Viewpoints in Asturias, windows onto nature

Forget about your stresses and strains. Here we suggest a trip direct to the heart of peace. Where? At the viewpoints of Asturias, in northern Spain – stunning natural terraces high up in the mountains where you can feel the cool breeze and look out over incredible views. Come and immerse yourself in bird’s eye views of fairy-tale landscapes.

Asturias is located in the heart of the Green Spain region, on the Cantabrian coast, and a third of its land area comprises Protected Nature Areas. This alone is enough to give you an idea of the beautiful landscapes you will find, both in the mountains and on the coast. To be sure to take it all in, there is nothing better than stopping with your car at some of the region’s most beautiful viewpoints. Although there are many in Asturias, he we recommend some of the most special. Remember that this region is not too big, so you will be able to visit them all and take away some unforgettable memories of your trip. Don't forget the camera.

The Picos de Europa Mountains at your feet

If you start the route from the east, you will come to the stunning Picos de Europa Mountains and their National Park. To take in the immensity of this range we would suggest you visit four viewpoints that surround it from different directions. The one furthest east is Pozo de la Oración (in Cabrales), ideal for a view of Naranjo de Bulnes, one of the area’s most emblematic peaks.

Not far away you will come to the spectacular Covadonga Lakes (in Cangas de Onís), a mythical spot you will love. To get there you can leave with your car from the Covadonga Sanctuary and the journey is 12 kilometres. Halfway there, on the road to the lakes, don’t miss La Reina viewpoint, where you will get a taste of what is to come. As you proceed westwards, you will come to two further viewpoints to look out over the Picos de Europa from a different perspective: La Collada (in Amieva), at 800 metres and El Fito (in Parres), one of the most famous. It has a platform you can climb onto, to feel as though you are flying over the mountains.

A trip along the sea

Now you can come out of the mountains and head towards the coast, specifically the town of Ribadesella and its Punta´l Pozu Viewpoint. It is recommended not only for the delightful views, but also because it is on the Dinosaurs Route and from here you can see the tracks left behind by these prehistoric animals.

If you continue westwards along the coast, you will come to one of the main cities in Asturias: Gijón. Here, La Providencia Viewpoint is perfect to look out over the cliffs close to Serín and Estaño Beaches. Now continue to Candás and La Formiga Viewpoint and then to Cabo de Peñas (in Gozón), which you will love – there is a lighthouse at the viewpoint here. Next stop, El Espíritu Santo Viewpoint in Muros de Nalón and then on to El Cabo Vidio Viewpoint, in Cudillero, perfect to enjoy the sunset.

The magical inland areas

Further east, now inland again, you will find Navia History Park, an area of luxuriant forest famous for its prehistoric settlements and the legends that surround them. Don’t miss its San Esteban de los Buitres Viewpoint, in Illano, for an unbeatable view of the surrounding valleys. Finally, in the westernmost part of Asturias, the Oscos-Eo region awaits you with viewpoints such as Mirandilla (in Castropol) with its stunning views of the Eo River Estuary.

These are just a few of the viewpoints you will find. They are all well signed and it is interesting to visit them at different times of year to see clear, open views or look down on a sea of clouds covering the valleys. Each one of them has a wonderful surprise in store: cliff-top villages, estuaries and magical valleys. Come and discover the secrets of the peaks of Asturias.