Covadonga y Cascos Históricos Cangas de Onís y Lastres

If you’re eyeing a day trip to Asturias that combines natural beauty, historical sites, and charming coastal villages, this tour offers quite a bit of what makes this region special. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, after reviewing the details and feedback, I can tell you it’s a well-rounded experience that balances scenic views with cultural highlights.

What I particularly like about this tour is how it covers the iconic Covadonga Lakes, a must-see for visitors, and offers a glimpse into Asturian history at the Sanctuary of Covadonga. Plus, you get to wander through Cangas de Onís, the historic first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias, and finish in the picturesque fishing village of Lastres, renowned for its scenic streets and coastal charm.

One thing to keep in mind is the full-day length — at around 12 hours, it’s a substantial commitment, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore each stop at your leisure. This tour best suits those who enjoy a packed day of sightseeing and are eager to see several highlights of Asturias without the hassle of planning multiple excursions.

All in all, this experience is an excellent choice for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Asturias in one day, especially if you’re interested in stunning landscapes and history. Let’s break down what you’ll encounter on this journey and whether it’s truly worth the price.

Key Points

• Incredible Scenery: The lakes of Covadonga are a highlight, offering breathtaking views of glacier-born lakes at high altitude.
• Rich History: Visits to the Sanctuary and the tomb of Don Pelayo give you context about Asturias’ origins.
• Charming Villages: Cangas de Onís and Lastres are full of character, history, and scenic streets.
• Value for Money: At $48, the tour includes transport and access to Covadonga Lakes, making it an accessible way to see Asturias’ top sights.
• Guided Experience: A Spanish-speaking guide enriches your understanding of the sites, legends, and history.
• Full-Day Commitment: The 12-hour schedule means early starts and long hours, so pack accordingly if you’re not used to busy days.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Journey Begins: Convenient Pickups and Transport

Starting from either Gijón or Oviedo, the tour makes things simple with pick-up points at well-located spots. The bus ride lasts roughly 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and anticipate the sights ahead. The transport is included, so there’s no fuss about logistics, which is a real plus for those visiting the region without a car.

Covadonga Lakes: Nature’s Masterpiece

The star of this tour is undoubtedly the Lakes of Covadonga, set high in the Picos de Europa National Park. The scenery here is genuinely stunning — emerald lakes framed by towering mountains, often reflecting the sky like glass. The tour offers around 1.5 hours of free time, enough to walk around and take photos, plus a guided visit that highlights the lakes’ glacier origins and the stories tied to this area.

From the reviews, travelers often mention how captivating the views are. One person described it as “an absolute highlight,” emphasizing how seeing the lakes made the entire trip worthwhile. Since the lakes are at over a thousand meters high, the air feels fresh and invigorating, and the scenery offers a perfect backdrop for photos or just soaking in the quiet majesty of nature.

Covadonga Sanctuary & the Legend of Don Pelayo

Descending from the lakes, you’ll visit the Sanctuary of Covadonga, a site packed with history and legend. The cave where the Virgen of Covadonga (‘Santina’) is kept is a focal point, along with the tomb of Don Pelayo, the hero of the Battle of Covadonga and the first king of the Asturias.

The sanctuary is more than a religious site; it’s a symbol of regional identity. Many reviewers appreciate the blend of natural beauty and deep-rooted history, describing it as “a place that feels both spiritual and steeped in legend.” You’ll have about an hour here, which might include some walking, photos, and perhaps taking a moment to soak in the mountain vistas.

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Exploring Cangas de Onís: The First Capital

Next, your journey takes you to Cangas de Onís, the original capital of the Kingdom of Asturias. This town is full of historical charm, with cobbled streets and old bridges that tell stories of centuries past. You’ll get about 30 minutes for sightseeing, a quick but meaningful window to see the town’s character, snap photos of its iconic Roman bridge, and perhaps browse some local shops.

One review mentions how walking through Cangas de Onís feels like stepping back in time, with its traditional architecture and quiet streets. This stop is a nice break in the day, offering a glimpse of local life and options for a quick snack or souvenir shopping.

Time for Lunch and Free Exploration

You’ll have around 1.5 hours here to grab lunch on your own. While the tour doesn’t include food, this is a great opportunity to try some local specialties — think hearty Asturian dishes or fresh seafood if you’re near the coast. The free time is also perfect for wandering more, relaxing at a café, or just soaking up the town’s ambiance.

Coastal Charm: Lastres

The last big stop is the fishing village of Lastres, one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, known for its narrow streets, colorful houses, and stunning coastal views. The scenery here is truly striking, with rugged cliffs and the Atlantic stretching out beyond. The guided visit and scenic walk take about 45 minutes, giving you a chance to explore and snap plenty of photos.

Travelers often mention how Lastres feels like a step into a painting, with “picturesque streets and panoramic views that make you want to linger longer.” It’s an ideal spot to unwind after a busy day, breathe in the sea air, and enjoy the charm of this historic fishing village.

Return Journey and End of the Tour

After Lastres, the bus heads back to Gijón or Oviedo, marking the end of a long but rewarding day. The total tour duration is around 12 hours, so be prepared for an early start and a full schedule.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price of $48 provides excellent value, considering it covers transport, a Spanish-speaking guide, and access to the Covadonga Lakes. It’s a hassle-free way to see some of Asturias’ most iconic sites without worrying about driving or planning logistics.

However, note that meals and drinks are not included, and you’ll need to purchase tickets for the Sanctuary Museum if you wish to visit it — it costs around 3 euros per person. The guided tour is in Spanish, so some basic understanding or a translation app might come in handy if you’re not fluent.

Not Suitable for Wheelchair Users

Keep in mind that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, mainly due to the terrain around the lakes and historic sites. If accessibility is a concern, it’s worth considering this before booking.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price point, the scope of sights covered, and the guided nature, this tour offers a lot of value. The breathtaking scenery at Covadonga Lakes alone makes it worthwhile, and the stops at Cangas de Onís and Lastres provide a well-rounded experience of both inland history and coastal beauty.

Some travelers mention how the entire day is filled with “beautiful views and interesting stories,” which suggests the guide’s commentary adds depth to the experience. Others note that it’s a busy day, but for those wanting to see a broad slice of Asturias in one go, it’s perfect.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers eager to see the most iconic sights of Asturias without the hassle of planning each stop themselves. It’s great for those comfortable with long days on the road and who enjoy guided tours that provide context and background. If you’re interested in natural beauty, history, and coastal charm, and don’t mind a full schedule, this tour hits the mark.

If, however, you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore each site more thoroughly, you might find the 12-hour schedule a bit rushed. Also, if accessibility is a concern, look into alternative options.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour isn’t specifically advertised as family-friendly, but families with older children who enjoy outdoors and sightseeing should find it engaging. Keep in mind the long day and walking involved.

What language is the guide speaking?
The guide is Spanish-speaking, so some understanding of Spanish is helpful to fully appreciate the commentary.

Are tickets to the Sanctuary Museum included?
No, tickets to the Sanctuary of Covadonga Museum cost about 3 euros per person and are paid separately if you choose to visit.

How long is the bus ride?
The bus ride from your starting point to Covadonga Lakes lasts approximately 2.5 hours one way.

Can I customize my visit at each stop?
While the schedule is set, you’re free to explore the sites during your free time — just be mindful of the allocated time to stay on schedule.

Is food included?
No, meals and drinks are not part of the package. You’ll need to bring snacks or plan to eat during the free time in Cangas de Onís.

Is the tour available in English?
Currently, the tour is guided in Spanish. If you prefer an English guide, check if there are similar options or consider bringing a translation app.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a comprehensive day exploring the highlights of Asturias, this tour offers a solid, budget-friendly way to do so. Expect stunning vistas, a blend of history and culture, and charming villages that reveal the region’s authentic character. It’s a busy day, but for many, the payoff of seeing Covadonga’s lakes, the sacred sanctuary, and picturesque Lastres outweighs the long hours on the road.

This trip is especially well-suited for travelers who want a guided, all-in-one experience without the stress of logistics. Just be prepared for a full day and some walking, and you’ll likely leave with wonderful memories of Asturias’s natural and cultural treasures.

Happy travels, and may your Asturias adventure be as memorable as the views you’ll take home!

You can check availability for your dates here: