The best traffic-free bike rides around Oviedo

There are over 65 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Oviedo, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 6 easy routes, 44 moderate routes, and 15 difficult routes, ensuring options for everyone from beginners to experienced cyclists.

Yes, Oviedo offers several family-friendly options. Greenways like the Fuso greenway, which follows an old railway line, provide scenic and easy paths. This greenway eventually links with the famous Senda del Oso (Bear's Path), known for its gentle gradients and opportunities to see Cantabrian bears in an enclosure. These routes are ideal for relaxed rides away from vehicle traffic.

The terrain around Oviedo is quite diverse. While many no-traffic routes utilize greenways with relatively flat gradients, you can also find routes that incorporate challenging climbs. For example, the Cristo del Naranco – Cristo del Naranco loop from Oviedo offers a moderate climb with rewarding views. The region is known for its mountains, so even on traffic-free sections, you might encounter varied topography.

Many routes offer stunning natural beauty. You can explore the meanders of the Nora River or visit the picturesque Guanga Waterfalls near San Andrés de Trubia. For panoramic views, routes ascending Alto del Naranco provide vistas of the city and central Asturias, often passing the Sacred Heart of Jesus Monument.

Yes, several no-traffic routes are designed as loops. For instance, the Alto de la Madera – Vía Verde de la Camocha loop from Noreña is a moderate 48 km option. For a more challenging ride, consider the Vía Verde de la Camocha – Alto de la Madera loop from Pola de Siero, which covers over 70 km with significant elevation gain.

The no-traffic road cycling routes around Oviedo are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 220 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the quiet, well-maintained paths, the stunning natural scenery, and the opportunity to enjoy challenging climbs or relaxed rides away from vehicle traffic.

Absolutely. While focusing on no-traffic, some routes incorporate significant climbs. For example, the Alto de la Fumarea – Caldones loop from Pola de Siero is a difficult 60 km route with over 1000 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Gargantadá – Alto de La Colladiella loop from Parque Principado, spanning over 80 km with substantial climbing.

Oviedo's climate makes it suitable for cycling for much of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and lush landscapes, ideal for enjoying the routes. Summer can be warm but is still popular, especially in the mornings or late afternoons. Winter cycling is also possible, though some higher mountain passes might be more challenging due to weather conditions.

Oviedo serves as a central hub with good public transport connections. While specific route access points vary, many greenways and cycling paths are accessible from or near urban centers, making it feasible to reach starting points via local buses or trains. It's advisable to check local transport schedules and bicycle carriage policies for specific lines.

Yes, Oviedo is rich in history. While cycling on routes like those around Monte Naranco, you can see pre-Romanesque monuments such as Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. The city itself, with its medieval architecture and 8th-century cathedral, is a cultural highlight that can be explored before or after your ride.

Many popular starting points for greenways and dedicated cycling routes, especially those originating from or passing through towns and villages, offer parking facilities. For routes closer to Oviedo, public parking garages or designated street parking areas are available. It's recommended to check specific route descriptions for details on parking at trailheads.