How to get around Asturias: car, distances and practical tips to make the most of your trip
Knowing how to get around correctly is key to enjoy your trip without rushing, avoid frustrations and make the most of each day. If you want to make the most of your visit, here are the best tips on how to get around Asturias and how to enjoy this natural paradise.
🚗 The car: the best way to move around Asturias
If there is one thing we recommend to get to know Asturias, it is the car. Although public transport is available, most of the most charming places (beaches, viewpoints, hiking trails, small towns) are not well connected without a car.
Traveling by car will allow you to:
- Adjust your plans as you go along.
- Access rural and natural areas that are difficult to access.
- Avoid rigid public transportation schedules.
- Combine coast and mountain in the same day.
Moreover, driving in Asturias is an experience that will captivate you: green landscapes, scenic roads and routes that are as enjoyable as the final destination.
Remember that when you book your accommodation in Reservalos.esyou will find options well located to facilitate your mobility.
🛣️ Distances in Asturias: few kilometers, but more time
One of the common mistakes is to think that, being a small community, the trips will be fast. In Asturias, kilometers are deceiving.
Examples for guidance:
- Gijón – Llanes: ~100 km → 1 h 30 min.
- Oviedo – Cangas de Onís: ~75 km → 1 h 15 min.
- Ribadesella – Covadonga: ~35 km → 45-50 min.
- Coast – rural hinterland: 30-40 km → 45-60 min.
Why does this happen?
- Frequent secondary roads.
- Mountain areas and curves.
- Slower coastal sections.
- Occasional summer traffic.
Key advice: plan your days with two nearby areas, don’t try to cover all of Asturias in one day.
🗺️ Highways and roads: what you need to know
Asturias has a main highway (A-8) that runs along the coast from east to west and connects well the main coastal cities. It is free and very useful for long journeys.
However, as soon as you get into:
- Towns of the interior.
- Natural parks.
- Hiking trails.
- Lesser known beaches.
You will enter secondary roads, slower but also more beautiful.
Practical recommendations:
- Use Google Maps, but check the estimated time.
- Avoid dubious “shortcuts” in rural areas.
- Be patient: in Asturias, the journey is part of the experience.
🚆 Public transportation in Asturias: when it is enough (and when it is not).
Public transport in Asturias works well between cities, but is limited for tourism in nature or in small towns.
It is useful if:
- You move between Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés.
- You do not plan rural routes.
- You make an urban trip.
It is impractical if:
- You want to visit isolated beaches.
- You plan to hike.
- You change zones every day.
For short, urban trips, public transport is useful, but for a complete experience, the car is essential.
🏖️ Access to beaches, towns and routes: what nobody warns you about
Many beaches and charming villages are not on the road. This is common:
- Park and walk 5-15 minutes.
- Access by rural roads.
- Find small parking lots.
In summer, some areas regulate access or limit parking, especially on popular beaches.
Real tips:
- Arrive early in high season.
- Always wear comfortable shoes.
- Don’t rely on “park at the door”.
This is not a problem, but part of the charm of Asturias, but it is good to be prepared.
⏱️ How many trips per day (rule of thumb)
To enjoy Asturias without stress:
- Make a maximum of 2 “long” trips per day.
- Prioritize areas, not endless lists of locations.
- Leave time to improvise.
A good day in Asturias is usually:
- An area + a quiet meal + a light walk or visit.
Trying to “see it all” can result in stress and little enjoyment.
🧭 Final tips for getting around Asturias
- Always calculate overtime.
- Avoid planning busy days.
- Combine car + rides.
- Accepts changes of plan due to weather.
- Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
Asturias is not a destination for running. It is a place to adapt to the terrain and pace.
Conclusion: moving well is key to enjoy Asturias.
Getting around Asturias is not complicated, but it is important to take into account its distances and pace. Understanding its geography and planning will allow you to enjoy your experience much more. If you plan your trip with time, renting a car to explore at your own pace, visiting Asturias will be an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to book your accommodation in advance at Reservalos.es to take advantage of the best deals and stay in the most strategic locations.