Eight destinations in Asturias less than two hours by car from Gijón, with the furthest being 93 minutes away: the Lakes of Covadonga. There are mountains, water, caves and villages, and in each one you can join a guided activity. Here are the travel times, what is useful to know before setting off and which plan fits each time of year.
Lastres, coastal village of Colunga 35 minutes from Gijón
Lastres is a coastal village in the council of Colunga, with houses huddled together on a hillside that falls towards the sea. You can see the Lastres file to prepare your visit.
Getting there is quick: 40.3 km and 35 minutes by car from Gijón without traffic. It is a half-day or full-day escape, with room to eat and return without rushing.
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Sierra del Sueve: Picu Pienzu and the Mirador del Fitu route
Picu Pienzu crowns the mountain range with its cross at 1,161 metres, and the climb via the Mirador del Fitu route is the most direct way to reach the top. The mountain range is a protected landscape and is spread across Colunga, Caravia, Ribadesella, Parres and Piloña. It preserves almost extinct forests, such as beech woods, and tropical ferns.
Picuco organises the Moderate ascent to Pico Pienzu in the Sierra del Sueve, Asturias so that you can climb with someone who knows the terrain. It is 46.2 km and 37 minutes by car from Gijón without traffic to the Sierra del Sueve Interpretation Centre.
Cueva de la Peña de Candamo: Paleolithic art with prior booking
The cave preserves Paleolithic art and is the westernmost cave with Paleolithic art on the European continent. Since July 2008, it has been included on the Unesco World Heritage list. You can find more details in the Cueva de la Peña de Candamo file.
Before going, make your booking online in advance: it is essential. The limit is 45 people per day, 15 per shift, and entry is limited to those over 7 years old. It is 48.4 km and 47 minutes by car from Gijón without traffic to Candamo.
Ría de Ribadesella: canoe and SUP during high tide
The Ría de Ribadesella is an estuary of brackish waters, and during high tide you can paddle in a canoe or on a SUP in tranquillity. The common shag and the Egyptian vulture nest in its coastal cliffs. The right bank, next to the promenade, is a popular spot for sport fishing.
Picuco organises Guided paddle surf in the Ría de Ribadesella to take advantage of the rising tide. It is 62.2 km and 48 minutes by car from Gijón without traffic to the estuary.
Río Sella: canoe descent through the natural axis of eastern Asturias
The Sella is one of the best-known watercourses in northern Spain and the great natural axis of eastern Asturias. It flows through León and Asturias, and rises in the Picos de Europa, in Junseya (Oseja de Sajambre), although it is popularly said to rise in the Fuente del Infierno. Travelling it in a canoe gives you another scale of the landscape.
Picuco organises the Canoe descent of the Sella river, Asturias with accompaniment during the descent. It is 64.6 km and 58 minutes by car from Gijón without traffic to the starting point.
Senda del Oso: 22 km by bike between tunnels and the bear enclosure
The Senda del Oso is a greenway that combines industrial history, nature, and a plan that works for families. It was created on the tracks of an old mining railway that carried coal from the mines of Teverga and Quirós to the Trubia steelworks. Along the route, there are more than 30 tunnels excavated in rock.
The most common descent goes from Tuñón to Entrago: 22 km by bike, about 2.5 hours, suitable for the whole family. Picuco organises the Guided e-bike tour on the Senda del Oso in Asturias. It is 68.1 km and 1 h 4 min by car from Gijón without traffic to the Senda del Oso.
Redes Natural Park: beech forests and protected area rules
The beech forest is the dominant vegetation formation in the mountains of Redes, and the park extends through Caso and Sobrescobio. Unesco recognised it as a Biosphere Reserve in 2001. It is a Natural Park, so it is worth knowing what can be done before setting off.
Picuco organises Guided hiking in the Redes Natural Park, Asturias to explore it with clear rules. It is 71.8 km and 1 h 2 min by car from Gijón without traffic to the Centro de Interpretación del Parque Natural de Redes.
Lakes of Covadonga: glacial lakes at 1,134 m in Picos de Europa
The Lakes of Covadonga are of glacial origin and are surrounded by mountains, green pastures, and cows. They are located in Cangas de Onís, within the Picos de Europa National Park, at an altitude of 1,134 metres. The reference town to get there is Cangas de Onís, from where most bus excursions and private taxis depart.
Picuco organises Guided hiking in the Lakes of Covadonga to walk through the area calmly. It is the furthest getaway on the list: 93.5 km and 1 h 33 min by car from Gijón without traffic.
Rules affecting the visit to the Redes Natural Park
In the Redes Natural Park, water activities such as canyoning, ravine descent, white water, or rafting are prohibited, as is swimming in lakes and reservoirs. Sporting activities with motorised vehicles are also not permitted. Similarly, non-motorised sporting aerial activities, parachuting, paragliding, and similar activities are excluded.
Wild camping, caravans, and other mobile hostels are prohibited, except for bivouacking in areas where the park regulations allow it. If your plan includes sleeping in the park, sort it out before leaving Gijón.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Gijón to each getaway?
Lastres is 40.3 km and 35 minutes by car from Gijón without traffic. The Centro de Interpretación de la Sierra del Sueve is 46.2 km and 37 minutes, and Candamo is 48.4 km and 47 minutes. The Ribadesella estuary, 62.2 km and 48 minutes; the Sella starting point, 64.6 km and 58 minutes; the Senda del Oso, 68.1 km and 1 h 4 min; the Redes Interpretation Centre, 71.8 km and 1 h 2 min; and the Lakes of Covadonga, 93.5 km and 1 h 33 min.
What nature getaways are there near Gijón?
The Sierra del Sueve is a protected landscape and the Redes Natural Park has the status of a Natural Park. The Lakes of Covadonga are of glacial origin and are surrounded by mountains, green pastures, and cows. The Sella river is the great natural axis of eastern Asturias.
What beautiful towns are there near Gijón?
Lastres is a coastal town in the municipality of Colunga, 35 minutes by car from Gijón without traffic.
What plans are there with children near Gijón?
La Senda del Oso is a greenway that combines industrial history, nature and a family plan. The most common descent, from Tuñón to Entrago, is 22 km by bike in about 2.5 hours, suitable for the whole family. In the Cueva de la Peña de Candamo, entry is limited to those over 7 years old.