Aviles is a surprising city in northern Spain that offers much more than just a pretty face. Its well-preserved historic center makes it an ideal spot for walking tours, while nearby coastal villages and landmarks offer adventures beyond the city streets. We especially like the Avilés: discover its Historical Center for its exclusive access to the chapel of Las Alas and the chance to learn about Avilés from an official guide. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or lively city atmospheres, Aviles provides authentic experiences that are worth exploring.
If you’re tight on time, a walking tour of the Historic Center offers a deep dive into the city’s main sights in just two hours. For those who want to explore beyond the city, a full-day coastal tour combines Cudillero’s fishing villages, the Niemeyer Center, and the breathtaking Cabo Peñas Lighthouse. And for a bit of fun after dark, the Night tour: Aviles city of crime adds a spooky twist to your visit. Let’s take a closer look at each experience to find your perfect match.
1. Avilés: discover its Historical Center
At number 1, this Avilés: discover its Historical Center tour offers an immersive 2-hour exploration of one of northern Spain’s best-preserved medieval towns. It includes exclusive access to the chapel of Las Alas, giving visitors a glimpse into its religious and architectural history. Led by an official tour guide, you’ll learn about Avilés’ origins and development from the Middle Ages to today.
The tour begins at Calle Ruiz Gómez, 21, and concludes at Plaza de España. The guide’s commentary makes history come alive with stories about arcades, palaces, and how this welcoming town grew around its port. This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a concise yet rich overview of Avilés’ historic charms. The small-group setup ensures plenty of personal attention, and the two-hour format makes it easy to slot into a busy schedule.
The highlight for many is the access to the chapel of Las Alas, often closed to the public otherwise. It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the town’s architectural details and learn about its medieval past. The tour’s intimate size and focus on local history make it a top choice for first-time visitors.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a compact yet comprehensive introduction to Avilés’ history and architecture, this tour offers a balanced mix of storytelling and exclusive sights.
2. Aviles: Walking tour of the Historic Center
Second on our list is the Aviles: walking tour of the Historic Center, which emphasizes architecture, squares, and the river connection to the Industrial Revolution. It’s a 2-hour experience designed for those who love wandering through streets and discovering the city’s layers of history.
This tour is priced at $159 per group of up to five people, making it ideal for small groups or families seeking personalized attention. Led by Pelayo, a guide noted for his professionalism, the route covers main monuments and the vibrant city squares. It’s a well-organized, chronological walk that helps visitors understand how Avilés evolved through different architectural styles and economic booms.
Participants especially appreciate the route’s logical flow—finishing near the starting point—making navigation easier for newcomers. The tour also explores the famous river, which played a central role during the Industrial Revolution. The guide’s insights are detailed and engaging, adding depth to each site.
Guests describe Pelayo as attentive and knowledgeable, with one reviewer noting, “Thorough tour covering the breadth and depth of the history of Avilés.” This experience suits travelers who prefer a comprehensive, walking exploration that combines sights with engaging storytelling.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a personalized, in-depth walk through Avilés’ main sights, this tour offers a perfect balance of history and architecture.
3. Cudillero, Aviles and Faro de Cabo Peñas tour from Oviedo
Now, for those looking to combine city exploration with coastal adventures, the Cudillero, Aviles, and Faro de Cabo Peñas tour is an excellent choice. This 5-hour trip offers a balanced itinerary with visits to coastal villages, modern architecture, and dramatic cliffs.
Starting at C. Jovellanos, 37, the tour begins with a scenic 45-minute bus ride to Cudillero—one of Asturias’s most beautiful fishing villages. Here, you’ll have 30 minutes to explore its colorful houses and enjoy the views from the viewpoint. Next, the journey continues to Avilés, where the guided tour covers its historic center and the Niemeyer Center, a striking piece of modern architecture.
The highlight for many is the visit to Cabo Peñas Lighthouse, perched atop cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. This is the most famous lighthouse in Asturias, and the views are spectacular. The tour’s detailed itinerary ensures you learn about the history of each site as you go along.
Guests praise the guide’s extensive knowledge and friendly manner. One reviewer noted, “Pelayo attentively answered all our questions and made the whole trip very interesting.” This tour is well-suited for those who want a full coastal experience without sacrificing cultural stops.
Bottom Line: If you have a half-day and want to see both historic and coastal highlights, this tour offers a rich, well-organized experience.
4. Night tour: Aviles city of crime
For something completely different, the Night tour: Aviles city of crime offers a 2-hour walk through the city’s dark legends and unsolved mysteries. Starting at the church of St. Thomas of Canterbury, this tour mixes history with a spooky, storytelling twist.
The tour explores the city’s haunted spots, including Parque del Muelle and the Town Hall Square, weaving tales of ghosts, dragons, severed heads, and mysterious tunnels. At just $10 per person, it’s an affordable way to see a different side of Avilés.
Led by a guide who shares local legends and stories of crime and supernatural sightings, the tour is perfect for those interested in mystery and folklore. It’s a fun evening activity that adds a layer of intrigue to your visit.
While not suitable for very young children or those seeking a relaxed history walk, it’s ideal for curious travelers who enjoy a bit of horror or storytelling. The tour runs for one day, so booking early is advisable.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an entertaining, spooky experience that uncovers ghost stories and legends, this tour offers a memorable twist on city exploration.
$10 per person
5. Unforgettable tour of Aviles
Finally, the Unforgettable tour of Aviles is a 3-hour experience designed for those who want to discover the city’s small details and hidden corners. Starting at Plaza de España, the tour includes highlights like Galiana Street, Ferrera Park, Rivero Street, and the Fisherman’s quarter.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, this walk concentrates on less obvious sights that often escape casual visitors. Guests describe it as “very detailed and knowledgeable,” making it perfect for travelers who appreciate depth and nuance in their sightseeing.
The small-group setting enhances the experience, allowing for questions and personalized insights. The route’s focus on both historical and everyday scenes gives a comprehensive picture of daily life in Avilés.
Priced at just $9 per person, it’s great value for a tour that feels both intimate and thorough. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time who want a well-rounded overview with some local flavor.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a short but rich introduction to Avilés’ streets and stories, this tour hits the mark.
$9 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which tour to pick, consider your budget, available time, interests, and walking endurance. If you love history and architecture, the Historical Center tours (#1, #2) suit your style. For a coastal adventure, the Cudillero and Faro de Cabo Peñas trip offers a scenic blend of villages and lighthouse views.
If you’re interested in mysteries and local legends, the Night tour: Aviles city of crime provides a fun, spooky evening activity. For a deep dive into lesser-known spots, the Unforgettable tour is a short, detailed walk perfect for those who love discovering hidden gems.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak season, and always check availability for specific times.
Final Thoughts
Aviles offers a variety of tours and experiences that cater to different interests. Whether you prefer a history-rich walk, a scenic coastal trip, a spooky night adventure, or a quick immersion into local secrets, there’s something here for everyone. For history lovers, the discover its Historic Center is a top pick, while those seeking a coastal journey may prefer the excursion to Cudillero and Cabo Peñas.
No matter which tour you choose, booking in advance and planning your day around the experience will ensure you get the most out of your visit. These tours are a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Aviles and make your trip truly memorable.