What to Pack & Bring: Oviedo

Spring & Autumn Attire

These seasons yield pleasant temperatures but come with increased chances of rain.

Layering Essentials

Breathable long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, or fleeces.
A Waterproof and windproof jacket (essential).
Comfortable trousers or jeans for city and lighter walks.

Summer & Winter Attire

Summers are warm and comfortable. Winters are cool and wet, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Seasonal Wardrobe

Summer: Lightweight, breathable clothing like t-shirts, shorts, dresses. Light jacket or sweater for evenings.
Winter: Warm layers, Thermal base layers, sweaters, fleece. A warm, Waterproof winter coat.
Winter Accessories: Hat, Gloves, and Scarf are useful.

Footwear Recommendations

For City Exploration

Comfortable, broken-in Walking shoes or sneakers are your main footwear. Oviedo's Old Town features cobbled streets and some hills, making supportive footwear important for comfort during long walks.

You will do a lot of walking.

For Rural/Hiking

Pack Hiking boots or sturdy Trail shoes with good grip if you plan excursions to the Picos de Europa or other natural parks.

Waterproof hiking boots are a wise choice.

For Wet Weather

Given Oviedo's climate, Waterproof footwear is highly recommended across all seasons for warmth and protection from rain.

Carry a light waterproof layer even in summer.

Required Documents

Travel Documents

Organizing your documents before your trip prevents unnecessary stress. Keep both physical and digital copies.

Passport and Visa Documentation: Carry original passport and any required visa documents.
Travel Insurance Policy Information: Have print or digital copy, including emergency contacts.
International Driving Permit (if applicable): Carry alongside national driving license for non-EU citizens.
Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: A copy can be useful, especially for prescription medications.

Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Copies of accommodation, flights, pre-booked tours. Store digital on phone/cloud, hard copies in separate bag.
Emergency Contact Information: List family/friends, embassy/consulate in Spain, local emergency services.
Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts (if applicable): ISIC, European Youth Card, etc. can offer discounts.
Doctor's Note: Advisable for prescription medications, especially controlled substances.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Stay connected and powered up with the right gear.

Essentials for Charging & Calls

Power Adapter & Voltage: Spain uses 230V, Type F/C plugs. Need a Type F adapter. Most modern electronics are dual voltage.
Mobile Phone & SIM: Ensure phone is "unlocked." Purchase Prepaid SIM cards locally. An ESIM for Spain is a convenient alternative.
Portable Chargers: Highly recommended for keeping devices charged while exploring. A High-capacity power bank.

Photography & Digital Storage

Capture memories and keep your data safe.

Camera & Backup

Camera Equipment: A good Smartphone camera often suffices. For enthusiasts, a mirrorless or DSLR with a Versatile lens. Extra batteries and memory cards.
Backup Solutions: Utilize cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos and documents. External hard drive or USB drive as additional backup.
VPN Services: Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Recommended Apps for Travel

Navigation & Translation

Google Maps or Apple Maps work well. Maps.me offers offline maps. Google Translate or DeepL. Download Spanish dictionary for offline use.

Local Services & Transport

Moovit for public transport. Free Now (formerly MyTaxi) for licensed taxis. WhatsApp is widely used for communication. Airalo for eSIM.

Accommodation & Shopping

Booking.com and Airbnb for lodging. Amazon for various travel items. B&H Photo for camera gear.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

A small Personal first aid kit and awareness of local supplies go a long way.

Essential Kit Contents

Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen).
Allergy medication (antihistamines), motion sickness tablets.
Blister treatment (Compeed plasters), Anti-diarrhea medication.

Medications & Personal Care

Carry all prescription medications in their original containers with pharmacy labels. A doctor's note is advisable for controlled substances.

Important Reminders

Small quantities of cold/flu remedies, antacids, mild pain relievers.
Insect repellent (useful for rural areas), High SPF sunscreen, Sunglasses, hat.
Not necessary for tap water in Oviedo. For backcountry hiking, a Portable water filter could be a wise addition.

Specific Health Concerns

Altitude Sickness

Not a concern in Oviedo city.
Could be a minor consideration for higher parts of Picos de Europa.
Motion sickness remedies might be useful for winding mountain roads.

Personal Hygiene

Most common toiletries are readily available in supermarkets and pharmacies.
If you have specific preferred brands or specialized products, pack travel-size versions.
Importing certain items might make them more expensive locally.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

If you plan significant hiking, bring appropriate gear.

Comfortable daypack (e.g., Lightweight hiking daypack).
Hiking poles (if used).
Water bottle.
Headlamp for early/late hikes.

City Exploration Gear

For daily city exploration, simple gear improves comfort.

A Small backpack or cross-body bag for essentials.
Keeps your hands free.
Water bottle, camera, guidebook.
No specific unique items required for local experiences.

Rent vs. Bring

Decide what to rent versus what to pack for your activities.

Rent: Bicycles, specialized climbing/mountaineering gear, surfboards.
Saves luggage space and transport hassles.
Bring: Your own comfortable hiking boots.
Your personal daypack and preferred Waterproof jacket.

Cultural Dress Code & Activity Attire

Cultural Dress Code

Spain has a relaxed dress code generally.
For religious sites (Oviedo Cathedral), cover shoulders and knees for both men and women.
Outside religious venues, no specific modesty requirements for general sightseeing.
If visiting the coast, pack Swimwear or a Quick-dry swimsuit.

Activity-Specific Attire

Hiking: Sturdy, Comfortable hiking boots, moisture-wicking Socks. Layered clothing.
City Exploration: Comfortable walking shoes are a must for cobbled streets and hills.
Dining: Casual dress for most establishments, including sidrerías. Smart casual for nicer restaurants.
Consider Nordace for modern travel bags.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security Items

Don't forget these items for comfort, security, and convenience during your travels.

Travel Smart

Comfort: Travel neck pillow, Eye mask and earplugs for rest. A Reusable travel coffee mug.
Security: Money belt or hidden passport holder. A Small padlock for hostel lockers.
An RFID blocking passport holder protects cards from electronic theft.
Consider General travel gear for efficiency.

Sustainable & Local Items

Embrace sustainable travel practices and be aware of what is readily available locally.

Eco-Conscious & Practical

Reusable Items: Reusable water bottle (tap water in Oviedo is drinkable). A Collapsible water bottle is space-saving.
Reusable shopping bag for groceries or souvenirs to avoid plastic.
Portable utensils (e.g., a Travel cutlery set) for markets or picnics.
Local Availability: Most common items are readily available. If you rely on specific brands or very niche dietary supplements, it is best to bring them.

Region-Specific Essentials

Cider Culture

Visit Calle Gascona for authentic sidrerías.

Local Gastronomy

Taste Fabada asturiana and Cachopo.

Camino Primitivo

Oviedo is a starting point for this historic pilgrimage route.

Natural Paradise

Prepare for lush, green landscapes and varied terrain.

Specific Travel Gear for Asturias

For Mountain Excursions

Waterproof outerwear is highly advisable due to frequent rainfall in the region.
Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for trails in the Picos de Europa.
Layered clothing for varying temperatures from valleys to higher altitudes.

For Coastal Visits

Swimsuit and quick-drying towel if planning to visit beaches on the Costa Verde.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sun protection on the coast.
Comfortable sandals or beach shoes.

Packing Pro Tips:

Pack light but smart. Rolling clothes saves space and minimizes wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization. Weigh your luggage before heading to the airport.

Consider a capsule wardrobe with interchangeable items. Bring a small, foldable bag for souvenirs or day trips. Don't forget copies of important documents, stored separately.

What to Pack & Bring