Camping in Asturias: sea, mountains and nature in green Spain
Asturias is one of the most complete camping destinations on the peninsula. Mountains that drop down to the sea, lush forests of chestnut and oak, crystal-clear rivers and a jagged coastline with beaches that combine golden sand with green cliffs. The so-called Costa Verde offers kilometres of shoreline where summer temperatures are perfect for those looking to escape the heat of the rest of Spain, and where you can swim in the morning and walk in the high mountains in the afternoon.
The Picos de Europa are the great landmark of the interior. From the campsites near Cangas de Onís or Arenas de Cabrales you can reach legendary routes: the Cares Gorge, the climb to the Naranjo de Bulnes or the ascent to the Lakes of Covadonga, where Lake Enol and the Covadonga shrine form one of the most photographed landscapes in the north. In winter the massif also sees considerable snow-hiking activity and is a destination for climbers from all over Europe. In summer, river descents on the Sella or the Cares, as well as paddling and canoeing, draw families and adventure groups from all over Spain.
The Asturian coast brings together some of the most distinctive beaches on the Cantabrian Sea. Gulpiyuri, declared a natural monument, is surprising as an inland beach surrounded by meadows. Torimbia and Playa del Silencio, both protected, stand out for their unspoilt surroundings. The beaches of Llanes, Ribadesella and Cabo de Peñas also offer options for family swimming next to well-equipped campsites. Many of these sites have pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as bungalows and glamping options for those who prefer a more comfortable stay without giving up contact with nature.
The interior holds places of great ecological value. The Somiedo Natural Park, with its glacial lakes, its grazing brañas and its population of brown bears, is one of the most important protected areas in Spain. The Muniellos Biosphere Reserve is home to one of the best-preserved oak forests in western Europe. The Senda del Oso, which follows the old mining route of the Trubia valley, is ideal for exploring by mountain bike or on foot with the family, with gentle gradients and spectacular scenery. Tineo, Salas, Grado and the Narcea valley complete an interior that invites you to get lost without hurry.
The food is another compelling reason to choose Asturias. Fabada asturiana, cachopo, Cabrales cheese, Afuega'l Pitu cheese and rice pudding are unmissable. Natural cider, poured from a height to aerate it in the glass, is served in the cider houses of Oviedo, Gijón, Avilés and Llanes, and goes well with both the fresh fish of the Cantabrian Sea and the meats of the interior. Village markets and local festivals, especially in summer, offer a direct immersion in Asturian culture.
Asturias is a camping destination for families, couples, cyclists, hikers and motorhome travellers looking for authenticity, scenery and peace and quiet. The high season is concentrated in July and August, but spring and autumn are excellent times to explore the interior with fewer crowds, enjoy the colours of the Atlantic forest and find available pitches easily.
