If you’re fascinated by dinosaurs and prehistoric times, a guided day trip to the Jurassic Museum of Asturias (MUJA) from Oviedo offers a blend of education, adventure, and scenic beauty. This tour promises a closer look at fossil treasures, life-sized dinosaur replicas, and the chance to walk along the coast where real dinosaur footprints are preserved—an experience that can turn the ancient past into a vivid, tangible story.

Three things we love about this tour are: the beautifully designed museum shaped like a three-toed dinosaur footprint, the opportunity to see authentic fossils alongside detailed replicas, and the stunning views of the Asturian coastline. Plus, the walk along La Griega Beach to see actual footprints is a real highlight.

That said, a possible consideration is the duration of the tour—some might find the 4.5-hour slot tight if they prefer more leisure time or want to explore on their own. Overall, it suits travelers with a keen interest in dinosaurs, geology, or those looking for a family-friendly, educational escape with spectacular scenery.

Whether you’re a curious family, a geology buff, or a history enthusiast, this tour is an engaging way to connect with the Jurassic era and enjoy the beauty of Asturias’ coast.

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Key Points

Impressive Architecture: MUJA’s footprint-shaped building makes it a memorable sight.
Educational and Interactive: The museum’s exhibits, fossils, and activities like excavation simulations keep visitors engaged.
Authentic Fossil Sightings: Walking at La Griega Beach offers a rare glimpse of real dinosaur footprints.
Beautiful Landscape: Scenic drives and coastal walks add to the overall experience.
Value for Money: Includes transportation, a guided tour, and access to exhibits, making it a comprehensive dinosaur adventure.
Suitable for All Ages: The interactive elements and relaxed pace make it ideal for families and history lovers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at the designated meeting point at C. Jovellanos, 37 in Oviedo. From there, a comfortable bus or minivan whisks you away into the lush Asturian countryside. The drive takes about 50 minutes, during which your guide—possibly a local expert—sets the scene with fascinating tidbits about Asturias’s Jurassic past and the region’s rich fossil finds.

Traveling in a small or medium-sized vehicle means a more intimate experience, better for asking questions or soaking in the scenery. The route offers glimpses of rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, and charming villages, giving you a taste of Asturias beyond the fossils.

Visit to La Griega Beach

The first stop after the journey is La Griega Beach, about a 30-minute walk from the parking area. This stretch of coast is a treasure trove of real dinosaur footprints preserved in the rock. Walking along the trail, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea—a calming contrast to the prehistoric footprints beneath your feet.

Reviews highlight how peaceful this coastal walk is, with many noting the “stunning views” and the thrill of standing where dinosaurs once trod. The footprints here date back to the Jurassic period, making this a tangible link to Earth’s distant past that visitors find both awe-inspiring and educational.

Visiting the Jurassic Museum of Asturias (MUJA)

The main event is the visit to MUJA, which takes about 80 minutes. Its architecture alone is worth the trip—the building looks like a giant three-toed dinosaur footprint, making it a fun, visual gateway into the Jurassic world.

Inside, the exhibits are extensive and thoughtfully curated. You’ll see authentic fossils—some discovered right in Asturias—as well as life-sized dinosaur replicas that bring these ancient creatures to life. Many reviews praise the interactive exhibits, which include touching bone replicas and participating in excavation simulations, making the experience lively and engaging.

Our guide, possibly someone like Juan or María, will share intriguing facts about the dinosaurs that roamed the Earth 150 million years ago and explain the fossil discovery process. Visitors often comment on how accessible and enthusiastic the guides are, helping to turn the museum tour into a lively learning session.

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Free Time and Relaxation

After the museum tour, you’re given about 30 minutes of free time. The museum features a café, gift shop, and a children’s play area—great for families. The gardens, dotted with dinosaur replicas, provide a scenic place for a relaxed stroll or a quick snack before heading back.

Scenic Return and Reflection

The journey back to Oviedo is approximately an hour, during which you can reflect on what you’ve learned and seen. Many travelers noted that the combination of coastal scenery and prehistoric fossils made the tour well-rounded and memorable.

What Makes This Tour a Great Choice

Educational Value: This is not just a museum visit; it’s an immersive experience. The guide’s storytelling brings the Jurassic period to life, connecting fossil discoveries to the broader picture of Earth’s history.

Authentic and Fun: Seeing real footprints at La Griega Beach, combined with the museum’s detailed replicas, makes this trip a practical way to feel connected to the distant past.

Scenic Beauty: The coast, the views, and the peaceful surroundings add a layer of serenity and natural beauty to the adventure.

Family Friendly: The interactive exhibits and relaxed pace make it suitable for children, who often find the dinosaur models and fossil activities particularly captivating.

Value for Money: The tour includes transport, guided commentary, museum entrance, and access to the exhibits and fossil sites—delivering a comprehensive experience at a reasonable price point.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Wear comfortable shoes, especially for the coastal walk and museum exploration.
Bring sun protection or a hat if visiting during summer months.
The tour is approximately 4.5 hours, so plan accordingly if you have other activities.
Check the availability beforehand, as starting times vary.
Remember that foods and drinks are not included, so consider bringing a snack or purchasing at the museum’s café.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to families with children, thanks to its hands-on activities and dinosaur models. History and geology enthusiasts will enjoy the authenticity of fossils and detailed exhibits. Nature lovers will find the coastal walk and stunning views part of the charm. It’s also ideal for anyone curious about Earth’s prehistoric past with a penchant for engaging, educational outings that are not overly strenuous.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour provides transport in a bus or minivan from the meeting point to the museum, beach, and back.
How long is the total tour? The entire experience lasts about 4.5 hours, including travel, visits, and free time.
Is it suitable for children? Yes, the interactive exhibits, fossil activities, and dinosaur replicas make it family-friendly.
Can I ask questions during the tour? Absolutely, guides encourage questions and are knowledgeable about the Jurassic period and fossils.
Do I get free time at the museum? Yes, after the guided visit, you have around 30 minutes for personal exploration or relaxing.
Are there any physical demands? The walk to La Griega Beach is about 10-30 minutes, mostly on a trail; comfortable shoes are recommended.
What should I bring? Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and perhaps a camera for photos of fossils and scenery.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, the tour mentions wheelchair accessibility.
What languages are guides available in? The tour is offered in Spanish and English.
What is not included in the price? Food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring your own or purchase at the café.

Final Thoughts

The Jurassic Museum of Asturias Guided Tour from Oviedo offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines learning about prehistoric life with the beauty of Asturias’s coast. It’s a fantastic pick for curious families, geology buffs, or anyone wanting a meaningful day out that balances education with scenery.

The museum’s striking architecture, authentic fossils, and the chance to walk where dinosaurs once roamed make this tour a memorable journey into Earth’s distant past. With a knowledgeable guide, interactive exhibits, and stunning coastal views, it stands out as a rewarding and value-packed outing—one that truly brings the Jurassic period to life.

If you’re looking for an authentic, family-friendly adventure that mixes science, scenery, and a touch of prehistoric magic, this tour should definitely be on your list.