Asturias 2-Day Itinerary – What to Visit in Two Days

Begin in Oviedo’s city center to anchor your trip and hit the main attractions before the day warms up. The basilica sits near bright plazas, and a quick stroll along the lanes gives you a hands-on sense of the region’s vibrant culture. For a fast start, plan a 写真 moment at the cathedral courtyard and map your next moves from this location.

From there, head toward Covadonga for dramatic scenery and a 1.5-hour drive that uncovers green valleys and lakes. At the lago enol, a classic sight in covadonga, you’ll get iconic views and a sense of the scale that makes the interior feel isolated yet accessible. Stop at several viewpoints along the way and keep the mind open to a few spontaneous detours; this is a key point in your itinerary.

On day two, the coast calls with gulpiyuri, a tiny inland beach that forms a natural pool sheltered by cliffs. The isolated location means you’ll probably share the sight with just a few others, which makes a perfect case for a tranquil 写真 session. Afterward, swing by Llanes for a quick harbor stroll and a look at its colorful old town, then wrap up with a sunset walk along the shoreline.

Practical notes to keep it functional: rent a car for flexibility, parking is available in Oviedo and Llanes, and a compact schedule works best if you leave room for possible weather changes. The route covers attractions in several areas without rushing, and it suits different fitness levels. If you travel with erik, he’ll say this layout balances nature and culture in a tight window, with a heading from city to coast and back and a need for pace control.

Flight Access: Nearest European Airports to Asturias

Fly into Oviedo–Asturias Airport (OVD) for the fastest access to central Asturias; if OVD schedules don’t fit, Bilbao (BIO) or Santander (SDR) offer solid European links and straightforward road transfers. If OVD does not fit your dates, BIO or SDR remain viable alternatives. OVD is about 40–50 minutes from Oviedo center by car; BIO routes let you reach the coast towns in roughly 3 hours, while SDR takes about 2.5–3 hours to Avilés or Gijón. Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN) provide more frequent services but longer drives (MAD around 4.5–5 hours; BCN around 7.5–8.5 hours). When you compare options, consult the official pages and use the maps on the website youre using for planning to see current flight patterns and drive times. Ensuring you have a booked transfer or a rental car will save time after landing.

Nearest European airports and typical routes

The closest option is Oviedo–Asturias (OVD), with direct seasonal links to Madrid and Barcelona and broader connections via major hubs. Bilbao (BIO) and Santander (SDR) connect well to city pairs across Europe, often via Madrid or Barcelona, making them practical when OVD options align poorly. blanckaert notes that the ideal approach depends on your route and the areas you plan to visit first, such as Gijón, Avilés, or Cangas de Onís, and the information helps you choose accordingly. oviedos mentions appear in some guides to denote local access patterns. This snapshot includes typical times to reach the center, coast, or mountains from each hub, helping you pick based on peak traffic and weather.

Getting from the airport to central Asturias

After landing, you can choose rental vehicles, private transfers, or official taxis. If you book in advance, airporttaxiscom offers fixed-rate options to Oviedo center and nearby areas, simplifying arrivals. boriza operates regional vehicles serving areas including Oviedo, Gijón, and Avilés, with flexible scheduling. For maximum convenience, arrange a private transfer through your hotel or a trusted service so the driver meets you at the arrivals hall. If you plan to explore valleys or mountain roads, a car provides the most flexibility, especially outside peak times. Confirm pick-up points with the driver and specify vehicle type and luggage needs when you book.

Day 1 Morning: Oviedo Old Town and Cathedral

Begin at the Cathedral of San Salvador to anchor your stroll; the morning light makes the façade pop and sets a practical, très inviting tone for a concise visit.

The Old Town around Oviedo Cathedral is a well-maintained maze of lanes that keeps exploring efficient. From the entrance, wander toward Gascona street, known for cider houses and cozy cafés, where a quick coffee pairs well with people-watching. This compact core offers easy access and a single, logical route to the main sights, minimizing backtracking and maximizing convenience.

• Cathedral of San Salvador: admire the Gothic nave, the sculpted cloister, and a modest treasury; the precincts feel intimate and accessible for a short morning visit.
• Gascona street: pause for a glass of cider or a light bite; the row of taverns provides a lively, traditional atmosphere while remaining comfortably walkable.
• Fontán square: stroll the arcaded halls around the square, browse small shops, and enjoy the rhythm of locals and visitors in a shaded, pedestrian-friendly place.
• Parque de San Francisco: slip into this nearby park for a brief pause; the green space contrasts with stone streets and offers benches for a relaxing moment between periods of exploration.
• Legacy and access: note the embassy area nearby and the easy access from the main routes; the location is ideal for a seamless transition to next-door neighborhoods or a quick taxi ride if you need to cover more ground.

Tip: walk a single, continuous path to stay immersed in the atmosphere rather than hopping between transport modes. If you plan longer excursions, Covadonga and the Picos de Europa tempt with lakes and jagged peaks, while Santander or Llanes offer coastal scenery; you can connect these options via a shared transport network, leveraging the terminal and regional services for efficient transfers.

Day 1 Afternoon: Gijón Promenade and Cimavilla

Begin with an approximate 40-minute stroll along the San Lorenzo promenade to feel the sea breeze and reach the centre. Use heymondo to locate service options along the path, and note the location of viewpoints and the plaza you’ll explore in Cimavilla. In advance, check reviews to time breaks and adjust your pace to the volume of crowds.

From the promenade, Cimavilla rises with cobbled lanes and a small plaza that catches the sun. Head toward the harbour overlook for a classic point of view over the bay, then pause to absorb the light on the water. If you want a quick refresh, pop into the koning bar for coffee or a glass of something local. Some locals seek oviedos locations nearby.

Travellers believe Cimavilla offers the best sunset spots; the potential here is in the views and the atmosphere around the harbour. You can choose a couple of locations with sea views and capture a handful of photos that tell your stay in distinct angles.

Be mindful of periods with stronger crowds; however, you can find quiet corners along Cimavilla’s lanes and after you cross the overlook, walk toward the beaches for a breather. If you want, you can extend the stroll to the beaches nearby, then return toward the centre for a final look at the plaza at dusk.

Plan in advance to include two or three locations for the rest of the afternoon, then choose a route that lets you stay flexible. If youre staying in the centre, you can loop back along the promenade to finish at the plaza and reflect on reviews for where to eat before the evening begins.

Day 2 Morning: Lagos de Covadonga and Picos de Europa Drive

Begin with an early ascent to Lagos de Covadonga, arriving before 9:00 to secure a parking spot and experience the lakes in serene morning light.

Access to the Covadonga area runs under regulations on peak days; plan to use the nearby shuttle from Cangas de Onís or park in designated lots at the base. Check year-round notices, as closures can occur in winter due to snow. A nearby visitor center can supply a map and robust advice for your stop, and they’ll point you to nearby cafés for a quick coffee if you need a pause.

From the lakes, take the drive across the Picos de Europa toward the valley floors, crossing bridges and lookout points that reveal a panorama of lakes and towering peaks. The route is très photogenic, with moments where the road opens to stunning views across the limestone walls and green valleys. Have your camera ready at the high viewpoints, and take a short pause at the main overlooks to allow everything to come into view as you meet the scenery.

Facilities at the Lagos de Covadonga area include a cafe, restrooms, and small shops near the parking; these amenities add comfort to your longer stay without extra fuss. If you need a discount on a combined parking and shuttle pass, ask at the information desk for available offers, especially in shoulder seasons, and bring small bills for quick purchases.

Plan a short, easy hike near Enol or Ercina if you crave more time; even a light loop along the lakes is enough to feel connected with the landscape. When you return to the road, you’ll find the drive crosses into proximity of nearby citys like Oviedo, offering a convenient lunch stop before continuing your travel in this region of the Picos. If you’re visiting during a local event, check schedules in advance to keep your plan seamless for your group, and use the viewpoints as a meeting point for photos with them.

Day 2 Afternoon: Llanes or Ribadesella Coastal Stop

Choose Llanes for the afternoon to enjoy a short, scenic coast walk that pairs harbor views with Boriza cliff stops, all within easy reach from your hotel.

The route stays compact, delivering beauty and landscapes across cliffs, with convenient photo spots along the way; therefore, you can pace yourself and avoid long transfers. If you wish to purchase water or snacks, local shops along the promenade offer quick options.

Option A: Llanes – practical details

Begin at the harbor, follow the coastal path toward Boriza for a dramatic cliff peak vantage, then loop back along the shore. The total distance stays under 3 km, typically taking 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. This plan is short, high in value, and ideal for a late lunch back at your hotel. You should wear sturdy shoes and carry a bottle of water. Transfers from your hotel can be arranged conveniently in advance with drivers Blanckaert or Salvador for a seamless return.

Option B: Ribadesella – practical details

In Ribadesella, the riverfront boardwalk leads to the beach and to the old town, with optional time for a quick visit to Tito Bustillo caves if departures align. This choice keeps you across the coast and offers a different flavor of scenery: lighter mornings, richer river colors, and fewer crowds in late afternoon. Transfers back to your base can be scheduled in advance to ensure a gentle finish to the day.

Getting Around: Car Rental, Parking, and Driving Times

Rent a compact, well-maintained car from a reputable car rental agency; taking your own wheels gives you flexibility to visit landmarks, beaches, and plaza-lined towns, and it ensures you won’t miss key stops during two active days.

The rental process is straightforward, with a multilingual desk and clear terms, and many offices sit near airports or central locations for quick pickup. Check locations of offices at the airport and in town to minimize extra trips.

The route options vary by day. Oviedo to Gijón takes about 25–40 minutes, Oviedo to Avilés about 20–30 minutes, and Gijón to Llanes 40–60 minutes. A longer hop from Oviedo to Llanes runs roughly 1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min, depending on traffic and how long you linger at overlooks. If you’re continuing toward the compostela route after your Asturias visit, add 30–60 minutes for detours or scenic overlooks along the way. These times are estimates based on typical traffic; real times can be different on weekends or during events.

Well-signed, well-maintained highways make navigation straightforward; plan to take different routes to avoid bottlenecks in peak hours. Start early to enjoy morning light on the coast and still have time for a plaza stroll in Oviedo or Gijón; a later start tends to push plans later into the day.

Parking in city centers is primarily metered or limited to short stays; expect rates around 1–2 per hour and watch for maximum stay limits. Use a map app to locate well-lit locations and verify times before your walk. If crowds are heavy for a local event, Park & Ride options with a shuttle provide a quick way to reach core sights without circling the plaza.

Taxis and shuttle services offer flexible alternatives for short hops or days when you’d rather skip parking. Providing reliable, timely transfers, operators offer flat rates for common routes between hotels, beaches, and sights; reviews help you pick a reputable option. Many locations provide shuttle service between beaches, historic centers, and lookouts, sometimes with luxury touches like reserved parking at popular spots.

Local events can shift traffic and parking patterns, so check notices for the main plaza and coastal routes. Some cafe spots near lillo receive elogio for sunset views, so plan a short stop if you can. If you want to maximize comfort, a short shuttle between hotels and key spots can save time and keep energy up while you enjoy the beauty along the coast and to garita overlooks.