The 5 Most Beautiful Villages to Visit on Your School Trip to Asturias

Discover the essence of Asturias on your school trip

The villages of Asturias are where you truly find its essence: the architecture, the people, the markets and bars, the gastronomy… They make up the culture of a land of miners and shepherds, characterised by its warmth and closeness. Discover with Natuaventura Ocio y Tiempo Libre the 5 most beautiful villages in Asturias!

If you organise a school trip to Asturias, you will experience first-hand the richness of its villages and the peaceful atmosphere that fills them.

Contents

  1. Cudillero
  2. Llanes
  3. Cangas de Onís
  4. Ribadesella
  5. Arenas de Cabrales
  6. Guide to school trips to Asturias

Cudillero

Set in a spectacular location, nestled between the sea and the valley, Cudillero is a beautiful fishing village with a busy fishing harbour. When you visit this village on your school trip to Asturias, walking its steep lanes is an absolute must. The Garita viewpoint is the most well-known (and you will save yourself gym time climbing its steps), and the view it offers of the rooftops with the harbour in the background more than justifies its popularity.

Do not miss the Plaza de la Marina either, at the entrance to the village beside the harbour. The houses line up here at different heights, forming an almost perfect semicircle that serves as the village’s natural gathering place. This square is the heart of Cudillero.

Cudillero offers a variety of activities for visitors. You can follow hiking trails that take you through breathtaking landscapes, such as the Ruta de los Miradores, where each stop offers panoramic views of the sea and mountains. Sport fishing is also a popular option, with excursions that let you experience the life of a local fisherman. Do not forget to visit the Church of San Pedro, a beautiful example of traditional Asturian architecture dating from the sixteenth century.

Llanes

Llanes is one of the best-known towns in Asturias, and thanks to its location it enjoys a privileged position giving access both to its beautiful beaches (Gulpiyuri, Guadamía, Ballota, Barro, San Antolín) and to the nearby peaks of the Picos de Europa. On your school trip to Asturias, Llanes is a must-see stop.

The municipality of Llanes has a significant monumental and historic heritage. In the old town of Llanes, for example, the historic quarter stands out, declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble; the Casas de Indianos and the harbour, where the work «Los Cubos de la Memoria» by Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola is displayed. This harbour, with its colour and art, is an ideal place for a stroll and to enjoy the maritime atmosphere.

Furthermore, Llanes is the Asturian municipality with the greatest number of beaches (more than 30), spread along 56 kilometres of coastline. Beaches of every type and to suit every taste can be found: urban and busy, natural and rarely visited, large or small, open or sheltered, exposed to the wind or protected, with a river or without, sandy or pebbly, and so on. Among the most notable beaches is Playa de Torimbia, a nudist beach considered one of the most beautiful in Spain.

And for lovers of water sports, Llanes offers activities such as surfing, paddle surfing, and kayaking, ideal for enjoying the Cantabrian Sea.

Cangas de Onís

Cangas de Onís was the capital of the Kingdom of Asturias until the year 774. It is a village of undeniable beauty and an essential stop on any visit to the region. The municipality also contains Covadonga, known for its cave-sanctuary and its glacial lakes. Without doubt, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Asturias and an unmissable visit on your school trip.

It is one of the most popular villages in the region, located in a privileged position halfway between the coast and the mountains. With the Picos de Europa on the doorstep, the wildest beaches around Llanes nearby, and the possibility of canoeing down the River Sella at any time — Arriondas is just 8 km away — it has everything. The Roman Bridge of Cangas de Onís is one of the most iconic symbols of the village and an excellent place to take photographs and enjoy the views of the River Sella.

Nature also plays a crucial role in Cangas de Onís. From here you can access hiking routes that take you through the impressive landscapes of the Picos de Europa. The Lakes of Covadonga are a must-see, with their crystal-clear waters and panoramic views. And if history interests you, the Sanctuary of Covadonga, with its basilica and cave, will offer a fascinating insight into the religious history of Asturias.

Ribadesella

Ribadesella is one of the most charming villages in the region. This town is famous for two remarkable claims: first, it is home to the prehistoric Tito Bustillo Cave, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the significance of its paintings, engravings, and other forms of cave art. And as if that were not enough, Ribadesella is the finishing point of one of the most famous canoe races in the world, the International Descent of the Sella, held every year on the first Saturday of August — the only Asturian festival declared of International Tourist Interest.

The old quarter of Ribadesella is another highlight not to be missed. Strolling through its cobbled streets, admiring its Casas de Indianos, and enjoying its shops and bars is a delightful experience. The harbour of Ribadesella is the perfect place to relax and watch the daily life of local fishermen.

For nature lovers, Ribadesella offers many outdoor activities. You can follow hiking routes such as the Ruta de los Dinosaurios, which takes you along cliffs and beaches where dinosaur footprints have been found. Playa de Santa Marina is ideal for enjoying the sun and the sea, with its clean waters and peaceful atmosphere.

Arenas de Cabrales

The municipality of Cabrales is situated in the eastern part of the Principality of Asturias, and Arenas serves as the starting point for entering the Picos de Europa from the Asturian side. It is a very popular tourist spot, with a strong mountain-walking atmosphere and an important traditional gastronomy.

Beyond the mountaineering shops and small bars serving cider and cheese, Arenas de Cabrales is home to the Cabrales Cheese Cave, a visit not to be missed on your way through the village. During a guided tour lasting approximately 45 minutes, visitors discover the full history of this famous cheese. The production of Cabrales cheese is a traditional craft dating back centuries, and seeing it up close is a fascinating experience.

In addition, Arenas de Cabrales is an ideal starting point for walking or cycling excursions into the Picos de Europa. Routes such as the Cares Trail, known as the «Divine Gorge», take you through impressive landscapes with gorges and rivers that will leave you breathless. The nature here is majestic and offers unique opportunities for photography and birdwatching.

Guide to school trips to Asturias

We know that teachers bear the greatest burden when it comes to planning and organising the whole trip. Let us help you! Plan your school trip with Natuaventura and you will not regret it. More than 15 years and hundreds of trips and schools from across the country speak for us. Our team of professionals takes care of every detail, from transport and accommodation to educational and recreational activities.

Asturias is a region that offers a perfect combination of nature, culture, and adventure, ideal for a school trip. Students will have the opportunity to learn about Asturian history and culture, enjoy outdoor activities, and create unforgettable memories. Furthermore, our focus on the safety and wellbeing of students guarantees a worry-free experience for teachers and parents alike.

Do not miss the guide we have prepared for you:

For more information about the possibilities for your school trip to Asturias, you can contact us at info@natuaventura.com or by calling 91 714 06 36.