2025 Oriente de Asturias Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#summervacay Santuario de Covadonga is one of those places that’s both super peaceful and totally epic at the same time. It’s tucked into the mountains of Asturias, surrounded by green hills and misty peaks, and the moment you arrive, it just feels special. The basilica is this beautiful pink stone building sitting high on a hill, it looks like something out of a fairytale. The best part though? The little chapel built into the cliffside over a waterfall. It’s so unique and just gives off these calm, sacred vibes. We lit a candle, listened to the water rushing below, and just kind of stood there taking it all in. Even if you’re not super into religious stuff, the setting alone is worth the visit. Plus, it’s the perfect starting point if you’re heading up to the Lagos de Covadonga. There’s parking, cafés, and spots to chill with a view. Definitely one of those places where nature and culture come together in the best way.

#summervacay Lagos de Covadonga was pure mountain magic. It's up in the Picos de Europa and the drive alone is wild, winding roads, epic views, and random cows just chilling in the middle of everything. Once you get up there, you’re rewarded with two beautiful glacial lakes, Enol and Ercina, that look like they belong on a postcard. We went early ish in the day and it was super peaceful. Mist was still hanging over the water, and it made the whole place feel kinda dreamlike. There are easy walking paths around the lakes, and you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. Just take your time and soak in the fresh air and views. You’ll definitely run into cows and maybe a few sheep too, they're just wandering around like they own the place (which they kinda do). Bring snacks and layers, ‘cause weather changes fast up there. Lagos de Covadonga is pure Asturian magic, calm, stunning, and just the right kind of quiet.

Covadonga Lakes 2 Days 1 Night Wonderland Guide🌟 Overview 💧“Tears of glaciers drop into lakes, emerald-colored lake surfaces reflect millennia-old rock churches, and shepherds' horn sounds echo through the valleys… This is not Switzerland, but Spain's hidden ceiling—Asturias' Covadonga Lakes!🌄 Hiking, daydreaming, listening to the wind, the soul is cleansed!”✨ ⏰ Opening Hours｜ Open year-round, best season: May to October (lake water is most emerald, many sunny days) National Park, free oxygen! ⚠️ Church visit: Santa Cueva (Holy Cave) Church, with an internal museum 🏞️ Must-Do Activities｜Photo Hotspots Emerald Lake Hiking Loop Classic route: Los Lagos Lakes (Enol Lake + Ercina Lake), about 2 hours total, gentle and easy to walk👟 God’s Viewpoint: Mirador de Entrelagos viewpoint📸—both lakes in one frame + snow-capped church reflection! Hidden Easter Egg: Find the free-range Asturian brown cows by the lake🐂 (local mascots!) Santa Cueva Church Cliff Check-in ✨ Stunning shot: After crossing the bridge, look back at the church, with rock + lake + snow mountain triple impact! (Even more amazing at sunset🌅) 💒 Touch the Virgin of Victory statue inside the church—the origin of Spain’s guardian saint! Listen to a Shepherd’s Horn Chance to meet local shepherds herding sheep🐏, the horn’s ethereal sound pierces the valley! (High chance during summer alpine pasture season) 🚗 Transportation Guide｜No need to drive! Self-driving (more freedom): From Oviedo, 1.5 hours on winding mountain roads, picturesque mountain views along the way! ⚠️ Many curves, beginners drive carefully Bus option: 🚌 Oviedo Bus Station → Cangas de Onís town (1 hour), transfer to ALSA tourist bus direct to the lake area (30 min, 4 trips daily, 7 euros round trip) 📅 Itinerary｜2 Days 1 Night Immersive Version Day 1: Morning: Oviedo → Cangas de Onís town (try authentic stewed beans Fabada🥘) Afternoon: Lake area hiking + Santa Cueva Church (shoot stunning light and shadow photos) → stay at a lake area guesthouse Day 2: Early morning: Lake morning mist wonderland🌫️ (arrive before 7 AM! Mist swirling like a fairyland) Noon: Pasture experience (feed lambs / taste fresh cheese🧀) Afternoon: Roman Bridge cliff diving (Cangas town’s millennium-old bridge, a must-try for brave souls!) 🎒 Pre-trip Preparation｜Life-saving Checklist 👟 Non-slip hiking shoes: some gravel paths are slippery! 🧥 Windbreaker + light down jacket: mountain weather changes instantly, it can even snow in June❄️! 🥪 Snacks + water: no restaurants in the lake area, bring a picnic mat for a super chill lakeside lunch~ 📱 Offline maps: some sections have no signal! Recommended: Maps.me 💡 Hidden Tips: Bring a 1-euro coin👉 light a wish candle in the church🕯️ Pick up a small stone by the lake → local legend says it can summon good luck! 📣 Final Shoutout “This place is as beautiful as AI-generated wallpapers! But phone photos can’t capture even a tenth of the shock😭 A lifetime must-visit: Covadonga Lakes, listen to the wind, watch the mountains, be a shepherd for 2 days! 🐑💚” #SpainHiddenTravel #Asturias #CovadongaLakes #EuropeSecretSpots #OutdoorHiking ✨If this guide helps, remember to like and save it～✨

#summervacay #RomanticLifeMoments #HiddenParadise #NatureLovers • Lagos de Covadonga If there’s a place where nature and humanity exist in perfect harmony... Where green pastures feel like Eden on Earth 🍀 Then without a doubt—it’s Asturias 🌄💚 This spot is a true star in Spain’s travel scene—almost everyone’s heard of it! We may not have the Alps, but we do have the breathtaking “Peaks of Europe” (aka Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa) 🏔️ 🚗 In low season, you can drive all the way up to the top. Just a heads-up though: the mountain roads are steep and winding—not recommended for beginner drivers! ⚠️🛣️ #Asturias #LagosDeCovadonga #PicosDeEuropa #SpainNature #HiddenGems #GreenEscape

#Dragon Boat Festival good places Don't think #Spain is all about amazing architecture, The natural scenery is also not to be missed! Congas de Onis, located near #oviedo, is a great day trip. There is a bus that goes directly to the entrance of the national park. There are complete trails and beautiful natural environment. Green mountains are everywhere. At the end of the trail is a lake hidden in the mountains. It is very suitable for family travel, and the weather in May and June is even more pleasant! Before we eat the Dragon Boat Festival rice dumplings and before the weather gets too hot, we should go for an outing! #Congas #DeOnis #Spanish Secrets #Options other than Barcelona #Lake District #Outing #Hiking #Day Trip

#cityplaybook Kick off the day in Sotres, one of the highest villages in the Picos de Europa. As the morning fog lifts, hike a trail through rocky peaks and lush green valleys—maybe the Ruta del Cares if you're feeling bold. By noon, pause by a stream for a picnic with local cheese and crusty bread. In the afternoon, descend into a hidden forest near Bulnes, where everything smells like moss and woodsmoke. Let time slow down. As sunset hits, drive to Lagos de Covadonga—those golden reflections on the water are unreal. Finish the day stargazing with a blanket and cider. Asturias = pure, wild peace.

#cityplaybook Wake up early in Cangas de Onís and head straight for the Picos de Europa. Start your adventure with a morning hike around the Lakes of Covadonga—pure mountain magic, with misty peaks, grazing cows, and total silence. By midday, stop for fabada asturiana in a mountain hut with postcard views. In the afternoon, drive up the winding roads toward Mirador del Fitu for sweeping coastal-meets-mountain panoramas. Golden hour? Perfect from any cliffside trail. Wrap it up in a cozy sidrería in a small village like Arenas de Cabrales, toasting to a day spent breathing pure mountain air. Asturias hits different.

Santa Cueva de Covadonga in Asturias 🇪🇸, Spain is a church located in the top of Europe. The special thing about this church is that it is a cave with a high ceiling but a small space. At the end is the chapel, where the priest meets with believers every week, and visitors need to leave before the ceremony begins. There is a stone cross statue🗿 outside the church with a long history. #church

Covadonga, located in the Asturias region of northern Spain, is a destination rich in history, spirituality, and natural splendor. It’s a place where the majestic landscape of the Picos de Europa mountains meets deep cultural and religious significance, offering travelers a unique experience. ### Historical and Spiritual Significance Covadonga is often referred to as the cradle of the Reconquista, the Christian effort to reclaim Spain from Moorish rule. The story begins in the 8th century, with the Battle of Covadonga, where King Pelayo’s forces achieved a decisive victory, marking the beginning of the Reconquista. This victory is celebrated in the Holy Cave (La Santa Cueva), a revered pilgrimage site. The cave, set dramatically in a cliffside, houses a small chapel and the tomb of King Pelayo, and it’s a place of deep reverence for many Spaniards. Nearby is the Basilica of Santa María la Real de Covadonga, a striking neo-Romanesque church built in the late 19th century. Its pink limestone facade stands out against the lush green hills, creating a postcard-perfect scene. The basilica’s interior is simple yet elegant, offering a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation. ### Natural Beauty The natural surroundings are equally captivating. Just a short drive from the main sanctuary are the Lagos de Covadonga, two stunning glacial lakes, Enol and Ercina. The road to the lakes winds through breathtaking scenery, with each turn revealing more of the Picos de Europa’s rugged peaks. The lakes themselves are serene and mirror-like, reflecting the sky and mountains, making them a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers. ### Travel Tips - **Best Time to Visit:** Spring and early autumn offer the best weather, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, ideal for exploring the lakes and surrounding trails. - **Getting There:** Covadonga is accessible by car, with parking available near the basilica. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car is recommended. - **Accommodation:** Nearby towns like Cangas de Onís offer a range of accommodation options, from quaint guesthouses to more luxurious stays. Covadonga is more than just a tourist destination; it’s a place where nature and history intertwine, offering a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Spain’s storied past.

The scenery of northern and southern Spain is completely different, the natural scenery of northern Spain is beautiful, Lakes of covadonga is one of my favorite attractions, it is known as Spain's little Switzerland, everywhere is a large green grass, clear glacial lake water, with endless mountains, wind blowing grass bottom to see cattle and sheep, the scenery is really beautiful! This attraction is also known as a once-in-a-lifetime must-visit place! Trip.com Diamond members get free airport lounge access twice a year! Register as a member now😇 #Free lounge replacement on Member Day 27th of every month

This is truly my life's travel destination. If you really like seeing nature, you should definitely go there when you get the chance.... It's not like a farm, these are animals living in the wild!! There were sheep, cows, and even wild dogs It's not a famous travel destination in Spain (because it's in the northern end ㅠㅠㅠ), but It was really so healing🥹👍 If you go up to the observatory, the view is spectacular From what I've heard from other friends, this place doesn't really feel like Spain ㅋㅋㅋ #HongKongFlightEvent