Oviedo
Oviedo is one of the 8 comarcas or administrative regions of Asturias. It is formed by 21 municipalities and thereby one of Asturias’ larger comarcas. The capital of Asturias, Oviedo, is located here. It has a beautiful old center with the cathedral as its main landmark. The famous Camino de Santiago (Camino Primitivo) starts here. It also leads through the towns of Grado and Salas. This region further includes various rural areas (e.g. Cabranes) and mountainous parts (e.g. Teverga, Proaza). You can also find the Biosphere Reserve Somiedo here, with one of Asturias’ largest populations of brown bears.
Somiedo Biosphere Reserve
The Natural Park of Somiedo is located within the geographical boundaries of the municipality with the same name. Its is a natural treasure with a rich history of conservation. Designated as the first Natural Park in Asturias in 1988, it was awarded the Biosphere Reserve status in 2000.
This enclave shelters four impressive valleys: Saliencia, Valle, Somiedo, and Pigüeña, meandering along their respective rivers. At the Park Interpretation Center in Pola de Somiedo, visitors can consult maps, suggested routes, and educational resources to explore the natural space.
The park hosts a wide biodiversity of large mammals from the Cantabrian Mountains and more than 100 bird species. Forests, pastures, and mountains harbor hundreds of plant species that make Somiedo a unique area.
Somiedo is one of the most representative natural spaces of mountain ecosystems in the northern Iberian Peninsula. Its rugged landscapes, sculpted by glacial action, are now covered by a mosaic of vegetation dominated by beech and oak forests. It houses one of the most important Cantabrian brown bear populations in Western Europe, along with many animal and plant species typical of the Cantabrian mountain range.
In addition to its exceptional natural values, Somiedo boasts a rich ethnographic heritage, including the genuine folklore of the vaqueiros de alzada (highland cowherds).
We organize the following tours in this region:
Biking
Northern Spain beckons cyclists with its rugged landscapes, rich culture, and delectable gastronomy. Whether you’re an e-biking enthusiast, a speed-loving road cyclist, or a mountain biking daredevil, this region has something extraordinary to offer.
Road Biking
Road cyclists can explore the northern coastline of Spain, or choose to dive into the impressive mountains of the Cantabrian Mountain Range, including the Picos de Europa. The coastal track starts near the French border. As you pedal through San Sebastian and past Bilbao, you’ll be treated to breathtaking seascapes, plunging cliffs, and forested hills. Quiet coastal roads wind alongside wide, empty beaches, providing the perfect canvas for road biking. When opting for the mountains, you have the chance to reach several peaks from the Vuelta.
E-Biking Adventures
Embrace the ease of e-biking as you explore the coastal towns and villages. The rolling hills and dramatic vistas become even more accessible with electric assistance. You can stop by charming fishing villages, where Michelin-starred restaurants serve up exquisite seafood platters and locally made cider or txakoli.
Mountain Biking Thrills
The northern coastal regions—Euskadi, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia—are a playground for mountain bikers. Untamed landscapes, steep valleys, and rocky rivers await. Pedal through stunning natural mountain reserves, where salmon-filled streams flow and quiet roads invite exploration.
In this captivating corner of Spain, cycling isn’t just a mode of transportation. It is an invitation to immerse yourself in history, culture, and the sheer joy of the ride.
Our biking trips and tours let you discover all these aspects of the North of Spain. Select one of the trips or tours listed below, or let us make a customized proposal to ride into Asturias with us!
Camino de Santiago
Did you know that the Camino de Santiago also leads through Asturias? The most famous St. James Way is the ‘French route’. However, there are also routes that actually start, and lead through, northern Spain.
The Camino Primitivo, aka ´the original road´, starts in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. It is 312 km long and leads through inland Asturias and Galicia. On foot, you can finalize this Camino in 13 days. By e-bike, it takes you around 5-6 days.
The Camino del Norte, or Camino de la Costa, starts just at the border between France and Spain. From there, pilgrims walk along the Cantabrian coast across the regions Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias. At the border between Asturias and Galicia, you leave the coast and continue inland to Santiago de Compostela. In total, the northern Camino is 825 km in length, which takes you around a month by foot.
The third Camino leading through Northern Spain is the Camino del Salvador, from Leon to Oviedo, measuring 120 km in total and crossing the mountain range dividing the regions Castille y Leon and Asturias.
We are amazed by the variety of landscapes and cultures that the Camino de Santiago offers, and we love introduce visitors to this! We offer single-day guided tours on the Camino as well as multiple-day packages. Whether you want to walk or cycle, use luggage transportation, or want us to customize your own Camino, we are here for you! Below, you find some examples of the tours and trips that we offer. You can always contact us for a personalized proposal!
Hiking
Whether you want to spend your entire holiday in Northern Spain hiking or make a few day trips, this region offers something for every hiking level. Our guided tours and individual trips let you discover Asturias and Northern Spain on foot.
From winding roads along the coast to steep climbs in the mountains. From unpaved paths where you hardly encounter anyone else to the popular senda verdes that are accessible for the whole family. Northern Spain offers something for every hiking enthusiast.
Two of the many historic Caminos de Santiago lead through Asturias: the Camino del Norte along the coast and the Camino Primitivo through its mountainous interior. Another long-distance path is the Camino Natural de la Cordillera Cantabrica. This path crosses Asturias from the east to the west, thereby covering more than 600 kilometers. Additionally, there a dozens of day trips ranging from just a few to around 30 kilometers. They are spread over Asturias, ensuring that you’ll discover a nearby route almost everywhere.
Our hiking tours and customizable trips enable you to discover new landscapes and experience the beauty of Northern Spain to the fullest. Visit and walk into Asturias’ with us!
History and Heritage
Our history and heritage tours and trips take you back in time to Asturias’ unique past.
Asturias’ history started millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed its coast. In the Paleolithic, our ancestors left incredible cave art, such as in World Heritage Site Tito Bustillo.
The Romans built bridges, aqueducts and public baths. The Reconquista started in Asturias with the famous Battle of Covadonga in 722. Here, Asturias’ first King Pelayo defeated the Arabs. During the subsequent reign of the Asturian dynasty (722-910), the pre-Romanesque style was born. You can still visit some pre-Romanesque buildings, for example San Julián de los Prados and Santa María del Naranco in Oviedo.
In the 19th and 20th century, thousands of Asturians emigrated to ‘Las Americas’. The people who returned (Indianos) built large mansions inspired by Latin- American architecture. You can still visit many of them today.
The Industrial Revolution, especially the development of coal and iron mines, and the resultant iron and steel industry still shapes the current Asturian identity and culture.
Our history and heritage tours and trips let you discover all these aspects of Asturias’ past. Select one of the tours and trips listed below, or let us make a customized design for you to dive intoAsturias‘ unique history!
Ancestry Tour
Were your (great)grandparents from Asturias and migrated to ‘the Americas’? And are you curious to learn more about their homeland?...
This guided walking tour shows you the highlights of Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. Together with a private, local, and...
Wellness
The landscape, people and gastronomy of northern Spain invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace wellness in its purest form. Whether you’re soaking in natural hot springs, visiting a Spa or practicing yoga, this region rejuvenates your mind, body, and soul.
There are many opportunities to relax in wellness facilities in the various parts of Northern Spain. In Basque Country, wellness facilities are often located close to the shore. Here, sea-influences and seafood are combined. In Cantabria and Asturias, you find several Spa's, often located in mountainous areas. After a swim, massage or beauty treatment, the breathtaking landscape is a feast for the eye.
However, the most famous wellness experiences in this region are Galicia's natural hot springs. Dip into warm mineral waters, surrounded by lush forests. As the Celts did centuries ago, seek renewal in these sacred pools.
Disconnect and recharge with our wellness trips and tours. Make a selection below or let us make a customized proposal to rewind into Asturias with us!
Wildlife
Join our guided wildlife tours and observe the unique wildlife of Asturias!
‘Unique species, unbeatable scenery and unforgettable experiences’. That’s how Asturias is promoted as ecotourism destination. And no wonder. Although this ‘Natural Paradise’ only represents 2% of Spain’s surface, it is home to 75% of mammals and birds species to be found in Spain. The most iconic are Cantabrian brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos), Iberian wolves (Canis lupus), Bearded Vultures (Gypaetus barbatus), Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) and Wallcreepers (Tichodroma muraria,).
Protected areas in Asturias
Over a third of Asturias’ surface is protected. Asturias has 1 National Park (Picos de Europa), 7 Biosphere Reserves (Las Ubiñas-La Mesa, Muniellos, Picos de Europa, Redes, Ponga, Somiedo and Oscos-Eo), 5 natural parks (Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias, Las Ubiñas-La Mesa, Ponga, Redes and Somiedo), 1 full nature reserve (Muniellos), 6 partial nature reserves, 2 protected landscapes and 39 natural monuments. Furthermore, Asturias also houses the first declared marine reserve in Spain (El Cachucho).
Wildlife of Asturias
Resultantly, Asturias is one of the best places to observe Iberian wildlife. The brown bear is undoubtedly the emblematic animal of Asturias. You can also see wolves, hoofed animals (deer, roe deer, fallow deer, and ibex), and other mammals such as wild cats, genets, and otters. Furthermore, you can find over 400 bird species in Asturias. Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, and Wall Creeper are only some examples. Also, over 140 butterfly species live in Asturias. Finally, you can spot up to 25 species of cetaceans, both resident and migratory, in the Cantabrian Sea bordering Asturias.
Our guided wildlife tours
We offer various Wildlife Tours to encounter the rich wildlife of Asturias. Certified and experienced guides who respect the local environment lead all our tours.
Even though Asturias has abundant wildlife, there is no guarantee that you see all the animals you want during your stay. However, participating in our guided wildlife tours greatly increases your chances of encountering them. We also design customized tours for a unique and personalized wildlife experience.
Visit and dive into Asturias’ wildlife with us!
Other Trips
These are other trips.
Our customized guided tours let you discover Asturias together with our specialized guides. They can tell you everything about the...
Do you want to visit Asturias but not sure how to get here? Don’t you have time to research and...