Bulnes: Excursion with funicular and Cabrales cheese cave in Picos de Europa. - Practical Details: What to Expect and Tips for Travelers

The Top 7 Tours In Oviedo

Discover the best tours in Oviedo, from spooky legends and history to stunning landscapes and local cuisine. Find the perfect experience for your trip.

Oviedo is a city full of surprises. Its mix of medieval streets, historic buildings, and local legends makes it a fantastic place to explore through guided tours. What stands out here is how many of these experiences dive into the city’s lesser-known stories—like the Oviedo Scary! Legends and Mysteries Tour, which promises an evening of ghost stories and hidden history. Whether you’re into spine-chilling tales or cultural insights, Oviedo offers tours that go beyond just sightseeing. We appreciate the variety—from exploring the rugged Picos de Europa to learning about pivotal moments in regional history. Each tour reveals a different facet, making Oviedo a surprisingly layered destination.

If you’re trying to pick just a couple of options, think about whether you want a short and spooky walk, a full-day outdoor adventure, or a deep dive into Oviedo’s past. For something truly different, the Legends and Mysteries Tour stands out for its engaging storytelling. Meanwhile, the One Day Tour of Picos de Europa offers jaw-dropping scenery with cultural stops—ideal for outdoor lovers. To help you decide, here’s a detailed look at each of the top tours in Oviedo.

1. Oviedo Scary! Legends and Mysteries Tour

OVIEDO SCARY! Legends and Mysteries Tour

At number 1, the Oviedo Scary! Legends and Mysteries Tour is an excellent pick if you’re drawn to tales of ghosts, legends, and secrets buried in the city’s stone streets. This 1.5-hour guided night walk of Oviedo’s historic core takes you behind the scenes of the city’s darker side. You’ll visit iconic sites like the Catedral de San Salvador, where stories of exorcisms and the Holy Shroud still linger. The tour also explores the Ayuntamiento de Oviedo, a square once home to some notorious figures, and even ventures into mythical tales from the Plaza del Fontan and ghost stories from the Archaeological Museum of Asturias.

What makes this tour special is its immersive storytelling combined with a local guide who knows the legends inside out. Rated 5.0 out of 5 with 186 reviews, it’s clear that people enjoy the blend of history, myth, and a bit of adrenaline. The price is only around $11.59 per person, making it an affordable way to experience Oviedo after dark. Many reviews praise the guide’s storytelling and how the stories are well-researched, making history engaging. If you like a mix of scares and cultural tales, this tour provides an unforgettable look at Oviedo’s mysterious side.

Bottom line: Perfect for night owls and history lovers who enjoy storytelling with a spooky twist.

2. Bulnes: Excursion with Funicular and Cabrales Cheese Cave in Picos de Europa

Bulnes: Excursion with funicular and Cabrales cheese cave in Picos de Europa.

Number 2 on our list offers a full-day escape into the stunning landscapes of Asturias with the Bulnes Excursion. This trip is perfect if you’re after an outdoor adventure combined with some local flavor. It kicks off with a ride on the funicular de Bulnes, which transports you up into the heart of the Picos de Europa—an impressive feat since Bulnes is a village with no road access. Once there, you’ll have time to explore the unspoiled village and take in views of the Picu Urriellu.

The tour also visits an authentic Cabrales cheese cave where you’ll learn about this traditional blue cheese’s production process. The highlight for many is the final cheese tasting paired with authentic Asturian cider, giving a delicious taste of local culture. The tour includes multiple transports, such as a bus, train, and funicular, making it a logistical feat but well worth the effort. Reviews commend the organization and the guide’s knowledge, especially since clear instructions keep things running smoothly despite the longer day.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts eager to see the Picos’ rugged beauty and enjoy a cheese tasting.

3. Guided Tour of Oviedo

Guided tour of Oviedo

Number 3 is the Guided Tour of Oviedo, a 1 hour 45-minute walk that highlights the city’s most iconic sights. This tour is ideal if you want a well-rounded overview of Oviedo’s main landmarks and a taste of local culture in a short time. Led by an official guide, you’ll start at Plaza Porlier, where you’ll learn about the city’s traditional neighborhoods. From there, the itinerary includes the Catedral de San Salvador, which is central to Oviedo’s identity as the starting point of the Camino de Santiago, and the Capilla de La Balesquida, linked to local festivals and traditions.

The walk continues through Plaza Trascorrales, known for its seafood market, and includes visits to significant church interiors, revealing architectural and artistic details. The guide’s insights make this tour both informative and lively. The reviews praise the lively narration, the explanations of local customs, and the chance to see the city’s most beautiful squares and streets in an easy, engaging way.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a concise, cultural introduction to Oviedo in a friendly setting.

4. Somiedo Natural Park & Its Rural Villages Tour from Oviedo

Somiedo Natural Park & its Rural Villages Tour from Oviedo

Number 4 takes you into the stunning landscapes of the Somiedo Natural Park. This tour is for nature lovers who want to connect with some of Asturias’ most pristine scenery. Traveling from Oviedo, you’ll visit the charming villages of Las Veigas, La Peral, and Pola de Somiedo. These spots reveal traditional mountain life, with a chance to see how transhumance and farming shaped the region. Highlights include the El Príncipe Lookout, offering breathtaking views of the valley, and free time in Pola de Somiedo, where you can sample local cuisine.

The tour provides insight into local trades and the region’s unique natural environment. Rated 4.7 out of 5 with only 3 reviews, it’s clear this experience appeals to those seeking tranquility and scenic beauty. It’s a full immersion without the crowds, perfect for hikers or anyone wanting to understand rural Asturias.

Bottom line: Ideal for outdoor-minded travelers who appreciate scenic drives, traditional villages, and a quiet escape.

5. Civil War Tour of Oviedo

Civil War Tour of Oviedo

Number 5 offers an in-depth look at Oviedo’s role during the Spanish Civil War. This 1.5-hour tour explores how the city was affected from July 1936, with sights that still bear the marks of conflict. The guide points out shell holes in the facades and describes the siege, repression, and local resistance. If you’re interested in 20th-century history and want to see where key moments unfolded, this tour provides a visceral connection to the past.

This tour’s strength is its focus on tangible historical markers and storytelling. While it’s shorter than some outdoor excursions, it’s packed with meaningful insights. Reviews note the tour’s engaging narration and the chance to understand Oviedo’s complex history beyond the usual tourist fare.

Bottom line: Suitable for history enthusiasts who want a focused, impactful experience about the region’s recent past.

6. One Day Tour of the Picos de Europa

Number 6 is a full-day trip designed for those who want to see the spectacular peaks and valleys of the Picos de Europa. This tour includes a visit to the Basilica of Covadonga and the Holy Cave, which are significant religious sites with stunning views. The itinerary also offers free time to enjoy local food, making it a well-rounded day.

Rated perfect with 5 out of 5 reviews, it’s clear this tour appeals to travelers who crave a rich mix of natural beauty and cultural highlights. The day is long but well-paced, with transportation arranged to maximize sightseeing and comfort. This is an excellent choice if you want to experience Asturias’ most awe-inspiring landscapes without planning your own trip.

Bottom line: Best for outdoor adventurers and culture seekers wanting a comprehensive day in the mountains.

7. Oviedo: Tour de la Revolución de 1934

Oviedo: Tour de la Revolución de 1934

Rounding out the list is the Tour de la Revolución de 1934, a 1.5-hour exploration of the last major workers’ uprising in Asturias. This tour examines how the Asturian Commune tried to establish a classless society, occupying barracks, banks, and even currency. It’s a compelling look at a pivotal moment in regional and Spanish history.

The tour is ideal for those interested in social history and revolutionary movements. With 5 out of 5 reviews, travelers praise the engaging storytelling and the importance of understanding this revolutionary chapter. It’s a shorter, focused experience that adds context to Asturias’ more recent past.

Bottom line: Perfect for history buffs and those interested in social movements and regional conflicts.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When selecting a tour in Oviedo, consider your interests and time availability. If you love stories of ghosts and legends, the Legends and Mysteries Tour offers an atmospheric evening walk. For outdoor scenery and regional culture, the Bulnes Excursion delivers stunning views and cheese tasting. If you’re short on time but want a solid overview, the Guided Tour of Oviedo is a quick, informative stroll through the city’s highlights.

For nature lovers craving a quiet escape, the Somiedo Natural Park provides scenic tranquility. History enthusiasts should consider the Civil War Tour or the Revolution of 1934, which bring Asturias’ recent past vividly to life.

Timing can make a difference—book early for popular day trips, especially in peak season. Consider your fitness level and interests—outdoor excursions require some walking and flexibility, while historical tours demand curiosity and attention to detail.

Final Thoughts

Oviedo offers a range of tours that cater to different interests: from spooky legends and historic insights to stunning mountain scenery and culture. For travelers eager to explore the city’s mysterious side, the Legends and Mysteries Tour provides a memorable night walk. Outdoor lovers won’t want to miss the Full Day Picos de Europa Tour, while history buffs will appreciate the Civil War Tour.

No matter your interests, booking early ensures you get the experience best suited for your trip. Oviedo’s diverse tour options make it easy to tailor your visit to your passions, turning a city trip into a memorable adventure.