Asturias, a land of bucolic landscapes, natural wonders and dreamlike enclaves, offers an endless list of places waiting to be discovered.
From the emblematic Covadonga in the Picos de Europa to the unique inland beach of Gulpiyuri, the region captivates with its diversity and beauty.
This guide brings together essential stops for an unforgettable journey through the Principality's nature, history and culture.
Asturias is one of those destinations that leaves no one indifferent. Its landscape, cultural and heritage wealth make the list of essential places extensive, so planning a route through the region is not always easy. Thousands of visitors tour the most emblematic corners of the Principality every year, from unique beaches to some of Spain's most impressive natural spaces. Here is a selection of the most visited sites that you cannot miss on your trip.
COVADONGA: THE HEART OF THE PICOS DE EUROPA
Covadonga, located in the municipality of Cangas de Onís, is one of the most emblematic enclaves in Asturias. Surrounded by a bucolic natural environment, it is one of the most visited places in the region. In the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, Covadonga is the ideal starting point to discover the Principality. The famous Cueva de la Santina stands out, where pilgrims come to worship the Virgin of Covadonga, patron saint of Asturias, and where the remains of Don Pelayo, considered the first king of the Asturian monarchy, rest. The area offers multiple viewpoints, such as Los Canónigos, La Reina, El Rey and El Príncipe, perfect for enjoying a privileged panorama of this imposing landscape.
COVADONGA AND THE PICOS DE EUROPA
› Location: Cangas de Onís, in the Picos de Europa National Park.
› Key site: Cueva de la Santina, sanctuary of the Virgin of Covadonga.
› Historical figure: Don Pelayo, first king of the Asturian monarchy.
› Viewpoints: Los Canónigos, La Reina, El Rey, El Príncipe.
› Activity: The famous ascent to the Covadonga Lakes.
VIEWPOINTS AND COASTAL JEWELS
Beyond Covadonga, Asturias offers natural balconies with unique views. The Regalina viewpoint offers a unique panorama of the coast from Cadavedo; the Fitu viewpoint presents an image where sea and mountain merge into an unforgettable postcard; Mount Naranco offers exceptional views of Oviedo; and from Cabo Peñas you can admire the immensity of the Cantabrian Sea. The Asturian coastline, with more than 400 kilometres, hides true natural jewels. The Gulpiyuri beach, in Llanes, is considered one of the smallest beaches in the world, measuring just 40 metres long. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is an inland beach, located about 100 metres from the coast, connected to the sea through underground tunnels carved into the rock.
ASTURIAN COASTAL WONDERS
› Gulpiyuri beach: Inland beach, 40 metres long, connected to the sea by underground tunnels.
› Bufones de Pría: Geological phenomenon where the sea erupts through coastal caves.
› Notable viewpoints: La Regalina, El Fitu, Monte Naranco, Cabo Peñas.
› Other essential beaches: Silencio, Ballota, Cue, Rodiles, Poo.
› Coastal length: More than 400 kilometres of coastline.
GEOLOGICAL PHENOMENA AND ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
In the municipality of Llanes is one of Asturias' best-known natural wonders: the bufones de Pría. This spectacular geological phenomenon reaches its maximum splendour during heavy swells, when the sea seeps through the cracks in the cliffs and emerges forcefully among the rocks, accompanied by a roar that recalls the roar of the sea. Asturias is also home to emblematic architectural constructions that receive thousands of visitors each year. The University of Gijón, considered the largest building in Spain, was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2016. Another essential monument is the Cathedral of San Salvador de Oviedo, a Gothic-style temple located in the historic centre of the Asturian capital.
ARCHITECTURAL AND GEOLOGICAL HIGHLIGHTS
› Bufones de Pría: Geological phenomenon where the sea erupts through coastal caves.
› University of Gijón: Largest building in Spain, declared BIC in 2016.
› Cathedral of San Salvador de Oviedo: Gothic-style temple in the historic centre.
› Charming villages: Taramundi, Luarca, Cudillero, Bandujo, Tazones, Lastres, Bulnes, Llanes.
› Cultural impact: Monuments and phenomena attract thousands of visitors annually.
For InasTour, this diversity of landscapes, from the Picos de Europa to the coast, from geological phenomena to architectural gems, defines the character of Asturias as a place to live. International buyers are not only looking for a property, but access to a territory full of unique experiences, which makes the region an exceptional place to invest.
Asturias is one of those destinations that leaves no one indifferent. Its landscape, cultural and heritage wealth make the list of essential places extensive.
In the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, Covadonga is the ideal starting point to discover the Principality.
Asturias is a mosaic of landscapes, history and traditions that invites discovery. From the majesty of the Picos de Europa to the singularity of Gulpiyuri beach, from the roar of the bufones de Pría to the monumental University of Gijón, every corner of the Principality tells a story. This selection of essential places is just a starting point for a journey that promises to surprise and captivate those who venture into the Asturian paradise. A region that, beyond its tourist attractions, offers a lifestyle based on nature, culture and well-being.
ORIGINAL REPORT
This article was originally published by La Voz de Asturias. You can read the original version here: La Voz de Asturias — Places you must visit to discover Asturias