World Experience

Oviedo

Picos de Europa & the Asturian Coast

Cider still falls a meter into the glass

Oviedo, Seat of the Asturian Kings

Oviedo is the capital of Asturias, in northern Spain between the Cantabrian coast and the Picos de Europa. In the 9th century it was the seat of the Kingdom of Asturias, and buildings from that court survive: Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo on Mount Naranco, San Julián de los Prados and the Cámara Santa inside the cathedral, all part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cathedral is also the starting point of the Camino Primitivo, the oldest route to Santiago. Every October, the Princess of Asturias Awards are presented at the Teatro Campoamor. Gijón and the coast are about 30 km north.

Oviedo's 9th-century buildings are spread out. The cathedral and the Cámara Santa are in the Old Town, San Julián de los Prados is at the edge of the center, and the two Naranco churches sit on the hillside above the city. Your guide connects them into one story about the kingdom that built them. Then comes the cider: on Calle Gascona, sidrerías pour it from high above the head, a few fingers at a time. The rest of Asturias is close, from the Cabrales cheese caves and Covadonga in the Picos de Europa to fishing ports like Lastres and Cudillero.

Oviedo, Your Way

In Oviedo, you can book Authentic Asturias Awaits You, a private three-day package tour that starts in the city and continues to the Picos de Europa and the coast, or a tailor-made tour planned from scratch around you. Private day tours, for your party only, and small group tours, with a few other travelers on fixed dates, aren't offered in Oviedo but run in our other destinations in Spain and Portugal.

The Cathedral, Naranco and the Old Town

Start at the Cathedral of San Salvador. Inside, the Cámara Santa holds the Cross of the Angels and the Cross of Victory, which appears on the Asturian flag. From there, the Old Town's streets lead to the arcaded Plaza del Fontán and its market. On the hillside just north of the center, Santa María del Naranco was built in the 840s as a royal hall for King Ramiro I and later became a church. San Miguel de Lillo stands just up the road. Back in town, San Julián de los Prados is known for the paintings that cover its interior walls.

Oviedo Traditions & Culture

Every October, the Princess of Asturias Awards are presented at the Teatro Campoamor by the Spanish royal family. September brings San Mateo, the city's main fiesta. Oviedo is also Vetusta, the city of Clarín's 19th-century novel La Regenta, and her statue stands in front of the cathedral. Asturian, the regional language, appears on signs alongside Spanish. In 2024, Asturian cider culture was added to UNESCO's list of intangible heritage.

Oviedo Food & Wine

In Asturias, cider is poured with the bottle held high above the head into a wide glass, a few fingers at a time, and drunk at once while it still sparkles. Calle Gascona, known as the Cider Boulevard, is lined with sidrerías. They serve it with fabada, the bean stew with chorizo and morcilla, and with cachopo, two veal fillets filled with ham and cheese, breaded and fried. Cabrales, a blue cheese aged in caves in the Picos de Europa, is on almost every menu. For dessert, the carbayón, an almond and egg-yolk pastry, is Oviedo's own.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Why should I visit Oviedo?
    It has the 9th-century churches and royal halls of the Kingdom of Asturias, the cathedral where the oldest Camino de Santiago route begins, and the sidrerías of Calle Gascona. It is also the most practical base for Asturias, with Gijón, the coast and the Picos de Europa all within reach by car.
  • Which tours can you book in Oviedo?
    You can book the private Asturias package tour, three days from Oviedo through the Picos de Europa and the coast, or a tailor-made itinerary. Private day tours and small group tours aren't offered in Oviedo but run in our other destinations in Spain and Portugal.
  • How many days do you need in Oviedo?
    One full day covers the Old Town, the cathedral and Mount Naranco. Add two more for the Picos de Europa and the coast, as our package tour does.
  • What's the best time to visit Oviedo?
    Asturias is green because rain is possible in every season. July to September is usually the warmest and driest period, and even then the heat is mild. Come in September for San Mateo or in October for the Princess of Asturias Awards.
  • How do you get to Oviedo?
    Asturias Airport is about 45 km from the city, roughly 40 minutes by car. Direct high-speed trains from Madrid take about three and a quarter hours. Bilbao is around three hours away by road.
Scroll to topScroll to top