1. Discover Redes Natural Park
If there is one place where you can experience Asturias at its most natural, it is Redes Natural Park. Located in the municipalities of Caso and Sobrescobio, this protected area combines forests, mountains, rivers, waterfalls and small villages in a landscape that is particularly beautiful in autumn.
Declared a Natural Park in 1996 and recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve in 2001, Redes is one of those places that invites you to slow down and walk at your own pace. Its beech and oak forests take on an extraordinary range of colours in autumn, making every route a different experience.
Hiking routes through Redes
The park has numerous hiking routes that allow you to explore its landscapes. Some of the best known include the Ruta del Alba, the trail to Tabayón de Mongayo, the route to Brañagallones and the Desfiladero de los Arrudos.
If you are looking for a plan to enjoy Asturias in autumn, walking through the forests of Redes is one of the best options. The landscape changes with the season, offering the opportunity to discover some of the most representative ecosystems of the Cantabrian Mountains.
In addition to its natural attractions, the park is home to an important ethnographic and cultural heritage linked to the traditional way of life of its villages and activities such as livestock farming, woodworking and the production of Casín cheese.
Tip: before setting out on a route, always check the trail, difficulty level and weather conditions. In autumn, rain and wet ground can significantly change the conditions of some paths.
2. Travel back in time through Asturian Pre-Romanesque art
Asturias can also be discovered through its heritage. Asturian Pre-Romanesque art, also known as Asturian Art, is one of the great cultural symbols of the Principality and an excellent option for those autumn days when you feel like combining nature, history and architecture.
This artistic tradition developed between the 8th and 10th centuries, linked to the Kingdom of Asturias, and preserves some of the most distinctive medieval buildings on the Iberian Peninsula.
A journey through the history of Asturias
Among the places worth visiting are Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo and San Julián de los Prados in Oviedo, as well as Santa Cristina de Lena in the municipality of Lena and San Salvador de Priesca in Villaviciosa.
Some of these monuments form part of the Asturian Pre-Romanesque heritage recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If this is your first introduction to this heritage, Oviedo is an excellent starting point. The city allows you to combine visits to its Pre-Romanesque monuments with a stroll through its historic centre and a gastronomic stop to sample some of the most characteristic flavours of Asturias.
One of the must-see buildings is San Julián de los Prados, also known as Santullano. Built during the reign of Alfonso II, it preserves an exceptional collection of early medieval wall paintings and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
Discover Asturian Pre-Romanesque art
Why include it among your autumn plans?
Because not every plan in Asturias has to take place outdoors. Asturian Pre-Romanesque heritage offers a different way of discovering the history and identity of the region, and it can easily be combined with other cultural and gastronomic experiences.
It is also an especially interesting option if you are wondering what to do in Asturias when it rains or want to alternate nature walks with cultural visits.
3. Admire the coastline from the cliffs of Tomasón
Asturias can also be enjoyed by looking out over the Cantabrian Sea. The Asturian coastline combines beaches, small coves, meadows beside the sea and cliffs that offer some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Principality.
Between Ribadesella and Llanes, you will find the Tomasón cliffs, an area where the coastal landscape takes centre stage.
Autumn is an especially pleasant time to visit the coast if you are looking for a quieter experience, away from the crowds of the summer months. The contrast between the green meadows, the blue of the Cantabrian Sea and the changing colours of the vegetation creates a perfect setting for walking and taking in the scenery.
A plan to enjoy at your own pace
Rather than being somewhere you need to visit in a hurry, the Tomasón cliffs invite you to stop and take it all in. The sound of the sea, the wide horizon and the dramatic landscape make this a great option for those looking for places to visit in Asturias as a couple or simply for a moment of disconnection.
If the weather is good, sunset can be one of the best times to visit the coast.
Important: cliffs are natural environments where caution is essential. Always keep a safe distance from the edge, particularly in windy or rainy conditions or when the ground is wet, and follow all signs and designated paths.
4. Experience the tradition of gathering chestnuts
Some flavours are inevitably associated with autumn. In Asturias, one of them is the chestnut, the star of a traditional activity known as la gueta: chestnut gathering.
This custom is part of Asturian rural culture and is closely linked to the chestnut forests found throughout much of the region. In autumn, exploring these landscapes allows you to discover a more rural Asturias, deeply connected to its traditions.
Moal Forest
One of the places you can include in your trip is the area around Moal, in the municipality of Cangas del Narcea, where a route begins that takes you through a landscape of forests and mountains.
The route around Moal Forest is a great way to enjoy a day in nature and discover the landscapes of western Asturias.
Discover the route through Moal Forest
The experience can be completed by sampling some of the traditional products and dishes of Asturian cuisine because, if there is one thing autumn in Asturias does particularly well, it is turning a walk through the forest into a gastronomic experience too.
Tip: when exploring a natural area, always respect local regulations regarding the gathering of wild produce and follow local guidance. Not all land allows unrestricted collection of fruit and nuts.
5. Explore Asturias' charming villages
One of the best ways to discover Asturias is to leave the main roads behind and venture into its villages. The combination of traditional architecture, landscapes, gastronomy and proximity to the sea or mountains makes many of them essential stops during a getaway.
Villages worth discovering
Among the Asturian villages you can include in your itinerary are:
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Cudillero, with its colourful houses cascading down towards the harbour.
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Cangas de Onís, closely linked to the history of the Kingdom of Asturias and located near the Picos de Europa.
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Tazones, a small fishing village on the coast of Villaviciosa.
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Somao, in the municipality of Pravia, known for its architecture and distinctive landscape.
Each has its own personality, so you can choose according to the kind of getaway you are looking for.
Discover the most beautiful villages in Asturias
A perfect plan for a couple's getaway
If you are looking for places to visit in Asturias as a couple, exploring one of these villages can be a perfect alternative to mountain hikes. Strolling through the streets, discovering small shops and workshops, stopping for lunch and ending the day taking in the scenery are simple pleasures that fit particularly well with the slower pace of autumn.
Many villages can also be combined with other nearby attractions, making them a great starting point for planning a day trip.
6. Savour Asturian cuisine
Talking about things to do in Asturias without mentioning food would mean leaving out a fundamental part of the region's identity.
Autumn is an especially appealing time to sit down and enjoy hearty dishes, seasonal produce and traditional recipes. Asturian cuisine combines products from both the sea and the mountains with cooking traditions deeply rooted in the local landscape.
Fabada, cheese and cider
Asturian fabada is probably the region's most recognisable dish, but Asturian cuisine has much more to offer: artisan cheeses, meats, fish, seafood, seasonal vegetables and, of course, cider.
To discover more about Asturias' gastronomic culture, it is also worth visiting a traditional cider house and experiencing the ritual surrounding natural cider.
A gastronomic stop along your route
If you would like to round off your getaway with a gastronomic experience, you can discover local options such as Casa Trabanco, where cider-making traditions and Asturian cuisine come together.
You can also explore our recommendations for where to eat in Asturias and discover gastronomic experiences connected to the region.
Discover where to eat in Asturias
After all, gastronomy is another way of travelling. And in Asturias, it is often also a way of understanding the landscape, traditions and history of its people.
7. Stroll through the Atlantic Botanical Garden of Gijón
Autumn can also be enjoyed without travelling far from Gijón. The Atlantic Botanical Garden is a space dedicated to the conservation and appreciation of Atlantic flora and a perfect alternative for those looking for a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.
Its seasonal character means that every visit is different throughout the year. In autumn, the changing vegetation creates a particularly attractive setting for walking, observing the colours and enjoying the landscape.
A plan for the whole family
The Botanical Garden is a great option for both a couple's getaway and a family day out. It combines nature and learning in an accessible setting close to Gijón.
Before visiting, we recommend checking the official website of the Atlantic Botanical Garden of Gijón for current opening hours, admission fees and scheduled activities, as these may vary depending on the season.
8. Venture into Muniellos Integral Nature Reserve
For those looking for a wilder experience, the Muniellos Integral Nature Reserve is one of Asturias' great natural treasures.
Located in the southwest of the Principality, in the municipality of Cangas del Narcea, Muniellos preserves one of Asturias' most valuable forest areas and forms part of the Muniellos Biosphere Reserve.
Nature in its purest form
Its forests, mountains and landscapes of great ecological value make this a particularly attractive destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
Access is regulated and requires advance booking, so it is essential to check the current conditions and availability before planning your visit.
Find official information about Muniellos Nature Reserve
If you are looking for autumn hiking routes in Asturias, Muniellos is one of the options worth considering, particularly because of the richness of its forests during this season.
Important: as this is a protected natural area with regulated access, always check the current regulations, booking system and access conditions before travelling.
9. Discover the Mazonovo Museum of Mills
In Taramundi, in western Asturias, you will find another very different experience: the Mazonovo Museum of Mills, a space dedicated to traditional milling and the use of water power.
The complex brings together different mills and elements related to traditional culture and the use of water, in a natural setting that offers an insight into how these mechanisms were once part of everyday life.
A different experience in western Asturias
It is an especially interesting option if you would like to combine ethnographic heritage and nature, and it can fit perfectly into a route through western Asturias.
Before visiting, it is advisable to check the museum's official website for current opening hours and booking arrangements, as these may vary depending on the season.
Check the opening hours of the Mazonovo Museum of Mills
10. End the day with a wellness experience at ARTIEM Asturias
After exploring forests, villages, cliffs and mountain landscapes, there are also moments when the best plan is simply to stop.
At ARTIEM Asturias, just a few minutes from Gijón and surrounded by a peaceful setting, wellbeing is an essential part of the experience. Its Spa & Wellness area currently offers more than 500 m² dedicated to wellbeing, including a hydrothermal circuit, a 36°C swimming pool with outdoor access, a 14°C cold plunge pool, dry sauna, steam bath, contrast showers and different relaxation areas.
Discover the Spa & Wellness at ARTIEM Asturias
The perfect complement to an autumn getaway
After a day immersed in nature, a wellness session can be the perfect way to round off your getaway. And if you are travelling as a couple, you can also discover experiences designed to be shared, including wellness and accommodation options at ARTIEM Asturias.
Discover ARTIEM Asturias experiences
Because a getaway to Asturias does not have to end when you return to the hotel. It can continue with a moment of calm, a good dinner and the time you need to restore your balance.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Asturias in autumn
What can you do in Asturias in autumn?
Autumn is an excellent time to discover Asturias through its landscapes, villages, heritage and gastronomy. Some options include exploring Redes Natural Park, visiting Asturian Pre-Romanesque monuments, discovering villages such as Cudillero or Tazones, enjoying local cuisine or exploring natural areas such as Muniellos.
What are the best things to do in Asturias as a couple?
Asturias offers plenty of ways to enjoy a getaway as a couple: exploring charming villages, admiring the coastline, discovering forest trails, enjoying a gastronomic experience or relaxing at a spa. The combination of nature, gastronomy and wellbeing makes the Principality an especially appealing destination for a couple's getaway.
What are the best autumn hiking routes in Asturias?
There are many options, including routes through natural areas such as Redes Natural Park or the surroundings of Moal Forest. The best choice will depend on the difficulty level, the time available and the weather conditions.
What can you do in Asturias on a Sunday?
A Sunday can be the perfect opportunity to enjoy an easy nature walk, visit a charming village, savour a traditional meal or combine a cultural visit with a gastronomic experience. The most important thing is to check the opening hours of the places you wish to visit in advance.
Is Asturias a good destination to visit in autumn?
Absolutely. Autumn allows you to experience Asturian forests and landscapes in an atmosphere that differs from summer, while also being an especially interesting time to discover the region's gastronomy and seasonal traditions.
Asturias in autumn: a getaway to enjoy at your own pace
There are many ways to discover Asturias. You can follow a mountain trail, explore the coast, step into a traditional cider house, discover the heritage of its villages or simply let the landscape set the pace of your journey.
Autumn adds a special dimension to all of them: forests changing colour, seasonal produce, quieter paths and that unique combination of sea and mountains that makes Asturias such a special destination.
If you are planning a getaway, choose your favourite plans, leave some room for spontaneity and enjoy Asturias without watching the clock too closely.
And when it is time to rest, ARTIEM Asturias is waiting to complete the experience with wellbeing, gastronomy and relaxation.