Eco Hoteles en Asturias
Alojamientos sostenibles in Spain's green paradise — from the Picos de Europa to the Costa Verde
Por Qué Alojarse en Asturias
Asturias occupies a singular position on the map of Spain — and in the imagination of travellers who discover it. Wedged between the Cantabrian Sea to the north and the colossal limestone walls of the Picos de Europa to the south, this autonomous principality is the beating heart of "Green Spain" (España Verde), a strip of northern coast that receives generous Atlantic rainfall and rewards visitors with landscapes closer to the Scottish Highlands or Norway's fjords than to the stereotypical Mediterranean Spain of sun-baked beaches and sangría.
The Picos de Europa National Park — Spain's first, established in 1918 — rises to 2,650 metres just 20 kilometres from the coast, creating an extraordinary vertical geography. In a single morning you can hike above the treeline through alpine meadows dotted with chamois, then drive down to deserted beaches along the Costa Verde where turquoise waves crash against honey-coloured cliffs. The Covadonga Lakes, a pair of glacial lakes set at 1,100 metres amid jagged peaks, are among the most photographed natural sites in all of Iberia.
History here runs deep and defiant. Asturias was never conquered by the Moors during their nearly 800-year presence in the Iberian Peninsula. It was from the cave-shrine of Covadonga that the nobleman Pelayo launched the first successful Christian resistance in 722 AD, sparking the centuries-long Reconquista. That independence shows in the region's remarkable pre-Romanesque architecture — churches like Santa María del Naranco and San Julián de los Prados, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are among the finest examples of early medieval European architecture, predating anything comparable in France or Germany by more than a century.
Then there is the food. Fabada asturiana, the rich bean-and-pork stew, is Spain's most celebrated winter dish. Cachopo — an enormous breaded and fried veal-and-cheese creation — has become a national obsession. Cabrales, the powerful blue cheese aged in limestone caves high in the Picos, is sold from tiny mountain villages where the road barely passes. And the sidra — Asturias produces 80% of Spain's cider, poured with a dramatic overhead escanciado pour from a bottle held high above the glass to aerate it before drinking.
The coast conceals one of Spain's most extraordinary natural curiosities: Playa de Gulpiyuri, a tiny inland beach fed by seawater that filters through underground tunnels, sitting 100 metres from the actual sea with green meadows on all sides. The fishing village of Cudillero, with its pastel houses cascading down a steep hillside into a pocket harbour, looks like it was painted by an Italian master. And the Bufones de Pría — natural coastal blowholes that shoot seawater 20 metres into the air during storms — remind you that this coastline is wild, dramatic, and utterly unlike anything else in southern Europe.
With a mild maritime climate that rarely drops below 8°C in winter or rises above 25°C in summer, Asturias is a year-round destination where the landscape stays green even in August. The region has embraced sustainable rural tourism early, with hundreds of casas rurales (restored farmhouses and manor houses) offering intimate, low-impact stays that connect visitors directly to the land and its traditions. Book through IMPT and every stay also removes 1 tonne of CO₂ from the atmosphere — at the same price you'd pay on Booking.com.
Asturias at a Glance
| Región | Principality of Asturias (Principado de Asturias) |
| Country | Spain |
| Provincias | 1 (uniprovincial — the only principality in Spain) |
| Capital | Oviedo (population ~220,000) |
| Largest City | Gijón (population ~270,000) |
| Hotels | 8M+ available worldwide via IMPT |
| Price Range | From €50/night (casas rurales) to €300+ (luxury paradors) |
| Best For | Hiking, gastronomy, pre-Romanesque heritage, coastal escapes |
| Climate | Oceanic — mild winters (8–12°C), cool summers (18–25°C) |
| Airport | Asturias Airport (OVD), near Avilés — 40 min to Oviedo |
Qué Hacer and Top Attractions in Asturias
Asturias packs an extraordinary density of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and culinary experiences into its compact territory. For the complete guide, see our top things to do in Asturias.
Dónde Alojarse in Asturias
Asturias divides naturally into four distinct zones, each offering a different character and experience. Choose your base according to your priorities.
Oviedo & Central Asturias
The capital Oviedo is a cultured, walkable city with world-class gastronomy, the pre-Romanesque UNESCO churches, and a vibrant cider quarter on Calle Gascona. Central Asturias gives easy access to both coast and mountains — you can reach Gijón's beaches or the Picos de Europa within 45 minutes. The Hotel de la Reconquista, an 18th-century baroque palace, is the region's most prestigious address. Best for culture, food, and a convenient base for day trips in every direction.
Gijón & the Eastern Coast
Asturias's largest city combines urban buzz with one of northern Spain's finest urban beaches — the 1.5km Playa de San Lorenzo. The Cimadevilla old-town peninsula has excellent seafood restaurants and cider bars, while the Laboral arts centre (a converted 1940s workers' university) hosts exhibitions and concerts. East towards Llanes, the coast becomes wilder with pocket coves, surf beaches, and the spectacular Bufones de Pría blowholes. Hotel Abba Playa Gijón sits right on the beachfront.
Cangas de Onís & Picos de Europa
The eastern mountains around Cangas de Onís, Arenas de Cabrales, and Covadonga are ground zero for serious hikers and nature lovers. The Parador de Cangas de Onís occupies a 12th-century Benedictine monastery on the banks of the River Sella, and the Gran Hotel Pelayo sits at the gates of the Covadonga sanctuary. You're within striking distance of the Ruta del Cares, Covadonga Lakes, and the Cabrales cheese caves.
Costa Verde — Western Coast
The least-visited stretch of the Green Coast — from Cudillero west through Luarca to Tapia de Casariego — offers some of Spain's emptiest beaches, the most dramatic cliff scenery, and genuinely off-the-beaten-path fishing villages. Playa del Silencio is within easy reach. Accommodation is mainly casas rurales, boutique cliff-top retreats, and small rural hotels. The Hotel Palacio de la Magdalena in Soto del Barco offers an elegant boutique stay. Perfect for slow travel, surfing, and deep-green landscapes far from crowds.
Recommended Eco Hoteles en Asturias
These properties combine comfort, character, and sustainability — from restored historic landmarks to intimate rural retreats. Book through IMPT for 1 tonelada de CO₂ eliminada por reserva at the same price as Booking.com.
An 18th-century hospice converted into Oviedo's grandest hotel. The baroque courtyard is a national monument. Central location steps from the cathedral, cider quarter, and pre-Romanesque churches. Asturias's most prestigious address — where the Prince of Asturias Awards ceremony was held for decades.
A 12th-century Benedictine monastery (San Pedro de Villanueva) on the banks of the River Sella, surrounded by mountains. The Romanesque cloister is stunning. Gateway to Covadonga and the Lakes — the Picos de Europa are on your doorstep. Canoeing on the Sella starts minutes away.
A modern beachfront hotel on Gijón's San Lorenzo beach — one of the best urban beaches in northern Spain (1.5km of golden sand). Rooms with sea views, rooftop terrace, and direct access to the Cimadevilla old town, port area, and the city's lively cider bars.
A luxury castle hotel set in 15 hectares of parkland on the outskirts of Oviedo. Spa with thermal circuits, fine-dining restaurant showcasing Asturian cuisine, and elegant rooms with period furnishings. Just 10 minutes from Oviedo's centre but surrounded by forest. One of the region's most exclusive stays.
A classic mountain hotel right at the gates of the Covadonga sanctuary and the road up to the Lakes. Traditional Asturian dining room serving fabada and game dishes. Base camp for the western Picos de Europa. Named after Pelayo, the Visigothic nobleman who launched the Reconquista here in 722 AD.
A beautifully restored palace in the quiet coastal town of Soto del Barco, between Avilés and Cudillero. Intimate rooms with antique furniture, gardens overlooking the estuary, and a restaurant focused on local seafood and cider. 20 minutes from Asturias Airport (OVD) and perfectly placed for exploring the western Asturian coast.
Walking & Hiking in Asturias
Asturias is one of Europe's great hiking regions, with trails ranging from gentle riverside greenways to vertiginous gorge walks through the Picos de Europa. Here are three essential routes — for more, see our complete activity guide.
Ruta del Cares — The Divine Gorge
One of Spain's most spectacular walks — a narrow path carved into the sheer limestone walls of the Cares Gorge, 1,000 metres deep in places. The trail was originally built to maintain a hydroelectric canal in the 1940s and follows the River Cares through tunnels and along exposed ledges with constant jaw-dropping views. The path itself is well-maintained and not technically difficult, but it is long, exposed in parts, and has no shade or services once you start. Most walkers tackle it one-way and arrange transport back from Caín. Best from May to October — avoid after heavy rain when rockfall risk increases. Start early in summer to beat the heat and crowds at the Poncebos trailhead.
Senda del Oso — The Bear Trail
A family-friendly greenway that follows the trackbed of a former mining railway through the central Asturian valleys. The route passes through tunnels, over bridges, and alongside the River Trubia through bear habitat — the Fundación Oso de Asturias maintains an enclosure along the route where you can observe rescued brown bears. Completely flat, paved surface suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs on most sections. Bike hire is available in Tuñón and Proaza. The adjacent Bear Museum in Proaza is excellent for children. This is one of the most popular family walks in all of northern Spain.
Covadonga Lakes Circuit
A circular route connecting the two glacial lakes — Enol and Ercina — at 1,100 metres in the western Picos de Europa. The trail passes through alpine meadows grazed by Asturian mountain cattle, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Information boards explain the geology and ecology. In summer (July–August), private vehicles are restricted and you must take a shuttle bus from Cangas de Onís — which actually makes the experience better, as the lakes are far less crowded. The route can be muddy in spring; waterproof boots recommended year-round. For the best time to visit, aim for June or September.
Asturias Travel Guías
Explore our in-depth guides to planning your Asturias trip:
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Best Time to Visit Asturias — Seasonal Guide 2026
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, festivals, and activities across all four seasons.
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Asturias Food Guide — Local Cuisine & Restaurants 2026
Fabada, cachopo, Cabrales cheese, sidra culture, and the best restaurants in the region.
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Top Qué Hacer en Asturias — Complete Guide 2026
Picos de Europa, Ruta del Cares, hidden beaches, fishing villages, and prehistoric caves.
Explore Nearby Regións
Cities in Asturias