Discover ecotourism in Asturias: bears, whales, fairytale forests and enchanting landscapes in a natural paradise. Adventure and nature in its purest form!
If you're into pure nature, Asturias will amaze you. No filter is needed here: picture-postcard mountains, fairytale forests and a sea with some fascinating secrets. So listen up, because we're going to tell you how to make the most of ecotourism in this northern gem.
Close encounters with wildlife
📷 Mampiris
Asturias is a paradise for animal lovers. Want to see brown bears? Well grab your binoculars and head to the Somiedo and Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias nature parks. If you want more, at the Bear House in Proaza you can learn all about these magnificent plantigrades and, while you're there, take a walk along the Bear Trail to see them in semi-wilderness.
More of a wolf person? Follow their trail to the Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e IbiasNature Park. And if you go to Belmonte de Miranda and visit the Wolf House, you can find out more about this predator and even see it in action in its enclosure.
Another moment you won't want to miss is the deer rutting call. At the beginning of autumn, the mountains of Aller, Ponga, Somiedo and Las Ubiñas-La Mesa are filled with the bellows of these animal as they mate. Nature in its purest form.
If heights are your thing, in the Picos de Europa National Park and Redes, the chamois will leave you speechless. To top it all off, be sure to watch the "asturcones", robust magical horses that gallop through the Sierra del Sueve.
Whale Watching: giants of the Cantabrian Sea
📷 Mampiris
The Cantabrian Sea hides more secrets than you can imagine. You can see playful dolphins and, if you're lucky, even whales. In fact, seven of the world's 20 whale species pass through these waters. If you're looking for a good spot to sight them, the Lastres Canyon and the Cachucho Reserve are your best options.
But if you find the sea a little overwhelming and prefer to see them from dry land, you have a ton of options: Life Park in Luarca, the Gijón Aquarium, the Luanco Maritime Museum and the Stories of the Sea Museum in Puerto de Vega. Quite a trip without submerging yourself in the depths of the sea.
Birdwatching: Asturias for bird lovers
📷 Noé Baranda
If birdwatching is your thing, you'll love Asturias. The region is home to almost 400 species of birds, both resident and migratory: from the osprey on the coast to the elusive capercaillie in the forests, to the bearded vulture in the Picos de Europa.
To enjoy it to the fullest, get yourself a good pair of binoculars and choose your destination. The Eo and Villaviciosa estuaries are perfect for observing aquatic birds, while the Gijón coast, Cabo Peñas and the viewpoints in the Picos de Europa are ideal for sighting birds of prey and other species in their natural habitat. With patience and a good eye, you'll be amazed by what nature has to offer.
A stroll among green giants
📷 Tejo Bermiego Quiros
Asturian forests look like something out of a fairy tale. If you enjoy strolling through ancient trees and breathing fresh air, you'll find lots of places to visit here. The Muniellos forest and the Monasterio de Hermo beech forest in Cangas del Narcea are true green jewels. The Boxo cork oak forest in Allande is the largest in Asturias, while the San Emeterio holm oak forest in Ribadedeva is a magnificent sight.
If you prefer beech forests, you'll fall in love with Biescona in the Sierra del Sueve and Redes in Caso and Sobrescobio. And if you're looking for a legendary tree, don't miss the Bermiego Yew in Quirós or the Valentín Oak in Tineo. Two authentic natural monuments.
In any case, if you're a hiking enthusiast, pack your favourite boots because Asturias is full of surprises.
The Dinosaur Coast: a journey through time
📷 Ángel Manuel Montero
Dinosaur fan? Asturias has a surprise for you. On the coast between Ribadesella and Gijón you'll find dinosaur footprints more than 150 million years old. The Dinosaur Coast is also home to unmissable places like Santa Marina beach and the Tereñes cliffs in Ribadesella, La Griega beach and the Lastres cliffs in Colunga, and the Tazones harbour and lighthouse in Villaviciosa.
And for a complete Jurassic journey, don't miss the Jurassic Museum of Asturias (MUJA). It has the fines collection of dinosaur footprints in Europe and giant replicas so you can take epic photos. Argghhh!
Asturias from above: viewpoints
📷 Mampiris
Asturias is a visual spectacle. To fully appreciate it, there's nothing better than climbing up to a good viewpoint. On the coast, La Boriza in Llanes, San Roque in Lastres, Cabo Peñas and Cabo Vidio all afford stunning views. Inland, the Fito viewpoint in Caravia, Coto Bello in Aller and Naranco in Oviedo are all unmissable. But there are many more!
For magnificent vistas of the Picos de Europa, the Pozo de la Oración, Mirador de la Reina and Mirador del Príncipe will take your breath away. Every one of these points gives you a view that will stay etched in your retina (and in your Insta feed!).
So now you know: if you're looking for nature in its purest form, Asturias has it ALL. Adventures with bears, whale watching, hikes through enchanted forests, a stroll among dinosaurs and breathtaking landscapes. What are you waiting for? Come and experience it!
Cover: 📷 Juan de Tury
