Hiking in Asturias: routes near Oviedo

Asturias is one of Spain’s best regions for hiking, and Oviedo makes a comfortable base for exploring it without giving up the comforts of city life. Here’s what to know.

The Picos de Europa, the obvious choice

The Picos de Europa, Spain’s first national park, hold some of the region’s best-known routes: the Covadonga lakes, with circular trails around Lake Enol and Lake Ercina, or the Cares Gorge route, the ravine separating Asturias from León and one of the most popular mountain routes in northern Spain. Both are just over an hour’s drive from central Oviedo.

Somiedo, for a quieter pace

The Somiedo Biosphere Reserve, to the west of Asturias, offers a different landscape: traditional mountain huts (brañas), glacial lakes, and routes with far fewer visitors than the Picos de Europa — a good option for anyone who prefers to avoid the busiest trails.

The Camino Primitivo, one stage at a time

For anyone wanting to combine hiking with a bit of history, Oviedo is a starting point for the Camino Primitivo, the oldest pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. You can walk a single stage as a day trip or string together several if your stay allows it.

Before you head out

None of these routes require heavy technical gear, but it’s worth checking the forecast — Asturias’s Atlantic climate changes quickly, especially in the mountains. Proper footwear and enough water are the bare minimum for any of them.