Covadonga is a picturesque town located in the Picos de Europa National Park. It is home to the Basilica de Santa Maria la Real de Covadonga and the Cueva de Covadonga, which is a cave that played a significant role in the country's history. Visitors can hike through the lush mountains, see the stunning lakes, and learn about the battles fought in the area.
Cangas de Onis is a town in Asturias known for its ancient Roman bridge, which is situated over the Sella River. Reaching the town's peak at the Mirador del Fito viewpoint provides magnificent views of the Picos de Europa mountain range as well as the surrounding coastline. Visitors can also explore the local market, shop for delicacies including Asturian cheeses, enjoy traditional sidra (cider), and try regional dishes such as Fabada Asturiana, a hearty chickpea stew.
Ribadesella Beach is a broad and golden sand beach located in the charming coastal town of Ribadesella. Visitors can explore the colourful town centre, stroll along the scenic promenade, and swim in the clear waters of the Cantabrian Sea. For the more adventurous travelers, surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding rentals are available along the beach.
Muniellos Forest is one of Spain's most stunning forest reserves, located in the southern part of Asturias. It is also one of Europe's most extensive oak forests and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can hike through the lush trees to uncover wildlife and flora, including the Iberian Wolf, the Capercaille, and the Cantabrian brown bear.
Travelers in Asturias will benefit from car rentals or joining a guided tour, both of which will make it more accessible to explore the region. For visitors relying on public transportation, the Asturias bus lines and rail system provide efficient service throughout the region at a low cost. The estimate cost of traveling within the itinerary by car is around €30 per day, and the travel hours per day average around 1.5 hours.
If travelers only have three days instead of four, it's advisable to drop Muniellos Forest to ensure that visitors are not too overwhelmed with their itinerary. Also, adding another beach day on day 4 is a fun and relaxing way to end the Asturias vacation.
The main airport in Asturias is the Asturias Airport (OVD), located in Castrillón, approximately 20 miles northwest of Oviedo. OVD is served by several airlines such as Iberia, Vueling, and Ryanair, and offers flights to many cities throughout Europe. Another airport that tourists may consider is the Santander Airport (SDR), located about 100 miles east of Oviedo in Cantabria.