From Gijón: Covadonga Lakes, Cangas de Onís and Lastres

If you’re considering a day trip from Gijón into the heart of Asturias, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of the region’s incredible landscapes, historic sites, and picturesque villages. While I haven’t done this exact trip myself, reviews and detailed descriptions give a clear picture of what you can expect, and it’s genuinely tempting.

One of the things I love about this tour is how it combines natural wonders with cultural highlights — the stunning lakes and mountain scenery paired with charming towns. Plus, the guides seem to make a real effort to share interesting insights, making the experience both beautiful and educational.

However, a potential consideration is that the tour can be quite full, with a packed itinerary and some long bus rides. If you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed, unhurried pace, this might feel a bit rushed at times. Still, for those who want a comprehensive taste of Asturias in a single day, this trip hits the mark.

This tour is best suited for travelers who crave active exploration and want to see some of Asturias’ most iconic spots without the hassle of planning multiple trips. It’s especially ideal if you’re new to the region, short on time, or traveling with others who want an organized adventure.

Key Points

• Natural Beauty: The trip showcases Asturias’ renowned lakes and mountain scenery, offering incredible photo opportunities.
• Expert Guides: Visitors praise the guides for being knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful, making the history and sights come alive.
• Cultural Highlights: You’ll visit historic sites like Covadonga Basilica and the sacred cave, gaining insight into local traditions.
• Scenic Stops: The itinerary includes breathtaking viewpoints, including the San Roque viewpoint and seaside vistas.
• Taste of Local Cuisine: Cangas de Onís offers a chance to try regional dishes and cider, adding a flavorful touch to your day.
• Flexibility & Value: With included transportation, guided tours, and free time at each stop, it’s generally considered good value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins at the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Begoña in Gijón. It’s a straightforward meeting spot, and arriving 15 minutes early is a smart move — the guides are punctual and strict about schedules. You’ll board an air-conditioned bus, which makes the long day more comfortable, especially during the 1.5-hour ride to the first major stop.

Traveling in a group allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving. The bus journey itself is quite scenic, giving you a taste of the Asturias countryside before you even get off.

Covadonga Lakes: Nature’s Masterpiece

The highlight for many is the Covadonga Lakes, comprising Lake Ercina and Lake Enol. These glacial lakes are often called some of the most stunning in Spain, with their crystal-clear waters reflecting the soaring cliffs and lush greenery. The guided tour here is a valuable addition, as guides can point out details about the geology and local flora that you might overlook on your own.

Expect around 2.5 hours of free time at the lakes, giving you plenty of opportunity to walk around, snap photos, or simply soak in the views. Some days, access to the lakes might be restricted due to snow or ice, which is a reminder that nature can be unpredictable. If that happens, the guides usually have an alternative plan, so you still get to enjoy the day.

Covadonga Sanctuary and Sacred Cave

Next on the agenda is the Basilica of Covadonga, an impressive stone structure built with local materials. Its architecture is striking, and it’s surrounded by mountain scenery that’s hard to beat. Close by is the sacred cave of the Virgin of Covadonga, a site of deep religious significance. Visitors often find the cave’s fountain and the surrounding waterfall particularly atmospheric.

The guided tour here helps you understand why this place is so important to Asturian identity. With about an hour allocated, you’ll have some time for reflection or quiet exploration, and the opportunity to visit the shrine and cave.

More Great Tours Nearby

Cangas de Onís: A Town Full of Charms

After the mountains, your journey takes you to Cangas de Onís, a charming town with cobbled streets and historic sights. The Roman bridge over the Sella River is a must-see, and the bell tower of Santa María Church adds a picturesque touch. Here, you’re encouraged to explore independently for about two hours, which is ample time to try some local dishes, sample the region’s famous cider, and browse the shops.

Multiple reviews praise the guide’s recommendations, with comments like “the guide was informative, friendly, engaging and gave a lot of recommendations,” making the visit even more enjoyable. This stop balances sightseeing with relaxation, allowing you to absorb the local ambiance and indulge in some regional gastronomy.

Coastal Views and Lastres

The final leg of the trip takes you along the Cantabrian coast, passing by beaches like La Espasa and La Griega. This scenic drive is a real treat, offering panoramic ocean vistas that many travelers mention as a highlight. The small fishing village of Lastres is the grand finale — often called one of Spain’s most beautiful villages.

In Lastres, you’ll get about 30 minutes to wander and enjoy the views from an impressive lookout. The scenery here is breathtaking, with rugged cliffs meeting the sea, making it a perfect spot for memorable photos. Visitors consistently rave about the “impressive viewpoint,” and many remark that the views are “indescribable.”

What It’s Like to Spend a Day on This Tour

The entire day is a blend of sightseeing, walking, and driving, with a total duration of about 11 hours. The schedule is tight, but the guides do a good job of keeping things moving, as several reviews note. The bus’s comfort, combined with the scenic routes and stops, makes the long hours manageable.

You’ll appreciate the knowledge shared by guides like Santiago, who many reviews mention as friendly, accommodating, and well-informed. While some parts of the tour are predominantly in Spanish — and that can mean missing out on some explanations — guides often try to translate or provide additional info when asked.

Food and drink options are available at Cangas de Onís, where you can sample typical dishes and drinks like cider. The opportunity to taste regional flavors adds a nice touch, making the experience not just visual but also culinary.

How the Price Matches the Experience

Considering that the tour includes transportation, multiple guided visits, and free time at the stops, many find it offers good value. For around a full day of exploration with expert guides, the cost is reasonable, especially when you factor in the convenience of organized transportation and local insights.

A few reviews highlight that the guides are not only knowledgeable but also attentive, which enhances the overall value. Plus, the scenic beauty and cultural richness you encounter are well worth the price, making it a worthwhile investment for most travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for first-timers eager to see Asturias’ iconic sights without the hassle of arranging their own transportation. It’s also perfect for those who love nature, scenic drives, and historic sites, blending outdoor beauty with cultural insights.

While not specifically tailored as a family-focused tour, the moderate amount of walking means it’s suitable for most travelers with good mobility. If you’re into photography, landscapes, and regional cuisine, this will tick all your boxes.

FAQs About the Tour

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, and it’s not designed for wheelchair users. If mobility is limited, it’s good to plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, water, and comfortable clothes suitable for walking and variable weather conditions.

Will the tour be in English, Spanish, or both?
The guide provides commentary in both languages, but some reviews mention that most of the explanation is in Spanish. Guides often try to translate or provide summaries in English, but there may be moments where some details are missed if you don’t speak Spanish.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your schedule shifts.

How long is the time spent at each stop?
You’ll have around 2.5 hours at Covadonga Lakes, an hour at Covadonga, two hours in Cangas de Onís, and about 30 minutes in Lastres, plus travel time between locations.

Is this a full-day tour?
Yes, approximately 11 hours, including transfers, sightseeing, and free time.

Are pets allowed on the tour?
No, pets are not permitted.

What kind of transportation is used?
An air-conditioned bus provides comfortable transportation throughout the day.

What if the lakes are closed due to snow or ice?
In such cases, guides usually offer an alternative plan so you still get to experience the region’s highlights.

Final Thoughts

This guided trip from Gijón across Asturias offers a smart way to see some of Spain’s most stunning landscapes and charming villages without the stress of planning logistics yourself. The combination of natural beauty, cultural sites, and scenic coastal views makes it appealing for most travelers eager to soak in the region’s charm.

The guides are a standout feature, with many reviews highlighting their friendliness and knowledge, which helps bring the experience to life. While the schedule can be tight, the variety of sights and the opportunity to taste regional cider and cuisine make it a satisfying, well-rounded day.

If you’re looking for an organized, scenic, and culturally rich day out in Asturias, this tour could be just what you need. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy active sightseeing and are comfortable with a full agenda. Just keep in mind the potential language barrier and the need for good walking shoes.

Overall, it’s a memorable way to explore a region that’s often overlooked but packed with natural beauty and history.

You can check availability for your dates here: