OVIEDO TRAVEL GUIDE

Why Travel to Oviedo?

Located in the heart of Asturias, northern Spain, Oviedo is a city where ancient history, elegant architecture, and a deep-rooted food culture come together. The capital of the Kingdom of Asturias in the 8th century, Oviedo still retains the majesty of its royal past with a medieval Old Town that invites slow wandering. This green, mountainous region is famed not only for its World Heritage pre-Romanesque sites, but also for its unique gastronomic traditions, particularly natural cider, artisan cheeses, and rustic, flavorful dishes. For travelers looking to combine cultural immersion with culinary experiences, Oviedo is a must.

Explore the Historic Old Town

Start your journey in Oviedo´s Old Town, a charming labyrinth of cobblestone streets, noble squares, and baroque palaces. From the University´s façade to the majestic Gothic-style Cathedral of San Salvador.

Don’t miss:

• Oviedo Cathedral & Cámara Santa: This Gothic cathedral stands on the site of the original church built by King Fruela I. Inside the Holy Chamber (Cámara Santa), you will find sacred Asturian relics like the Cross of the Angels and the Victory Cross, which appear on the region’s coat of arms.

• Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo: Just outside the city, these hillside churches are masterpieces of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture, offering panoramic views and insight into 9th-century innovation.

• Plaza del Fontán: A colorful square where locals gather and the weekly market buzzes with life. Sit at one of the cafés and sip cider while admiring the lively blend of architecture and tradition.

• Archaeological Museum of Asturias: Housed in a former convent, it´s the perfect place to trace the region´s artistic journey from prehistoric to medieval times, with special attention to Asturian pre-Romanesque fragments rescued from rural churches.

Taste the Flavors of Asturias

Asturian cuisine is rustic, hearty, and intensely flavorful, born of the mountains, coast, and orchards. Oviedo is one of the best places to explore these regional delights.

Signature dishes include:

• Fabada Asturiana: A rich bean stew cooked with chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and pancetta. It´s the region´s most iconic dish.

• Asturian cheeses: Oviedo is a paradise for cheese lovers. Try Cabrales (a strong blue cheese aged in mountain caves), Gamonedo, and Afuega’l Pitu, often paired with quince jelly or fresh bread.

• Pixín (monkfish), pitu caleya (free-range chicken), and carne gobernada (slow-cooked beef) highlight the depth of Asturian culinary tradition.

• Frixuelos and arroz con leche: For dessert, these traditional treats, crepe-like pancakes and creamy rice pudding, are beloved by locals.

Most importantly, Asturian cider is more than a drink; it's a ritual. Head to a sidrería, where waiters pour the cider from high above the glass to enhance its sharp, tangy flavor. Ask for cachopos, a hearty dish of breaded veal fillets stuffed with ham and cheese, often shared among friends over a round of cider.

Our food experts have chosen the best tour operators offering tours with food, wine, and walking holidays in Oviedo. You can check our full list of things to do in Oviedo: top food tours to Oviedo and top boutique hotels in the sections of the travel guide to Oviedo.

Population: 226,773 inhabitants (2025)