Where to Stay in Asturias: 9 The Best Towns, Areas, and Hotels

Choosing where to stay in Asturias really comes down to how you plan to travel. A beach-focused trip, a city break, a road trip through small villages, or a quiet nature escape will all call for very different bases.

This guide breaks down the best places to stay in Asturias by travel style, from coastal towns and lively cities to rural areas surrounded by nature. For each destination, you’ll find who it’s best for and what kind of experience to expect — so you can pick a place that actually fits your trip, not just what looks good on a map.

Table Of Contents

Best Areas and Towns to Stay in Asturias (Quick Overview)

Oviedo – Culture, history, and a central city base

Gijón – Beaches, nightlife, and city energy

Llanes – Coastal charm and great beaches

Ribadesella – Beach time plus outdoor adventures

Cudillero – Colorful fishing village vibes

Lastres – Scenic views and traditional feel

Avilés – Historic center without the crowds

Rural Asturias – Nature, quiet, and slow travel

Best Places to Stay in Asturias

Oviedo – Best for Culture & First-Time Visitors

Oviedo is an excellent base if you want to experience the cultural side of Asturias while staying somewhere easy and walkable. The historic old town is full of churches, museums, and traditional sidrerías, and most sights are within a short walk of each other.

It’s also one of the best-connected cities in the region, making it ideal for day trips to the coast, nearby towns, or even the mountains—especially if you’re not renting a car.

Where to stay in Oviedo

Gijón – Best for Beaches & City Life

Gijón works well if you want to stay in a city but still be close to the beach. It has a long urban shoreline, a good selection of restaurants and bars, and a layout that’s easy to walk around. The city is also well connected by public transport, making it a practical base for exploring other parts of Asturias.

Where to stay in Gijón

Llanes – Best Coastal Town to Stay

For travelers looking for a mix of beaches and a small-town atmosphere, Llanes works very well as a base. The historic center is compact and easy to walk, with several beaches close by and good access to the eastern coast of Asturias. It’s especially convenient if you’re planning day trips by car to nearby beaches, cliffs, and coastal villages.

Where to stay in Llanes

Ribadesella – Best for Adventure & Beach Lovers

Many travelers choose Ribadesella for its mix of beach access and outdoor activities. The town sits between the coast and the Sella River, with easy access to surfing spots, kayaking routes, and nearby hiking trails. It stays relatively small and walkable, while feeling more active and seasonal than some of the quieter coastal villages.

Where to stay in Ribadesella

Cudillero – Best for a Traditional Fishing Village Stay

Short stays in Cudillero suit travelers looking for a small, local coastal village rather than a busy beach town. The harbor area is compact, with steep streets, colorful houses, and seafood restaurants concentrated in one area. Having a car helps, as accommodation is limited and public transport options are fewer compared to larger towns.

Where to stay in Cudillero

Hotel Azpiazu

Lastres – Best for Scenic Views & Traditional Vibes

Staying in Lastres makes sense if scenic views and a quiet atmosphere matter more than convenience. The village sits on a hillside overlooking the coast, with narrow streets and a small historic center. It’s not very large, but it works well as a peaceful base or a short stop, especially if you’re traveling by car and don’t need many services nearby.

Where to stay in Lastres

Hotel Palacio de Luces

Avilés – Best for Historic Charm Without the Crowds

A well-preserved old town and a quieter pace set Avilés apart from the larger Asturian cities. The historic center is compact, with arcaded streets, plazas, and easy access to local restaurants. Its location between Oviedo and Gijón makes it a practical base if you want good connections while avoiding busier areas.

Where to stay in Avilés

Rural Asturias – Best for Nature, Tranquility & Local Charm

Quiet surroundings and open landscapes define rural Asturias. Most accommodation is spread across small villages and countryside areas, often close to hiking routes, forests, and mountain scenery.

Places such as Somiedo Natural Park and Taramundi are well suited for travelers interested in nature, slow travel, and local traditions. A car is usually necessary, as distances are longer and public transport is limited.

Where to stay in Rural Asturias

Hotel Palacio de Flórez Estrada – Traditional rural setting

Hotels vs Apartments vs Rural Stays in Asturias

Hotels

Hotels are the most convenient option for short stays and city bases. They’re easy, centrally located, and usually include daily cleaning and on-site staff. The downside is less space and flexibility, especially for longer trips. Most travelers staying in Oviedo or Gijón choose hotels.

Apartments

Apartments offer more space and are a good option for longer stays, families, or anyone who prefers having a kitchen. They’re common in coastal towns and cities, but quality can vary, and check-in is sometimes less flexible than in hotels. Many travelers choose apartments in places like Llanes or Ribadesella.

Rural stays (casas rurales & country houses)

Rural accommodations focus on location rather than convenience, with stays in villages or countryside settings. They’re ideal for nature, quiet, and slow travel, but usually require a car and some planning. These are most popular for couples, road trips, and longer stays in rural Asturias.

Budget expectations

Hotels in cities: mid-range prices, higher in summer
Apartments: good value for groups or longer stays
Rural stays: range from affordable to high-end, often better value outside peak season

Final Tips

Where you stay in Asturias should match how you plan to travel. Cities work best for short stays and easy transport, coastal towns suit beach-focused trips, and rural areas are ideal if nature and quiet are your priority.

For most travelers, Oviedo is a safe and practical base for a first visit, while Llanes or Gijón are good choices if you want to be closer to the coast. Combining two bases — one inland and one coastal or rural — often works best.

FAQs About Staying in Asturias

Is it better to stay on the coast or inland in Asturias?

It depends on your travel style. Coastal towns are better for beach time and summer trips, while inland cities and rural areas work well for culture, hiking, and year-round travel. Many visitors choose one inland base and one coastal stay.

Do you need a car in Asturias?

A car is not essential if you stay in cities like Oviedo or Gijón, which have good public transport. However, renting a car makes it much easier to reach beaches, small villages, and rural areas.

What is the best town to stay in Asturias?

There is no single best town for everyone. Oviedo is best for culture and transport, Gijón suits travelers who want beaches and city life, and Llanes is a popular choice for coastal stays.

Where should first-time visitors stay?

First-time visitors often stay in Oviedo for its central location and easy connections, then add a coastal town such as Llanes or Ribadesella for part of the trip.