
Arnao Mining Museum
Explore Asturias' rich mining history with a unique underground tour, but book well in advance by phone!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better access

Arnao Mining Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Asturias' rich mining history with a unique underground tour, but book well in advance by phone!
"Impossible to book, but the beach below is gorgeous and made the drive worthwhile."

📞 Book by Phone
Always book your visit by telephone in advance. Online booking is not reliable .
⏳ Arrive Early
Even with a booking, arriving a bit early can help ensure a smooth entry .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Mine Tour
Mine entrance
Descend into the historic mine, exploring accessible sections and learning about its past operations.

Mining History Exhibits
Museum galleries
Discover the rich history of mining in Asturias from 1830 to the present day.

Coastal Scenery
Beach below the museum
Enjoy the gorgeous beach nearby, a perfect complement to a museum visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Booking is Essential
Mine Access Limitations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Book by Phone
Always book your visit by telephone in advance. Online booking is not reliable.
⏳ Arrive Early
Even with a booking, arriving a bit early can help ensure a smooth entry.
🗣️ Language Barrier
Guides are primarily in Castellano. Be prepared for potential language limitations.
🏖️ Beach Nearby
If the museum is full, the gorgeous beach below is a great alternative.
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Book by Phone
Always book your visit by telephone in advance. Online booking is not reliable.
⏳ Arrive Early
Even with a booking, arriving a bit early can help ensure a smooth entry.
🗣️ Language Barrier
Guides are primarily in Castellano. Be prepared for potential language limitations.
🏖️ Beach Nearby
If the museum is full, the gorgeous beach below is a great alternative.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Arnao Mining Museum offers a fascinating look into Asturias' mining past, with underground tours providing a unique historical perspective. However, booking is notoriously difficult, with unreliable online services and a strong reliance on phone reservations, leading to frequent disappointment for visitors who arrive without confirmed bookings.
"Very good guide although only Castellano language. Book in advance by telephone, no online booking service."
Kenneth Hook
"We arrived today at 11am ... No one was there. The museum was completely empty as it has just opened. We were told they were fully booked. So we left with three disappointed kids,
We had tried to book through the website but it never worked. The lady on reception said it had been announced on the news that they were full. However that information would have been better served on the website. I asked someone in reception where my boy could go looking for rocks in Asturias but she didn't know and didn't even try to help.
Though the beach below is gorgeous and meant the 40 minute drive wasn't totally wasted. When we came back fron the beach the parking was still empty so I wonder how they were so fully booked."
Mark Griffin
"Very disappointed... it was impossible to book place through the website and there was no one answering the phone. We were only one day around..and could not enter...I can not say if the place is worth to visit..what I may say is that even if you try to book there is no possibility to do so..."
Anna S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located near the coast in Asturias. Driving is the most common method. Parking availability can vary, and it's advisable to check local conditions before your visit.
Information on direct public transport links is scarce. It's recommended to research local bus or train routes to nearby towns and then consider a taxi or local transport if available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Booking in advance by telephone is essential. The website booking service is unreliable, and walk-ins are often turned away due to being fully booked.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to confirm directly with the museum when booking by phone. Arriving early is recommended even with a reservation.
Specific age limits for the mine tour are not widely published. It's advisable to inquire about this when making your booking, especially if traveling with young children.
It is highly discouraged to rely on buying tickets on the day. The museum frequently reports being fully booked, even for early arrivals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour takes you underground to explore accessible parts of the historic mine. Note that much of the older mine is flooded, so you'll only see a portion of its original depth.
While the history might be engaging, the mine tour's limited depth and potential language barriers might affect younger children. The nearby beach offers a more universally appealing experience for kids.
The guided tours are primarily conducted in Castellano (Spanish). Visitors who do not speak Spanish may find it challenging to fully engage with the commentary.
Basic facilities are expected, but specific details like accessibility for those with mobility issues or the availability of restrooms should be confirmed when booking.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your guide or check for signage upon arrival. Capturing the historical exhibits is generally permitted.
The exterior of the museum, the historical mining equipment displays, and the scenic views from the nearby beach offer excellent photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Booking Process
One common issue highlighted is the lack of clear communication regarding availability. Visitors have arrived only to be told they were 'fully booked,' with no prior notification on the website or through other channels. This can lead to significant disappointment, particularly for families with children. Therefore, confirming your booking details and understanding the museum's capacity is paramount before making travel arrangements.
The Arnao Mine Experience
Visitors typically descend to approximately -20 meters, exploring the parts that remain accessible. While this offers a tangible connection to the past, it's not the full exploration of the mine's original depth, which extended over -150 meters. The tour is primarily conducted in Castellano, which might be a consideration for non-Spanish speaking visitors. Despite these limitations, the historical context and the experience of being underground are often cited as interesting aspects of the visit.
Beyond the Museum: The Coastal Charm
For those who find themselves unable to secure a museum booking, or as a complementary activity, exploring the beach and surrounding coastline is highly recommended. It provides a chance to enjoy the Asturian landscape and offers a more relaxed and accessible experience for all ages. The proximity of the beach means that a visit to the area doesn't have to be solely dependent on museum entry.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit