A Piece of Home in an Unfamiliar Place: Adventures Through Asturias, Spain

Sometimes the most memorable trips aren’t because of the place itself, but because of the person you’re with. When you’re lucky, you might even get the perfect combination of the two, and that’s when you know you’ve hit the travel jackpot. This is exactly what happened when I traveled to Asturias, Spain with my brother, Andrew.

While I’d love nothing more than to have the opportunity to travel with each of my siblings individually, I know that the older we get, the harder it is to make it happen. It’s a reality that I’m learning all too well. So when Andrew had a three-week gap in between jobs and asked if he could spend it with me in Spain, I was more than honored. 

If there are a few things that Andrew and I connect on more than anything, it’s our sense of curiosity, our love for adventure, and our passion for traveling. In fact, part of the reason I studied abroad in the first place was because I saw how his time abroad shaped and impacted his life for the better. It sparked a new-found desire in me to create my own experiences in a foreign country and it gave me the courage to do it myself. When I made the decision to move back to Spain, he was always there to support me and give me words of encouragement when I needed it the most. 

As you can see, my brother and I have a great relationship. Although we had never traveled together alone without the rest of the Thomason fam, I knew from the very beginning we’d be compatible travel partners. 

So when he decided to come and visit, the next decision we had to make was where we’d end up going. Of course, we’d do a quick Barcelona tour of all the best spots, but since he had been in the city multiple times, we wanted to spend at least a weekend in someplace that neither of us had been to. 

Now, there was no particular reason we landed on Asturias. Our requirements for choosing a spot was someplace in Spain, somewhere we could hike, and something that was new to both of us. Since there are now just a few spots that I haven’t made it to in Spain, I knew Asturias would be an excellent choice. Not only is it a destination that I had been dying to go to, but it’s also famous for its dramatic natural landscapes and scenic mountain trails. So naturally, Asturias was the perfect destination for the two of us. 

Why Visit Asturias, Spain: One of My Favorite Hidden Gems of Spain 

In my opinion, the region of Asturias is never given the credit it deserves. Sure, if you’re from Spain, you will probably disagree with me. However, for most Americans who come to visit Spain, Asturias just isn’t the first place that makes the list. With both San Sebastian and Madrid just a few hours away, this region is often passed up for it’s better-known neighbors. While both these nearby cities are worthy of their praise, Asturias and the entire Basque Country, in general, offers a completely different landscape that deserves its own recognition. 

So what does Asturias offer exactly? Well for starters, diversity. and a lot. And I’m not just talking about the people, I’m talking about the landscapes. One moment you are on a rugged coastline that makes you feel like you’re standing at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland and then the next you’re strolling through a quaint, coastal town that mimics the ones you would see in Italy. The people in the basque country are different than the rest of Spain, the cuisine offers its own unique flavors and dishes, and the overall atmosphere takes on a different hue that’s completely it’s own. 

Day One On Our Asturias Road Trip: Coastal Towns & Beaches

To get around this region, you need to rent a car at the Asturias Airport. Once you get yourself a set of wheels, it’s time to hit the road. To start off our trip, we decided to head straight to the coast from the airport. While we didn’t have a set agenda, we did do a bit of research and flagged some of the most popular beach spots. We decided we’d start at one end and see how far we could get before making it to our home base near the Picos de Europa mountains.

While I’ll highlight all the specific towns below, what I will say is that I was pleasantly surprised by each of these places. Each stop had its own unique charm and a sense of character that separated itself from the next. For me, I love a good road trip. You have a vague agenda, play some good music, and just drive. See what you find, keep going if you’re not impressed, and stumble upon hidden gems or hilltop villages that you cross by complete chance. Now this area of northern Spain was made for adventures like these. With distances being so close together, you really can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. 

Day One Stops:

Gijon

One of the largest cities you’ll visit in this region is Gijon. With a stunning beach-front promenade, an inviting shopping area, and a beautifully-preserved old town, it’s easy to feel like you just stumbled upon a San Sebastian look-alike. 

Lastres

 If quaint and cute is what you’re after, Lastres is your answer. This small fishing village is a great stop for coffee or a quick bite to eat. While the town may be tiny, it definitely does not lack in views. For that signature shot of this white-washed hilltop town, walk down to the port at the bottom of the hill. 

Ribadesella

After stopping in Lastres, head to Ribadesella for a seaside lunch. Here you’ll be able to take a nice stroll along its beautiful promenade while watching sailboats drift in its tranquil harbor. You can even hike in its surrounding hills for a better view of the city below.

La Cuevona de Cuevas del Agua

Looking to get off the beaten path? Make sure to take a quick stop at La Cuevona de Cuevas del Agua. While they may be a little bit out of the way, these natural caves offer a different perspective to this region’s diverse landscape. 

Playa de Gulpiyuri

This tucked away hidden pool is one of Asturias’ most impressive natural landscapes. Playa de Gulpiyuri is a sinkhole that was created by a series of tunnels carved from the saltwater of the Cantabrian Sea. Take some time to explore the nearby coastal views and jagged cliffs in the nearby area.

Llanes

Before the sun goes down, make sure you make a stop in Llanes. This picturesque seaside town offers breathtaking views, friendly plazas, and bright turquoise waters that contrast beautifully against the rust-colored rooftops. 

Cangas de Onis

If you’re looking for another large town to make as your home base, Cangas de Onis is a solid choice. Situated at the base of the Picos de Europa, this town offers a number of different restaurants, outdoor activities, and accommodations for anyone visiting this region. 

Day Two: Exploring the Picos de Europa

If you need to prioritize anything in Asturias, it’s spending a day in the Picos. Seeing this mountain range was one of the highest priorities for this trip, but once I experienced it myself, I would say seeing it alone is enough of a reason to come to this area. 

We started our morning early at the parking lot of Cares Gorge, a 14 miles round-trip trail that cut through one of the most scenic sections of the mountain range. As soon as we started the trek, I knew it would be one of my favorite hikes of all time, which is a bold statement on my part. 

While the beginning of the trail can be quite steep, it eventually evens out into an easy, flat stroll. This scenic path offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lush valley below. There even were a few sections where you got to hike directly through a rock tunnel and over a steel platform that hugged the side of the cliff. Towards the end of the hike, we even got to hike through waterfall tunnels and along gently rolling rivers. At the turn-around point, there was a quaint mountain town with a few restaurants and hostels. We ate our well-deserved bocadillos and treated ourselves to a cafe con leche before making the 7-mile trek back to the car. 

For me, this was my second favorite part of the trip (I’ll get to my favorite in a second). Not only was it surrounded by the most breathtaking landscape, but I got a full-day of quality time with my brother, free of phones and other distractions. To me, that alone is priceless and well-worth the14-mile trip.

While most people would have wrapped up their day after hiking so long, Andrew and I had one more adventure before calling it quits. On our way home, we made a stop at the Lagos de Covadonga, a series of lakes tucked away in the Picos de Europa national park with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Now, the lakes of Covadonga are definitely some of the most popular places to visit in the region. All you have to do is purchase a bus ticket to get right to the short walking trails that maize through the different lakes. Whether you’re athletic or not, anyone can do these trails. They’re short, clearly marked, and require little time to do. Just be sure to check the timetable for the buses so you can plan accordingly! 

To prepare for our mini trek, we decided to hit the grocery store beforehand and buy some cheese, meats, beers, and a baguette – the perfect afternoon merienda for a day full of hiking. Once we reached the first lake, we walked to a secluded corner, spread out our little picnic, and had the most scenic snack I’ve ever experienced. 

I don’t know why, but this right here was my favorite moment of the trip. Maybe it was because of the stunning landscape of the national park or because we really deserved that ice-cold beer. Or maybe it’s because my brother and I had the most epic day hiking through one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. Either way, it was one of those experiences that will last a lifetime for me.

Day Three: Our Final Adventure

Since we didn’t have our flight till late that night, we had a full day to hit a few more stops before heading to the Asturias airport. 

Oviedo

If you are planning a trip to Asturias, Oviedo will be one of the first cities that comes up while researching. With a beautiful cathedral and a charming old town, this city is a great stop if you’re looking to check out one of the more liveable towns within this region.

Monte Naranco

Before leaving town, be sure to drive up to Monte Naranco for a memorable view of the valley below. Here you’ll be able to enjoy a stunning lookout point of nearby peaks and traditional towns. 

Playa del Silencio

If you’re looking to see one of this region’s most dramatic coastline views, make a stop at Playa del Silencio. Here you’ll find a beautiful beach with sea caves and stunning blue waters. Whether you decide to hike down or just take in its stunning views from above, you’ll be happy that you made the stop. 

Cudillero

Asturias is famous for its colorful seaside villages, and Cudillero is just one of many. But because of its idyllic plazas, narrow streets, and vibrant facades, this town more than deserves a spot on your Asturias itinerary. 

Asturias was a breath of fresh air that I so desperately needed. One of my biggest complaints living in Spain is that I don’t hike enough or get outdoors. Not only does hiking remind me of home, but it’s also something that helps me clear my mind and feel more balanced. So, the fact that I was able to recharge in one of the most stunning regions of northern Spain and to be able to do it with my brother, is something that I will always cherish.  

Asturias is more than it’s hiking and it’s more than it’s charming mountain towns. With its rural beaches, its captivating landscapes, and the breathtaking views that are characteristically it’s own, it’s easy to see why this is a favorite among many.

For me, this trip taught me that it’s not always about the destination, but it’s how you get there that really matters. 

Thank you, Andrew, for such a memorable trip! I’m already looking forward to the next one 🙂