Jurassic Museum of Asturias Tour from Oviedo

If you’re craving a family-friendly, educational outing that combines stunning scenery with a fascinating glimpse into Earth’s distant past, the Jurassic Museum of Asturias Tour from Oviedo might just be the perfect fit. This experience offers a mix of indoor discovery and outdoor exploration, making it a well-rounded way to spend half a day in this beautiful region.

What we really love about this tour is how it balances interactive exhibits with awe-inspiring landscapes. The museum itself is designed as a giant three-toed dinosaur footprint, which is both playful and impressive, perfect for sparking curiosity. Plus, the walk to Playa La Griega provides a chance to see authentic dinosaur footprints in their natural setting, along with breathtaking views of the Cantabrian Sea.

One potential consideration? The tour is about 4.5 hours, which is manageable, but travelers with limited mobility might find some walking portions a bit leisurely or uneven. Also, while the museum’s exhibits are engaging, one review hints at some inconsistency in the realism of the dinosaur models, so keep your expectations balanced.

This trip suits families, geology enthusiasts, and anyone eager to combine educational fun with stunning coastal scenery — a perfect outing for those interested in dinosaurs or wanting an authentic taste of Asturias’ natural beauty.

Key Points

• Educational and Interactive: The museum features fossils, replicas, and activities like touching bones and simulating excavations.
• Stunning Scenery: The walk to Playa La Griega offers beautiful views of the Cantabrian Sea and authentic dinosaur footprints.
• Value for Money: At around $65, the tour includes admission, transportation, and a knowledgeable local guide.
• Flexible Experience: Free time in the museum and the garden allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Family Friendly: The outdoor and indoor activities make this suitable for children and adults alike.
• Limited Food Options: No lunch or drinks are included, so plan ahead if you want to eat during or after the tour.

Exploring the Jurassic Museum of Asturias

The Jurassic Museum of Asturias (MUJA) is the main highlight of this tour, offering a comprehensive and engaging look at the prehistoric era. Perched above the landscape, the museum’s distinctive design mimics a giant three-toed dinosaur footprint, making it impossible to miss on your drive from Oviedo.

Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of fossils, dinosaur replicas, and interactive exhibits. The museum’s layout encourages learning through touch and play, with opportunities to handle bone replicas or watch short videos explaining excavation techniques. Expect some models to look more stylized than hyper-realistic, as one reviewer noted that “they left the dinosaurs almost white, with large holes everywhere,” which might be a quirk of restoration but could also affect the realism for some visitors.

The admission fee is included in the tour price, making it straightforward for travelers. You’ll spend about three hours here, which provides ample time to browse the exhibits and enjoy the outdoor areas. The museum’s gift shop offers souvenirs, but considering that food and drinks are not included, bring snacks or plan to purchase something nearby.

The Walk to Playa La Griega – A Natural Dinosaur Footprint Site

After exploring the museum, the tour continues with a short 10-minute walk to Playa La Griega. This stretch is mostly along a trail that offers some of the most striking views of the Cantabrian Sea. The highlight here is the chance to see actual fossil footprints embedded along the shoreline — a rare opportunity to observe evidence of dinosaurs in their natural environment.

The footprints are well-preserved and provide a tangible connection to the distant past. You might find, as some noted, that the footprints are a bit weathered but still clearly recognizable. The walk itself is relaxed, making it suitable for most visitors, and the scenery is truly stunning, especially on a clear day.

This outdoor segment is free of charge but adds a layer of authenticity and wonder to your experience. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen, especially during warmer months.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

Transportation is arranged via an air-conditioned vehicle, which ensures comfort during the roughly 30-minute transfer from Oviedo to the museum. The tour typically departs from a central meeting point and ends back there, making logistical planning simple.

Group size is limited to 30 travelers, which strikes a good balance between intimacy and shared experience. The guide is local, knowledgeable, and will help you interpret the exhibits and scenery, adding a lot of value to your visit.

The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes—a manageable length that allows for a relaxed pace without feeling rushed. Most travelers book this tour about nine days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Price and Value Analysis

At $65.01 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded package. Admission is included, which simplifies planning. Considering the cost of museum entry alone, plus transportation and guide services, this price offers good value, especially for families or groups wanting an educational outing.

The inclusion of outdoor exploration adds a bonus, making this more than just a museum visit. The outdoor walk and fossil footprints are unique to this experience, providing an authentic connection to Asturias’ prehistoric landscape.

What Past Travelers Say

The sole review available rates the experience a perfect 5 out of 5, although it’s worth noting that one reviewer mentioned some inconsistencies in the dinosaur models’ realism. Still, the overall impression is positive, highlighting the “stunning views” and the engaging nature of the museum.

One traveler commented that the models sometimes looked “almost white” with large holes, hinting at some display flaws but not detracting significantly from the overall enjoyment. The outdoor part seems to leave a strong impression, especially for those interested in seeing real fossil footprints.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families with children, thanks to the interactive exhibits and outdoor activities. It also suits geology buffs or fossil enthusiasts eager to see real footprints and learn about Jurassic life in Asturias.

If you appreciate stunning vistas and outdoor walks, then the coastal segment at Playa La Griega will appeal to you. Travelers looking for an educational yet relaxed half-day outing will find this tour hits the mark.

The Jurassic Museum of Asturias Tour from Oviedo offers a compelling combination of indoor discovery and outdoor adventure. The museum’s engaging exhibits and the chance to see real dinosaur footprints in their natural setting make it a memorable outing for all ages. The tour’s reasonable price, including transportation and a knowledgeable guide, provides excellent value—especially when paired with the stunning vistas of the Cantabrian Sea.

This experience suits travelers eager for a mix of education, scenic beauty, and authentic fossils, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting to connect with Asturias’ prehistoric past without spending a full day away from the region’s other attractions. Whether you’re a family, a fossil lover, or simply someone looking for a relaxing yet educational excursion, this tour offers a well-balanced, authentic taste of the Jurassic era in northern Spain.

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the journey comfortable from Oviedo to the museum and back.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour runs approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including museum visits and outdoor sightseeing.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book around 9 days ahead as the tour is popular and spots can fill up quickly.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the museum entrance, transportation, and a local guide. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. The interactive exhibits and outdoor fossil site are engaging for children and families.

Are there any physical requirements or walking involved?
The tour involves some walking, especially the outdoor trail to Playa La Griega, but it is generally manageable for most visitors.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and perhaps a camera to capture the scenic coastal views and fossil footprints.

What did past reviews say?
Most reviews praise the stunning scenery and educational value, with some noting minor imperfections in the dinosaur models but overall positive feedback about the outdoor experience and landscape views.