As the capital of the province of Asturias, Oviedo is a historic city with squares full of bars and restaurants, including the oldest part – the Cimadevilla neighbourhood. 

The city is home to ancient churches including three world heritage sites: the pre-Romanesque churches of Santa Maria del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo and San Julio de los Prados – all beautiful and extremely atmospheric. 

There is a lot to explore outside of the city – head east to the mountainous Picos del Europa National Park, home to oak and beech forests and the iconic brown bear and Iberian wolf. Then make your way to the coast to encounter the lovely fishing villages and resorts of Lastres, Ribadesella and Llanes. 

Travel westward and you will find stunning beaches and picturesque villages such as Candas and Luanco and enjoy amazing fish dishes in Cudillero, with its picture-perfect brightly-coloured houses. 

The food in Asturias is among the best in Spain with delicious cheeses, meat and fish dishes which make the most of its rich agricultural and fishing heritage. But no visit would be complete without trying ‘Fabada’ – a bean and sausage casserole, the amazing fish stew ‘Caldereta’ and one of the specialty dishes in Oviedo, ‘Carne Gobernada’ beef slow cooked in white wine and onion, all of them washed down with a glass or two of the local speciality cider ‘Sidra’.

Oviedo is a city ripe for discovery, one of Spain’s best cities and the perfect base to explore the jewel that is Asturias.

Find out more about the other places featured in our Destinations to Watch 2025.