Asturias Lakes & Villages Tour: Private Local Guide, Pickup

Summary

Private day trip in Asturias with lakes, villages & local guide

You’ll wander ancient bridges in Cangas de Onís, sip coffee above mountain lakes with your local guide, explore Covadonga’s holy cave at your own pace, and stroll Lastres’ harbor before heading home. Expect real moments—wind on your face, laughter over lunch—and plenty of time to take it all in.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever seen a bridge that old?" That’s what our driver, Javier, asked as we stood by the Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís. I just stared at the mossy stones for a while — you could hear the river underneath, cold and fast. There was this faint smell of wet earth everywhere, and a couple of older women were chatting nearby in Asturian. I tried to catch a word or two but honestly, no luck. It felt like the kind of place where time just sits down and takes a breath.

The drive up to the lakes — Enol and Ercina — was all winding roads and sudden bursts of sunlight through the clouds. Javier pointed out cows with those big bells around their necks (he called them “vacas felices” — happy cows), and I swear one looked right at me. At the top, we got coffee at this little restaurant that smelled like woodsmoke and strong espresso. The air was sharp up there; my hands went cold holding the cup but it felt good after all that driving. We walked to Entrelagos viewpoint — wind in your face, sheep somewhere off in the distance. I didn’t expect to feel so small looking out over those green hills.

Covadonga was next — two hours to wander around the Holy Cave and church. There’s something about that cave: candles flickering, people whispering prayers in Spanish, even if you’re not religious it gets under your skin a bit. I tried lighting a candle but fumbled with the lighter (Javier laughed). After lunch we headed to Lastres, this sailor’s town clinging to the hillside above the sea. The harbor smelled like salt and fried fish; kids were kicking a ball near some boats while an old man fixed his nets without looking up once.

I still think about that view from Lastres — blue water stretching out forever, houses stacked up behind us like dominoes. We got back to Oviedo around six-ish, tired but sort of full in a way I can’t explain well. If you want a day trip from Oviedo or Gijón that feels honest and unhurried (and includes pickup), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour from Oviedo to Covadonga and villages

• Pick up at hotel in Oviedo or Gijon
• Visit Roman Bridge in Cangas de Onis
• Visit Enol and Ercina lakes
• Walk to Entrelagos viewpoint
• Have coffee at Picos de Europa restaurant
• Visit Buferrera mines
• Visit Holy Cave and church of Covadonga
• Lunch and walk around Lastres harbor
• Return to Oviedo or Gijon

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Asturias tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from Oviedo or Gijón.

How long does the private day trip last?

The tour lasts about 10 hours, returning around 18:00.

What places do we visit on this day trip from Oviedo?

You’ll visit Cangas de Onís (Roman bridge), Enol & Ercina lakes, Buferrera mines, Covadonga (Holy Cave & church), and Lastres village.

Is lunch included on this Asturias tour?

No traditional lunch is included but there are stops for food along the way.

Can infants join this private tour?

Yes, infants are welcome; prams/strollers & infant seats are available.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this private tour.

Does the tour include entry fees or tickets?

The tour includes preferential access to Picos de Europa National Park; other entry fees are not specified.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Oviedo or Gijón with a licensed driver-guide who shares local stories along every stop—plus air-conditioned transport, preferential access into Picos de Europa National Park, bottled water or Coke for the road, and plenty of time at each site before heading back in the evening.