Road Trip 8: Oviedo

Embark on our Oviedo road trip, a journey that takes you through the history, charm and culinary delights of the Principality of Asturias capital city. As you wander through Oviedo's historic center, you'll encounter iconic landmarks like the Catedral de San Salvador. Explore the quaint Plaza de Trascorrales and Plaza del Fontán, each offering its own unique allure. Treat yourself to the heavenly pastries of Confiterías Rialto and Camilo de Blas, and experience the traditional flavors of Asturian cuisine at esteemed spots such as Sidrería Casa Fernando and Casa Fermín.

Here's a recommended schedule to help you make the most of your visit:

1. Arrival and parking:

Start your day by parking at El Vasco, an underground carpark. Once parked, use the c/ Jovellanos exit as a pedestrian. Head towards Plaza de la Escandalera, the central square of Oviedo, along c/ Jovellanos. In number 7 is the historic patisserie of Camilo de Blas, that appears in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona. The most popular things they sell are the carbayones pastries.

2. Plaza de la Escandalera:

Upon reaching Plaza de la Escandalera, take some time to explore this vibrant square, which is located between the historic and commercial centres of the city. Here, you'll find notable landmarks such as the Campoamor Theatre, the main shopping street of c/ Uría, the San Francisco Park, and the Principality of Asturias Parliament buildings. Don't miss the sculpture La maternidad by Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

3. Exploring the old town:

From Plaza de la Escandalera, head up c/ San Francisco to enter the "Antiguo" or old town of Oviedo. Along the way, you'll pass by Confitería Rialto, famous for its delicious Moscovitas pastries. Further ahead, you'll reach Plaza de Porlier, where you can admire the sculpture El viajero by Eduardo Úrculo. At the top of c/ San Francisco, you'll find the impressive Cathedral of San Salvador, in Plaza de Alfonso II El Casto, also known as Plaza de la Catedral. Take a stroll around the cathedral building anticlockwise to discover charming sites like Corrada del Obispo, Plaza del Padre Feijoo and the Monasterio de San Pelayo.

4. Continue the old town exploration:

Once you are back in Plaza de la Catedral, cross it diagonally and follow La Rua street. Along the way, you'll pass the Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes, well worth a visit). Just before an arch with a clock, turn left onto c/ de Los Huevos (Eggs Street) to reach the picturesque Plaza de Trascorrales, featuring the old fish market and the sculpture La lechera. Walk around the fish market building and go through the passage under a blue building to reach Plaza de la Constitución, where Oviedo's Town Hall is located. From here, head towards the Church of San Isidoro El Real to explore the market area and Plaza del Fontán. Don't miss the lively food market and the surrounding streets.

5. University and return:

Go back to Plaza de la Constitución, walk down c/ del Peso to reach Plaza de Riego, where you'll find the oldest building of Oviedo University on your left. Take some time to admire its cloister. Exit onto San Francisco street, which will lead you back to Plaza de la Escandalera, completing your exploration of the old town.

6. Optional Excursion to Monte Naranco:

If you have some extra time and are interested in cultural heritage, consider visiting Monte Naranco, located 3 km from the city center. Here, you'll find the Pre-Romanesque churches of Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, both part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of "Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of Asturias." Park outside the Reception Center before exploring the churches.

Recommended restaurants:

To experience the local cuisine, here are some recommended restaurants and cafes:

• Sidrería Ovetense, c/ San Juan 6, just off c/ Jovellanos - traditional "raciones" from 1959, like the very authentic old fashioned "pollo al ajillo"
• Sidrería Restaurante El Ferroviario, c/ Gascona 5, righ in the heart of Boulevard de la Sidra
• Casa Fermín - a very prestigious restaurant in c / San Francisco 8
• La Corte de Pelayo, c/ San Francisco 21 - restaurant in Plaza de la Escandalera
• Casa Ramón, Plaza del Fontán - tavern with traditional Asturian cuisine. Don't miss the calamares frescos fritos.
• Sidrería Restaurante El Gato Negro, in Trascorrales Square
• ca'Suso, c/ Marqués de Gastanaga 10 - family owned restaurant near El Fontán Market

In the commercial area near c/ Uría:

• La Taberna del Zurdo, c/ Cervantes 27
• Eseteveinte, c/ Santa Teresa de Jesús 20
• Komiwa, c/ Gloria Fuertes 53 - probaby the best Japanese Japanese restaurant in Asturias. Taka, from Tokio, cooks ramen on Wednesdays and Thursdays. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays he prepares a tasting menu, but you need to book.

Recommended cafés:

• Confitería Rialto, c/ San Francisco 12 - Travel back in time, a good option if you just want a toasted sandwich and a coffee or beer for lunch.
• Prida, c/ Fierro 25 (El Fontán Market area)
• Casa González Suárez, c/ Ramón y Cajal 8 - Near the Oviedo University main building
• La Paloma, c/ Independencia 3 - A classic bar for vermouth near Uría street
• Per Sé, Corrada del Obispo - for the afternoon-evening