Aviles is a charming city that shines brightest through its well-preserved historic center, lively streets, and picturesque coastline. Unlike many tourist spots, Aviles offers a genuine glimpse into northern Spain’s past and present, with tours that cater to history lovers, culture seekers, and those wanting a taste of the local vibe. We’re particularly fond of the Avilés: discover its Historical Center tour for its rich storytelling and exclusive access, and the Cudillero, Avilés and Faro de Cabo Peñas tour from Oviedo for its scenic coastal highlights. These experiences give you a chance to see the city from local guides who bring the streets and stories to life.
Whether you prefer walking explorations, scenic coastal trips, or a mysterious night tour, Aviles’s variety of offerings ensures there’s something for all. Want to get a deeper understanding of its architecture? The Walking tour of the Historic Center is perfect. Craving seaside views? The coastal trip from Oviedo provides stunning vistas. For those interested in local traditions and quirky tales, the Night tour: Aviles city of crime adds a spooky twist. Below, find a detailed look at each of these top-rated options.
1. Avilés: discover its Historical Center
This tour is a fantastic introduction to Aviles, especially if you’re interested in medieval origins. With a 2-hour guided walk, you’ll explore the cobbled streets, arcades, and palaces that make this historic town stand out in northern Spain. The tour includes an exclusive entrance to the chapel of Las Alas, adding a special touch for history enthusiasts. Your official guide will share stories about the town’s evolution from medieval times through its industrial boom.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on local architecture and hidden details often missed by casual visitors. The walk starts at Calle Ruiz Gómez, 21, and winds through the central sights, ending at Plaza de España. Travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace with rich storytelling will find this tour very rewarding. The reviews highlight its depth and the guide’s expert knowledge, with one noting, “It’s a welcoming tour that reveals a side of Aviles many overlook.”
Bottom Line: If you want a manageable, detailed introduction to Aviles’ historical sights, this tour offers excellent value and personal attention.
2. Cudillero, Aviles and Faro de Cabo Peñas tour from Oviedo
For about five hours, this tour combines coastal scenery, colorful fishing villages, and historic sites. It starts in Oviedo but takes you along the stunning Asturian coast, making it perfect for travelers wanting a broader regional experience. The itinerary includes free time in Cudillero, one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Asturias, with its narrow streets and vibrant houses. You’ll also visit Aviles’ historic center, along with the Niemeyer Center, a striking example of modern architecture.
The highlight for many is the visit to Cabo Peñas Lighthouse, perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic—it’s a must-see for panoramic views. The tour is well-organized, with a comfortable coach ride and insightful commentary. One traveler mentions, “Cudillero is a dream, and the lighthouse is simply breathtaking.” The tour’s mixture of natural beauty, history, and modern culture makes it especially suited for travelers with limited time who want a comprehensive coastal experience.
Bottom Line: This trip is perfect if you want to explore Asturias’ coastline, charming villages, and rock formations in one go, with the convenience of a guided day trip.
3. Aviles: Walking tour of the Historic Center
If you love urban exploration, this 2-hour walking tour is a great way to see Aviles’ main sights intimately. The tour includes stops at famous squares, notable buildings, and the river, which played a key role during the Industrial Revolution. Your guide will share stories about how the city transformed from medieval origins into an industrial hub, with a focus on architecture and urban development.
The guided walk starts at Plaza de España and ends nearby, making it easy to continue exploring on your own afterward. The price is $159 for a group of up to five people, making it a good option for small groups or families. Reviewers praise the guide Pelayo for his professionalism and attentiveness, noting that the tour provides a well-organized, chronological overview of Aviles’ growth.
This tour appeals most to those who want a comprehensive, yet relaxed, exploration of the city’s main sights while soaking in its atmosphere. If you appreciate architecture and urban history, this tour gets high marks.
Bottom Line: An in-depth, manageable tour that suits history buffs and architecture fans who want a focused look at Aviles’ main neighborhoods.
4. Avilés: Guided tour of the La Carriona cemetery
This tour offers a different perspective—visiting the La Carriona cemetery, a site within the European Cemetery Route. It’s more than just a cemetery; it’s a monument to 19th and 20th-century Aviles, featuring monumental pantheons, marble sculptures, and stories of the bourgeois and indiano families. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and takes you through notable pantheons, including the Marquises of San Juan de Nieva.
Beyond its artistic features, the cemetery also holds historical significance, relating to civil war memory and local customs. Visitors often remark on its imposing monumentality and the powerful sense of history conveyed. It’s an ideal choice for those interested in civil engineering, sculpture, or local history, providing a peaceful yet profound walk through Aviles’ recent past.
Bottom Line: For travelers who want a meaningful, contemplative experience that reveals different layers of Aviles’ heritage, this tour offers a quiet but impactful experience.
5. Night tour: Aviles city of crime
For something different, consider the Night tour: Aviles city of crime, where you’ll explore the city’s darker stories. Starting at the Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury, this 2-hour walking tour uncovers tales of unsolved crimes, ghostly musicians, dragons, and even severed heads in old palaces. It’s a lively, spooky way to see the city after dark, with stories that seem straight out of a novel.
The tour costs only $10 per person, making it a budget-friendly option. The itinerary includes stops at Parque del Muelle and Town Hall Square, where your guide will share tales of mysterious disappearances, urban legends, and local legends that keep the city’s history intriguing. This tour is perfect for night owls, mystery lovers, and those looking for a fun, different way to experience Aviles.
One reviewer calls it “a spooky, fun way to learn about Aviles’ secrets,” emphasizing its entertainment value. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for young kids or those sensitive to spooky stories.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in mysteries and ghost stories, this tour offers a playful yet engaging way to see Aviles after dark.
6. Unforgettable tour of Aviles
This 3-hour tour is designed to reveal small details and hidden corners most visitors miss. Starting at Plaza de España, it takes you through the Fisherman’s quarter, Ferrer Street, Rivero Street, and Ferrera Park, weaving stories about the city’s everyday life and lesser-known sights.
The guide’s detailed knowledge makes this tour particularly lively, with travelers loving the personalized insights and local anecdotes. Priced at only $9 per person, it offers incredible value for those interested in a less touristy, more authentic experience of Aviles. It’s ideal for visitors who enjoy slow walks, exploring small details, and understanding the city’s modern-day character.
Reviewers call it “very detailed and knowledgeable,” highlighting its depth. If you prefer a relaxed, immersive exploration that goes beyond the main sights, this tour delivers.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, insightful option for travelers eager to discover the subtle charm of Aviles’ streets and stories.
How to Choose the Best Tour
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests, time, and budget. If your focus is on history and architecture, the Walking tour of the Historic Center offers a thorough, personal introduction. For a scenic coastal experience, the Cudillero and Faro de Cabo Peñas tour combines natural beauty with cultural highlights.
If you’re intrigued by quirky stories or enjoy spooky atmospheres, the Night tour: Aviles city of crime provides a fun, dark twist, while the Unforgettable tour of Aviles is perfect for those wanting to discover hidden corners and small details.
For a more contemplative experience, the guided cemetery tour offers insights into Aviles’ recent past. Consider your budget, time restriction, and specific interests when choosing, and don’t forget to book early during peak seasons!
Final Thoughts
Aviles presents a surprising variety of tours, from historical walks to coastal adventures and mysterious nights. For a well-rounded experience, the Avilés: discover its Historical Center tour is hard to beat for history lovers, while the coastal trip from Oviedo provides a scenic escape that highlights the region’s beauty.
Those who love urban exploration will appreciate the Walking tour of the historic center, and fans of mysteries will enjoy the night crime tour. For something more offbeat, the Unforgettable tour uncovers small details that reveal the city’s true character.
No matter your style, booking in advance is a wise choice—especially during the busy season. These tours make it easy to enjoy Aviles’ rich culture, stunning architecture, and lively streets in a way that deepens your understanding and appreciation of this unique city.
