Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias, is a city full of charm, history and natural beauty. With its cobbled streets, impressive cultural heritage and gastronomy that delights any visitor, it is an ideal place for a weekend getaway.
Day 1: Exploring the historic center and surroundings
Morning: Walk through the old town
Start your weekend with a relaxing stroll through Oviedo's old town. This is the historic heart of the city, and one of the most charming places to get lost among its streets and squares.
Plaza de la Catedral and the Cathedral of San Salvador: This is a perfect starting point. The Cathedral of San Salvador is a masterpiece of Asturian Gothic and is one of the most emblematic monuments in Oviedo. Its imposing façade and interior full of history are worth a visit, especially the Cámara Santa, where Christian relics of great importance are kept. The cloister of the cathedral is also a wonder that invites reflection and rest.
Plaza del Fontán: Just a few minutes walk from the cathedral, you will find Plaza del Fontán, one of the most picturesque squares in the city. Surrounded by colourful traditional buildings and with a lively atmosphere, it is a good place to enjoy a coffee or an Asturian cider on one of its terraces.
El Fontán Market: If it's Saturday morning, you can't miss the El Fontán market. Here you can enjoy the local bustle while discovering fresh produce, sausages, Asturian cheeses and more. It's the perfect place to see how daily life unfolds in Oviedo and maybe buy some local products.
Midday: A typical Asturian meal
For lunch, there is nothing better than tasting traditional Asturian food. In the historic centre you will find numerous restaurants offering dishes such as fabada, a stew of fabes (white beans) with sausages, cachopo (a kind of breaded steak stuffed with ham and cheese), or fresh fish from the Cantabrian Sea. To pair your meal, you cannot forget to accompany it with a bottle of natural Asturian cider. Some recommended restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine are Casa Fermín, La Corte de Pelayo or El Raitán.
Afternoon: Museums and art in Oviedo
After a delicious meal, you can spend the afternoon visiting some of the city's museums.
Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias: This museum is one of the main cultural landmarks of the city and a must-see for art lovers. Inside you will find a collection that ranges from medieval art to contemporary art, with works by Spanish and international artists, such as Goya, Picasso and Sorolla.
Archaeological Museum of Asturias: Located in the former monastery of San Vicente, this museum houses a rich collection of objects that tell the story of Asturias from prehistory to the Middle Ages. It is an ideal place to learn more about the rich cultural and archaeological heritage of the region.
Sunset: Campo de San Francisco Park
To end the day, there's nothing better than a stroll through the Campo de San Francisco Park, the green lung of Oviedo. This park is an oasis in the middle of the city, with shaded paths, ponds, and a great variety of flora and fauna. It is also one of the favourite places for the people of Oviedo to relax at the end of the day.
If you fancy a snack, there are several cafés around the park where you can enjoy a typical Asturian sweet such as "carbayón", a puff pastry, almond and sugar cake, or "casadielles", a delicious walnut dessert.
Night: Dinner and cider house
For dinner, you can head to Gascona, known as the “Calle de la Sidra” (Sidre Street). This is a street full of traditional cider houses where you can enjoy a casual dinner based on Asturian tapas and, of course, more cider. Don’t forget to ask the waiter to serve you the cider “escanciada” (a special technique used to oxygenate the drink and improve its flavour).
Among the most recommended cider houses in Gascona are Sidrería Tierra Astur and Sidrería La Pumarada, where you can enjoy an authentic Asturian gastronomic experience.
Day 2: Nature and historical routes
Morning: Climb to Mount Naranco and its pre-Romanesque monuments
The second day of your weekend in Oviedo will take you to the outskirts of the city, to Monte Naranco, a nearby mountain from which you can enjoy stunning views of Oviedo and its surroundings.
Santa María del Naranco: This building, which was originally a palace, is one of the best examples of pre-Romanesque art in Asturias. Its unique architecture and privileged location on the mountainside make it a spectacular place. Santa María del Naranco was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which underlines its historical and artistic importance.
San Miguel de Lillo: A few metres from Santa María del Naranco is San Miguel de Lillo, another jewel of Asturian pre-Romanesque art. Although part of the original church has been lost over time, the remaining building is still fascinating for its decorations and history.
After your visit, weather permitting, you can take the opportunity to go for a hike in the mountains and enjoy the panoramic views. There are well-marked routes suitable for all levels.
Midday: Eat in the surroundings of Naranco
After the climb to Monte Naranco, you will have earned a good meal. In the surrounding area there are several restaurants that offer traditional Asturian dishes with a home-made touch, ideal for replenishing your energy.
Afternoon: Literary route following in the footsteps of Clarín
Back in the city, you can spend the afternoon discovering literary Oviedo, visiting the places that inspired Leopoldo Alas "Clarín" to write his famous novel "La Regenta". Oviedo is one of the main characters in this work, and walking through the city with the novel in mind will allow you to see Oviedo from a new perspective.
The statue of La Regenta: Located in front of the cathedral, this statue is a tribute to Clarín's work. It represents Ana Ozores, the protagonist of the novel, and is a perfect starting point for this literary route.
Plaza de Porlier and Plaza de la Constitución: Clarín set some of the most important scenes in his novel in this part of the city. Walking through these squares will allow you to feel like you are part of the city's literary history.
Sunset: Relaxing on a terrace
After a day full of history and culture, you can spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the city's terraces, enjoying a coffee, an ice cream or, if you prefer something more traditional, a bottle of cider. The peaceful atmosphere of Oviedo in the late afternoon is perfect for resting and assimilating everything you've experienced.
Night: Theater or cinema
To round off your weekend in Oviedo, why not enjoy a cultural evening? The city offers a varied programme of theatre and film, especially at the Teatro Campoamor, which is the most emblematic theatre in Oviedo and home of the Princess of Asturias Awards. Check the programme to see if there is an interesting play or film that interests you.
Oviedo is a city that surprises first-time visitors. Its mix of history, culture and nature makes it a perfect destination for a full and enriching weekend.