Narcea

Our history and heritage tours take you back in time to Asturias’ unique past.

Asturias’ history started millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed its coast. In the Paleolithic, our ancestors left incredible cave art, such as in World Heritage Site Tito Bustillo.

The Romans built bridges, aqueducts and public baths. The Reconquista started in Asturias with the famous Battle of Covadonga in 722. Here, Asturias’ first King Pelayo defeated the Arabs. During the subsequent reign of the Asturian dynasty (722-910), the pre-Romanesque style was born. You can still visit some pre-Romanesque buildings, for example San Julián de los Prados and Santa María del Naranco in Oviedo.

In the 19^th and 20^th century, thousands of Asturians emigrated to ‘Las Americas’. The people who returned (Indianos) built large mansions inspired by Latin- American architecture. You can still visit many of them today.

The Industrial Revolution, especially the development of coal and iron mines, and the resultant iron and steel industry still shapes the current Asturian identity and culture.

Our history and heritage tours let you discover all these aspects of Asturias’ past. Select one of the tours listed below, or let us design a customized tour for you to dive intoAsturias‘ unique history!

Join our guided wildlife tours and observe the unique wildlife of Asturias!

‘Unique species, unbeatable scenery and unforgettable experiences’. That’s how Asturias is promoted as ecotourism destination. And no wonder. Although this ‘Natural Paradise’ only represents 2% of Spain’s surface, it is home to 75% of mammals and birds species to be found in Spain. The most iconic are Cantabrian brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos), Iberian wolves (Canis lupus), Bearded Vultures (Gypaetus barbatus), Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) and Wallcreepers (Tichodroma muraria,).

Protected areas in Asturias

Over a third of Asturias’ surface is protected. Asturias has 1 National Park (Picos de Europa), 7 Biosphere Reserves (Las Ubiñas-La Mesa, Muniellos, Picos de Europa, Redes, Ponga, Somiedo and Oscos-Eo), 5 natural parks (Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias, Las Ubiñas-La Mesa, Ponga, Redes and Somiedo), 1 full nature reserve (Muniellos), 6 partial nature reserves, 2 protected landscapes and 39 natural monuments. Furthermore, Asturias also houses the first declared marine reserve in Spain (El Cachucho).

Wildlife of Asturias

Resultantly, Asturias is one of the best places to observe Iberian wildlife. The brown bear is undoubtedly the emblematic animal of Asturias. You can also see wolves, hoofed animal (deer, roe deer, fallow deer, and ibex) and other mammals such as wild cats, genets and otters. Furthermore, you can find over 400 bird species in Asturias. Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle and Wall Creeper are only some examples. Also, over 140 butterfly species live in Asturias. Finally,  you can spot up to 25 species of cetaceans, both resident and migratory, in the Cantabrian Sea bordering Asturias.

Our guided wildlife tours

We offer various Wildlife Tours to encounter the rich wildlife of Asturias. Certified and experienced guides that respect the local environment lead all our tours.

Even though Asturias has abundant wildlife, there is no guarantee that you see all the animals you want during your stay. However, taking part in our guided wildlife tours highly increases your chances to encounter them. We also design customized tours for a unique and personalized wildlife experience.

Come visit and dive into Asturias’ wildlife with us!

These are other trips.