scorpion fish). Average price: €20 – €30.
Afternoon
- Universidad Laboral de Gijón: Visit this impressive historic building, known as the “Escorial of Industry.” (Estimated time: 1h 30m).
- Revillagigedo Palace: If time allows, visit this Baroque palace beside the sea.
- Break: Free time for shopping in the Calle Corrida area.
Night
- Dinner: Plaza de la Soledad area or surroundings. Try the Chorizos a la sidra (intensely flavored Asturian chorizos slowly cooked in natural cider until it reduces). Price: €20 – €30.
- Atmosphere: Gijón offers a more cosmopolitan vibe. Areas like Calle San Bernardo have a good selection of bars.
Day 3: Avilés and the Power of Cabo de Peñas
Morning
- Transfer: From Gijón to Avilés (28 km, 30 min).
- Centro Niemeyer: Although modern, it is the city’s icon. Stroll around its surroundings.
- Old Town: Visit Plaza de Camposagrado and the Palacio Valdés Theatre.
- Recommended breakfast: Café in Plaza del Carbayo. Indicative price: €3 – €5.
Midday
- Where to eat: Traditional cider house in Avilés. Fabada Asturiana (a hearty stew of fabes beans with compango meats). Average price: €20 – €30.
Afternoon
- Hermitage of San Roque and Santa Apolonia: Visit this emblematic spot with views over the estuary.
- Excursion to Cabo de Peñas: Drive north (15 km from Avilés) to see the highest cliffs in Asturias and the lighthouse. It is an essential stop on any nature-focused route through Asturias. (Estimated time: 2h).
- Afternoon snack: Something light at the beach bar at the Cape or back in Avilés.
Night
- Dinner: Return to Avilés or transfer to Gijón/Oviedo if you are staying overnight there. Light dinner of fish or seafood. Price: €20 – €30.
Day 4: Llanes and the Eastern Coast
Morning
- Transfer: From Avilés/Gijón to Llanes (approx. 65-80 km, 1h 15m).
- Casino de Llanes and Cubos de la Memoria (Cubes of Memory): Stroll around the marina and the work by Agustín Ibarrola.
- Recommended breakfast: Beach bar at Playa de Sablón. Indicative price: €4 – €7.
Midday
- Where to eat: Restaurant in the port of Llanes. Fresh seafood or grilled fish. Average price: €25 – €40.
Afternoon
- Playa de Gulpiyuri: A unique inland beach formed by seawater seeping through a sinkhole. (Requires a 20 min walk).
- Active option: Coastal hiking towards Playa de San Antolín.
- Relaxed option: Unwind at Playa de Toró or Poo.
Night
- Dinner: Llanes town center. Very lively atmosphere in summer. Price: €25 – €35.
- Atmosphere: Llanes is known for its summer nightlife, with numerous terraces and pubs.
Day 5: Picos de Europa, the Roof of Asturias
Morning
- Transfer: From Llanes to Cangas de Onís (40 km, 45 min).
- Puente Romano de Cangas de Onís (Roman Bridge of Cangas de Onís): A must-photo with the hanging cross.
- Santuario de Covadonga (Covadonga Sanctuary): Visit the Basilica and the Santa Cueva (Holy Cave). (Estimated time: 1h 30m).
- Recommended breakfast: Café in Cangas de Onís. Indicative price: €3 – €5.
Midday
- Where to eat: Restaurant in Cangas or near the Lakes. Cabrales cheese (if you dare) or Asturian beef. Average price: €25 – €35.
Afternoon
- Lagos de Covadonga (Covadonga Lakes): Drive up to Lakes Enol and Ercina. Essential on any exploration of Asturias. (Note: In high season there are access restrictions for private cars; use the shuttle bus).
- Return: Drive back to the starting point (Oviedo/Gijón/Airport) to end the itinerary.
Recommended accommodation
To optimize time and mid-range budget, it is recommended to split your stay between two main bases:
- Oviedo/Gijón (Days 1, 2 and 3): Being so close (30 km), you can stay in either.
- Price range: 3* hotel or tourist apartment: €80 – €120 per night/double.
- Llanes/Cangas de Onís (Days 4 and 5): To be close to the eastern coast and the Picos.
- Price range: Rural hotel or Casa de Aldea (village house): €90 – €140 per night/double.
Transport between cities
For this 5-day itinerary, a rental car is the most flexible option, especially for accessing Cabo de Peñas, Gulpiyuri and the Covadonga Lakes.
- Car: Estimated rental €40 – €60 per day. Allows complete freedom of schedule.
- Train (Renfe): Renfe connects Oviedo with Gijón in 25 minutes (Cercanías) and with Llanes in approximately 1h 15m (Regionales). It is economical but limits access to remote beaches and Picos de Europa without relying on local buses.
- Bus (ALSA): Covers all main routes. Oviedo to Llanes takes approx. 1h 30m.
Estimated budget
Breakdown for one person on a mid-range budget (sharing a double room):
- Accommodation: €100 x 4 nights = €400 (50% per person = €200).
- Lunch and Dinner: €45 per day x 5 days = €225.
- Transport (Car + Petrol): €250 total (50% = €125).
- Entrance fees and Extras: €50.
- ESTIMATED TOTAL: €600 – €700 per person.
Independent travel or organized tour?
This is a key decision when planning your 5-day trip to Asturias.
Option A: Independent travel (Recommended for this itinerary)
- Pros: Total flexibility to stop at impromptu viewpoints, change the order of visits if it rains (common in Asturias), and manage meal times to your liking. The cost is usually lower if traveling in a group of 3-4 people sharing a car.
- Cons: Requires logistical planning (booking a car, finding parking in Llanes or Cangas in summer).
- Profile: Independent travelers, couples, and groups of friends.
Option B: Organized tour
- Pros: Absolute convenience. An expert guide explains the history of the Cathedral or the Picos while you look out the window. Includes transfers from a meeting point.
- Cons: Rigid schedules. Less time for personal “discovery.” Usually more expensive per person.
- Profile: Older travelers, people who do not drive, or those who prioritize guided historical information over freedom of movement.
Practical tips
- The weather is changeable: Even in summer, always bring a light raincoat and comfortable footwear. Asturian “sorna” (dry wit) says there are two seasons: “winter and August,” but the reality is that it can rain and be sunny within the same hour.
- Book the Lakes of Covadonga: If you travel by car in high season (July-August), private access is restricted. You must leave your car in the Buferrera car park and take the shuttle bus.
- Cider is poured from a height: Do not order a glass of cider if you are not going to drink it quickly. It is served “escanciada” (poured from above) to oxygenate it and should be consumed in a “culín” (a short swig).
- Meal times: In Asturias, people eat late. Restaurants usually open at 13:30/14:00 for lunch and at 20:30/21:00 for dinner.
- Secondary roads: To reach beaches such as Gulpiyuri or Cabo de Peñas, you will use narrow roads. Drive with caution, especially if there is fog.
- Language: Although everyone speaks Spanish, you will hear Asturian (Bable). Words like “guaje” (boy) or “espiertu” (awake) are common.
Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to rent a car to do this 5-day route?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Although the train connects Oviedo, Gijón and Llanes efficiently, key points on this itinerary such as Playa de Gulpiyuri (Gulpiyuri Beach), Cabo de Peñas (Cape Peñas) and the Lagos de Covadonga (Covadonga Lakes) are difficult to access or inaccessible without a private vehicle or specific local excursions. A car gives you the freedom to create your own route through Asturias at your own pace.
How much does a typical Asturian meal cost approximately?
In a mid-range restaurant, a main dish such as a large Cachopo (to share between two) or a Fabada can cost between €12 and €18 per portion. A full meal with a drink (cider or wine) and dessert usually comes to around €25 – €35 per person. In more informal cider houses, the price can drop to €15 – €20.
What is the best time of year to visit Asturias following this itinerary?
The best time to explore Asturias while balancing weather and crowds is from May to June or September. In July and August the weather is better, but there are many more people in places like Llanes and the Picos de Europa, and accommodation prices rise. In winter, the landscape is beautiful but rain is more frequent and some beach activities are not viable.
What should I do if it rains during my trip?
Rain should not ruin your tour of Asturias. Always have a cultural plan B: the Museo de Bellas Artes de Oviedo (Museum of Fine Arts of Oviedo), the Acuario de Gijón (Gijón Aquarium), the Casa Natal de Jovellanos (Jovellanos Birthplace Museum) or visiting a prehistoric cave such as Tito Bustillo (advance booking required) or the Cueva de Tito Bustillo (Tito Bustillo Cave) are excellent indoor options.