Top Things to Do in Oviedo: Culture, Wine, and Northern Charm

Get ready to fall for Oviedo, a city where medieval streets, world-class cheese, and centuries of history collide in the heart of Asturias. Oviedo is your perfect weekend escape (or longer, if you can swing it), tucked between lush hills and the salty breeze of northern Spain. Wondering what things to do in Oviedo? Start by getting lost in its charming old town, snap pics of UNESCO-listed churches, then reward yourself with a long lunch featuring chicken dishes and cider. Or better yet, join an Asturias wine tour and let the local reds and whites do the talking. This guide is your pass to the city. Whether you’re walking the Camino de Santiago or just here for the vibes and the vino, you’ll find enough history, gastronomy, and good humor to fill a dozen itineraries.

What are the best things to do and see in Oviedo?

Wander at Santa María del Naranco

Santa María del Naranco is indeed a must-see when visiting Oviedo. Originally built in the 9th century as a royal palace for King Ramiro I, it was later converted into a church. This remarkable monument is one of the finest and most iconic examples of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture. Perched on the slopes of Mount Naranco, just a few minutes from Oviedo’s city center, it offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.

Visit San Miguel de Lillo

Just a short walk from Santa María del Naranco, the Church of San Miguel de Lillo is another treasure of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture. Built in the mid-9th century under King Ramiro I, this partially ruined chapel was originally larger but collapsed centuries ago due to structural issues, what remains is still stunning. Its intricate stone carvings and historic atmosphere offer a glimpse into the spiritual and royal legacy of Oviedo’s golden age. Whether you’re following the Camino Primitivo or just out for a scenic morning walk, this hillside site makes for a peaceful and rewarding stop.

Explore the Archaeological Museum of Asturias

Step inside a 16th-century Benedictine monastery and time-travel through thousands of years at the Archaeological Museum of Asturias. Right in the heart of Oviedo, this museum is your go-to spot for digging into the region’s prehistoric roots, Iberian cultures, and medieval milestones. From ancient tools and Roman mosaics to Visigothic treasures, the exhibits are thoughtfully curated to keep things both educational and surprisingly entertaining. If you’re the type who enjoys a bit of history with your holiday, this is the perfect low-key cultural escape, rainy day or not.

Walk to Oviedo Cathedral and the Gothic Masterpiece

Built over several centuries and blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, the Cathedral of Oviedo is the city’s crown jewel. Step inside to explore the Cámara Santa, a UNESCO-listed chapel housing sacred relics and the tomb of King Alfonso II, one of the first pilgrims to Santiago. If you’re into history, architecture, or just love a dramatic bit of stonework, this cathedral delivers. Don’t miss the delicate cloisters or the intricate façade, every corner tells a story.

Admire Oviedo’s sculpture scene with La Regenta

As you wander through Oviedo, keep your eyes peeled; this city is an open-air museum. Its famous sculpture trail features over 100 bronze statues scattered throughout the streets. From La Regenta, poised elegantly in front of the cathedral, to a surprise cameo by Woody Allen near Plaza del Fontán, each statue adds charm, character, and a touch of whimsy to the city.

Sample cider the local way in El Fontán Market

El Fontán isn’t just a market, it’s where Oviedo’s soul spills into the streets. On Saturdays, the square buzzes with stalls selling handmade crafts, fresh produce, and Asturian specialties. It’s the perfect place to pick up local flavors or simply soak in the atmosphere. Grab a seat at a nearby café and order a glass of sidra natural, Oviedo’s iconic cider, famously poured from high to aerate the drink and enhance its crisp taste. If you want to sip it like a local, this is the spot to do it.

Visit the Artistic Plaza de Trascorrales

Plaza de Trascorrales is Oviedo’s most bohemian little secret, and you’re going to love it. Tucked away in the old town, this charming square is framed by brightly painted buildings and dotted with quirky bronze sculptures (don’t miss the fish seller!). It’s the kind of place where you sit down for a coffee and accidentally stay for hours. With its creative energy and cozy cafés, it’s the perfect spot to slow down, people-watch, and fall a little more in love with Oviedo.

What are the best things to do around Oviedo?

Explore the wines and landscapes of Asturias

Asturias may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Spanish wine, but its viticultural history runs surprisingly deep. The region’s primary wine-producing area, Cangas del Narcea, dates back to Roman times and was later revived by monastic orders in the Middle Ages. Today, it’s part of the Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) Cangas, known for heroic winemaking on steep, mountainous terrain. While Asturias remains a niche player compared to Rioja or Ribera del Duero, it adds depth to the story of wineries in Spain, offering an intimate, off-the-beaten-path wine experience rooted in heritage and resilience.

Wander around the seaside city of Gijón

Just 30 minutes north of Oviedo, Gijón is a vibrant coastal gem known for its sandy beaches, historic streets, and lively sidrerías (cider houses). This energetic city is one of the top escapes from Oviedo, blending seaside charm with Asturian tradition. Stroll through Cimavilla, the old fishermen’s quarter, or relax with fresh seafood and tapas along the beachfront promenade. While cider takes the spotlight, Gijón wine tours are gaining attention too, offering tastings of local and regional wines in beautiful coastal settings. Whether you’re toasting with a glass of wine or cider, Gijón delivers the perfect mix of flavor, culture, and sea breeze for a memorable day trip.

If you want to complete your trip, don’t miss our guide and discover the best things to do in Gijón!

Visit the picturesque village of Lastres

About 90 minutes from Oviedo, Lastres is a stunning coastal village perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Recognised for its picturesque appeal and cultural atmosphere, it offers visitors clean beaches, medieval houses, and incredible Asturian cuisine. Food lovers can sample fresh seafood dishes and regional delights such as a classic fabada stew or chorizo served with local cider. Lastres offers an idyllic setting for a relaxing escape after a busy saturday and sunday in the heart of Oviedo.

Walk to the Covadonga Sanctuary and the lakes

Located about 55 miles from Oviedo, Lastres is a stunning coastal village perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Recognized for its picture-perfect charm and cultural atmosphere, it welcomes visitors with clean beaches, narrow medieval streets, and excellent Asturian cuisine. Food lovers can enjoy in fresh seafood dishes and regional specialties like fabada asturiana or chorizo cooked in local cider.

Cycle through the roads of Taramundi

About 75 miles west of Oviedo, Taramundi is a rural gem known for its artisanal heritage, open-air charm, and rich food traditions. Surrounded by rolling green hills, this peaceful village is part of a lesser-known wine and cider-producing area in Asturias. It’s perfect if you’re craving a slower pace, cycle through quiet country roads, explore traditional water-powered mills, or visit the fascinating blacksmithing museum that honors Taramundi’s legacy of blades and metalwork. Between tastings of local cheese, cider, and rustic fare, you’ll find this town offers a grounded, hands-on experience that feels both ancient and alive.

Good to Know before visiting Oviedo