What to do in Oviedo

Oviedo is the capital of Asturias and the natural starting point for exploring the Cantabrian Mountains and the valleys descending towards the Asturian coast. The city is a key stage on the Camino Primitivo to Santiago, the oldest pilgrimage route, which begins at the cathedral and climbs into the interior mountains through rural villages and Atlantic forests. Nearby, Monte Naranco offers hiking and cycling routes with panoramic views over the capital, while the River Nalón and its tributaries are the preferred setting for kayaking and flat-water activities. The proximity of the Picos de Europa and the sierras of western Asturias makes Oviedo a convenient base for climbers and hikers combining city visits with mountain excursions. The ski resorts of Pajares and Valgrande-Pajares extend the winter offer to less than an hour from the city. Asturian gastronomy and the rural culture surrounding the capital complement the experience of visitors arriving in search of outdoor activities in a region of well-preserved nature.