Asturias: The Wild Side of Spain
The rugged coastline of Asturias
Think Spain is all sunbathing and sangria? Think again. In Asturias, you’ll hike gorges, kayak rapids, and toast with cider under mountain skies. Spain’s wild side is calling.
Holiday Balance
An itinerary full of mountainous adventure
Adventure: Front and centre — canyoning, via ferrata, hiking, kayaking, surfing, dune-climbing, and mountain trails.
Culture: Oviedo, Covadonga’s Sanctuary, Cangas de Onís, and Asturias’ cider and cheese traditions.
Relaxation: Rural inns, riverside picnics, seafood lunches, and slow evenings in charming mountain villages.
Day 1 – Arrival in Oviedo
Fly from the UK into Asturias Airport. Transfer to Oviedo, the region’s capital. This is ~50 minutes on a bus, alternatively you can get a hire car to make your holiday excursions more convenient. Settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon in the old quarter, visiting the Gothic Oviedo Cathedral and strolling lively cider bars. Dinner features Asturian sidra, poured dramatically from above head height.
Picos de Europa National Park offers amazing hiking trails
Day 2 – Hiking the Ruta del Cares
Head into Picos de Europa National Park. Take on the legendary Ruta del Cares, a 12 km trail cut into cliffs above a deep gorge, with dizzying views, bridges, and tunnels. Overnight in a mountain lodge or guesthouse in Arenas de Cabrales, a base for adventurers.
Day 3 – Canyoning & Via Ferrata
Morning of canyoning in one of the Picos’ rivers: sliding down chutes, rappelling waterfalls, and wading through pools. Afternoon via ferrata climbing, scaling iron steps and cables high above the valley. Evening at leisure with Cabrales cheese and cider in your mountain village.
Day 4 – Kayaking the Sella River
Paddle the famous Sella River, known for its annual canoe festival. A 15 km route takes you past forests and limestone peaks, with fun rapids and calm stretches. Stop for a riverside picnic and swim before continuing. Return to base for dinner of fabada asturiana, the region’s rich bean stew.
Day 5 – Lakes of Covadonga & Sanctuary
Drive to the Lagos de Covadonga, shimmering glacial lakes high in the mountains. Hike a scenic loop, from gentle trails to panoramic climbs. Visit the cliffside Sanctuary of Covadonga, an important cultural and religious site. Evening in Cangas de Onís, wandering its Roman bridge before dinner.
The Sanctuary of Covadonga, a basilica and historic cave nestled amongst the mountains
Day 6 – Asturias Coastline Adventure
Switch mountains for sea. On the rugged coast, try surfing in Ribadesella or Llanes, or hike to the dramatic Bufones de Pría blowholes. Relax with a seafood lunch in a harbour town. Evening in a rural inn, toasting your final night with local cider.
Day 7 – Oviedo & Departure
Return to Oviedo for a last stroll. Visit Santa María del Naranco, a pre-Romanesque jewel overlooking the city, or browse local markets for cheese and sidra to take home. Afternoon flight back to the UK.
How much does it cost?
The following is per person, and is all-inclusive. The estimates will vary according to time of year and traveller preference.
Tight Budget: £800 to £1,000
Guesthouses, rural B&Bs. Shared transfers/public transport. Simple meals, picnics, local menus. Group adventure activities
Mid-Range: £1,200–1,500: Boutique hotels or charming mountain lodges. Mix of private transfers & car hire. Balance of bistro meals & local specialties. Guided activities with small groups
The region is a Kayaker’s dream
Luxury: £1,800 to £2,300 plus: High-end rural hotels or restored manor houses. Private driver or luxury car hire. Gourmet dining, private adventure guides. Tailored experiences (e.g. private kayak guide, vineyard tour)
When should I go?
Each season brings a different side of Asturias. Spring bursts with wildflowers and rushing rivers. Perfect for hiking and kayaking, though the weather can be changeable. Summer is warm and lively, with long days for outdoor adventures and coastal trips, but expect more visitors in hotspots like Covadonga. Autumn is a dream for photographers and food lovers, with golden forests, crisp air, and cider harvests. A little quieter, too. Winter is peaceful and atmospheric, great for exploring Oviedo and cosy mountain stays, but some outdoor activities pause due to rain or snow in the high peaks.
A climate overview of Asturias and Picos de Europa
