The natural paradise of Asturias, in northern Spain, offers spectacular landscapes, authentic cuisine, a lively culture and a festive atmosphere in summer.
From wild beaches and specialised museums to festivals, coastal routes and unique flavours, this is the perfect guide to an unforgettable holiday.
1. Seaside terraces: cocktails, cider and sunsets
There’s nothing better than starting or ending the day on a terrace with a view of the Cantabrian Sea. The most notable of these are:
- Bar Playa de Porcía (El Franco): set on a beach of golden sand and pebbles, it is the perfect place to enjoy a vermouth while taking in the stunning sunsets.
- La Mar de Fondo (Navia): right next to the Natural Monument of Frexulfe beach, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a healthy and relaxing vibe.
- Ewan Salinas (Castrillón): winner of a “Solete” award from the Repsol Guide, it is located just metres from Salinas beach and offers a sophisticated, Zen-inspired atmosphere.
- In Gozón, the restaurants Las Dunas de Verdicio, Moniello and Aramar Playa offer burgers, beer, music and quality cuisine, and are sure to win you over.
These terraces allow you to enjoy the coast at a relaxed pace, with cocktails and cider on hand and stunning sea views, making it a social and relaxed experience.
2. Twelve unforgettable beaches and secluded spots
With over 200 kilometres of coastline, Asturias has a beach to suit everyone: urban, secluded, for surfing or for families. These stand out in particular:
- Playa de Penarronda (Castropol/Tapia): a shell-shaped beach with picture-postcard sunsets and a peaceful setting, making it ideal for surfers and photography buffs.
- Playa de Mexota (Tapia): reachable only on foot, this crystal-clear haven boasts spectacular rock formations and a nudist atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking privacy.
- Poo and San Pedro La Ribera (Llanes/Cudillero): discover natural pools at high tide and nearby amenities that allow you to enjoy both bathing and comfort.
- Carranques (Carreño), Beciella (Caravia), Otur (Valdés) and Antilles (Llanes): a mix of well-equipped and unspoilt beaches, accessible by car or on foot. Ideal for surfing or relaxing.
There are also coastal routes connecting beaches and viewpoints, like the path between Morís and La Griega, with dinosaur footprints and views of the Peaks of Europe.
3. Immerse yourself in nature: rivers, pools and ravines
The Asturian landscape stretches beyond the coast. Head for the mountains and discover magical places:
- Under the Roman Bridge of Cangas de Onís: a swim in the river of crystal clear waters, with historical background, in front of the Cross of Victory.
- La Olla de San Vicente, on the Dobra River (Amieva): a turquoise pool in a fairytale setting, ideal after a gentle hike.
- Asturian canyoning: get your adrenaline pumping as you navigate waterfalls, slides and pools in spectacular canyons.
4. Music festivals: a true party atmosphere
The Asturian summer buzzes with festivals catering to all musical tastes:
- Ye-Yé Gijón (24‑27 July 2025): journey back to the ’60s with great music and vintage nostalgia.
- Aquasella (Arriondas, 14-17 August 2025): a legendary techno and EDM festival that has breathed new life into the eastern Asturias scene.
- Riverland Festival (Arriondas, 22-24 August 2025): indie, pop, rock and urban vibes along the river Sella, since 2019.
- Other summer highlights: The Grapa Black Music Festival (soul, blues, funk, R&B) in Avilés, the Festival Intercélticu d’Avilés, the Festival of Pipe Bands in Candás, and the XLVIII Natural Cider Festival in Nava.
5. Gastronomy with Asturian soul
Asturian cuisine evokes authentic flavours and unique experiences that linger in the memory.
- Discover 10 unforgettable gastronomic experiences: from eco-farms and cheese dairies with a protected designation of origin to cider routes. Read more on this page of the Asturias tourism blog.
- Sample the local fare: fabada and pote asturiano stews, stuffed onions, pitu de caleya chicken, white tuna rolls and tortos corn cakes… a culinary adventure full of traditional flavours.
- Exclusive visits: The Vega de Tordín (Cabrales) and the Caserinos (Villaviciosa) cheese dairies allow you to learn about the whole process and sample their artisanal cheeses.
6. Museums as vessels for history and culture
Asturias treasures its history in a variety of accessible museums, ideal for hot days:
- Muséu del Pueblu d’Asturies (Gijón): the Museum of the Asturian people reflects traditional life in the region.
- Ethnographic Museum of Grandas de Salime “Pepe el Ferreiro”: workshops, family activities and rural heritage turismoasturias.es.
- Museum of the Mills of Mazonovo (Taramundi): water mills and industrial tradition turismoasturias.es.
For mining enthusiasts, the Valle de Samuño Mining Ecomuseum (Langreo) offers an alternative industrial experience.
7. Coastal routes and panoramic viewpoints
Walking the Asturian coast is a visual treat. Highlights of some of the routes:
- Morís–La Griega footpath (Camino de la Costa): combines beaches, dinosaurs, cliffs and Jurassic footprints.
- Luanco-Nieva: coastal path with hillforts, lighthouses and views of Gozón and Gijón.
- Arnao‑Santa María del Mar (Castrillón):stairs, viewpoints and a swim at Aguilar beach.
Conclusion: Asturian summers are for everyone
Asturias offers a variety of experiences that are perfect for all types of travellers:
| Plan | Ideal for… |
| Terraces next to the beach | Couples, street life and disconnection |
| Virgin beaches and routes | Photographers, surfers, adventurers |
| Riverside nature | Families, bathers and hikers |
| Festivals | Party-goers and music lovers |
| Gastronomy and cheese dairies | Inquisitive foodies |
| Rural and industrial museums | Culture, history, fresh air |
| Coastal trails | Lovers of walking and beautiful scenery |
Create your own unforgettable Asturian summer with a mix of activities: spend a day at the beach and on the terrace, with a festival in the evening; another by the river and visiting museums, followed by dinner with cider on a farm. This is the best way to experience the true essence of this one-of-a-kind destination.
