Oriente
Oriente is one of the eight comarcas or administrative regions of Asturias. Its most famous area is Spain’s first National Park, the Picos de Europa. Other great places to visit in this most eastern part of Asturias are Cabrales with its famous cheese, the former capital of the Kingdom of Asturias Cangas de Onis and the picturesque coastal towns Llanes and Ribadesella.
We organize the following activities in the Oriente:
Birding
Asturias is a great place to observe birds because of its high density of different ecosystems and habitats. Almost 400 bird species can be observed here.
Two of Asturias’ most iconic species are the Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus). The number of Western Capercaillies has rapidly declined in recent years. Therefore they are difficult to observe. The reintroduction of the Bearded Vulture in the Picos de Europa National Park, however, is successful and this impressive raptor can now be seen in different places.
Do you want to observe the Bearded Vulture and some of Asturias’ other majestic raptors such as the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) or Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)? Or are you more interested in discovering typical alpine birds such as the Wall Creeper (Tichodroma muraria)? Or perhaps you want to discover migratory birds along the beautiful Asturian coast in spring or autumn?
Our tours offer you the possibility to discover new species in the beautiful Asturian landscape!
History and Heritage
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 MarÃa del Naranco in Oviedo.
In the 19th and 20th 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!
This day tour brings you back to the prehistory in Asturias! Asturias has a great variety of prehistoric treasures. You...
Ancestry Tour
Were your (great)grandparents from Asturias and migrated to ‘the Americas’? And are you curious to learn more about their homeland?...
Wildlife
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!
Other Trips
These are other trips.