Asturias

Asturias

One could argue that this region is a microcosm of Spain. It contains snowy mountains and sandy beaches, unpretentious tapas bars and Michelin star restaurants, boisterous fiestas and silent valleys where the deer and wolves roam free. The gastronomy will also accompany you on your journey and make your visit even better. Welcome to the ever-surprising Asturias. We are sure that you will fall in love with this land if not already.

What to see in Cantabria?

Picos de Europa Natural Park

Did you know that the heir to the Spanish throne bears the title Prince of Asturias? That must be because the natural environment here is royally worthy of a future king. These peaks were the first sight of the continent that sailors had when coming back from their overseas expeditions. It was the first National Park in Spain, created in 1918. It is a stunning Spanish area comprised of rivers, mountains and alpine lakes, wild animals, and other surprises. Therefore, it is no surprise that it was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Lakes and the Sanctuary of Covadonga are among the most remarkable places you should not miss while wondering Picos de Europa. The sanctuary is a pilgrimage site much loved by Asturians. The three lakes (Enol, Ercina and Bricial) are nestled in a spectacular environment and surrounded by extreme scenic beauty.

Oviedo

The capital of the region is another essential thing to see in Asturias. The city is one of the great cultural jewels of the community with a lot of history. We recommend you a stroll through its historic centre, discovering the monuments it houses, among which the Cathedral of San Salvador stands out.

Gijon

On the shores of the Cantabrian Sea, you will find the most populated city of Asturias, Gijón. A beautiful coastal town where you can enjoy beautiful corners and excellent beaches, like San Lorenzo beach, and a green environment full of parks. The historic centre is full of cider houses that remind us of Roman origin’s maritime past and archaeological remains.

Llanes

The heart of Llanes has been declared an Artistic Historic Site. A set of pedestrian streets is full of medieval monuments, among which the Basilica of Santa María stands out. We also recommend you take a walk around its surroundings and enjoy the beautiful beaches a few kilometres from the town. 

Cudillero

This colourful Asturian town is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Its houses are located on a mountain forming an amphitheatre overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. The village is so colourful because they used the paint from their boats to paint their house’s facade. Today it offers us the image of an urban centre full of life and colour, next to a bay of crystal clear waters. In the highest part of the town, you will find a viewpoint to see the place from a different perspective.

Luarca

This town is the “white village of the Costa Verde“. Its white houses are located on the side of a green mountain, so characteristic of Asturias. We recommend you not to leave Luarca without passing through its cemetery, considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. The tomb of the famous Spanish doctor Severo Ochoa is located there.

When to visit Asturias?

The weather here is somewhat unpredictable. Therefore, the best time to travel to Asturias is May to September. Among the months mentioned, the two best months are July and August, because the sun is intense most days. For the rest of the months, the weather is pleasant, but with the probability of rain or cloudy skies.

What to do in Asturias?

This region is in an exciting contrast of quiet and quaint coastal towns, secluded rural houses and unbelievably green landscape. There are so many stories to be uncovered in Asturias, but you sure must not miss the following experiences:

Enjoy the views from the Fitu viewpoint

In the village Alto de la Cruz de Llamales there is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Asturias, el Mirador del Fitu. From there, on clear days, you can contemplate fantastic views of the Picos de Europa Natural Park. In addition, it is the starting point for several routes where you can enjoy hiking in unspoiled nature.

Visit the beach Playa de Silencio and others on the Asturian coast

Without a doubt, Playa del Silencio is one of the most beautiful beaches in Asturias and one of the places that should be a must-see during your visit. Well-deserved fame. Some other beaches worth visiting are Poo beach, Cuevas del Mar beach, twin beaches of Ballota and AndrínRodiles beach and Torimbia beach.

Take a route on the trail Senda del oso

One of the best-known routes in Asturias, Senda del Oso, is located in the Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park. It is a beautiful 59-kilometre long route that runs over an old mining railway mine and where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in Asturias.

Taste local cheese in a natural environment

Asturias is a great European cheese spot with more than 40 varieties of artisanal cheeses. A visit to one of the cheese dairies is an immersion of flavours, smells and colours that mix tradition and innovation with forcefulness and success.

Visit Taramundi

In the southeast of Asturias, surrounded by a spectacular natural environment, is the beautiful village of Taramundi. Its streets breathe calm and are full of places that are worth visiting. Water and nature are protagonists in Taramundi and its surrounding villages. 

Asturias food and drink

Asturias is regarded as the Spanish cheese capital, while the unique microclimate is perfect for growing cherries and grapes. The cuisine of this land is full of highly traditional dishes and high quality products. Here you can find Michelin star restaurants, bar-shops, chingres (traditional places where cider is sold), village bars, taverns, gastrobars and a growing cuisine fusion. Some of the dishes par excellence are:

Fabada

The fabada de Asturias is the star dish within the gastronomy of this autonomous community. This dish is named by its main ingredient, the bean (faba in Spanish). This variety of beans is complemented with other meat ingredients, which may include sausage or Asturian black pudding.

Asturian blood sausage

The blood sausage from Asturias is another of the highest quality products within the gastronomy of this autonomous community. It is a traditional sausage made with the fatty parts of the pig, to which bacon is added. Its flavour characterizes the stews that are prepared in this northern region of Spain.

Cider

Extensive apple orchards let Asturias produce its most popular drink, apple cider. Did you know that Asturian sidra should be poured from a height of 1.5 meters so that the oxygen gives it a kick of freshness, and it should then be drunk within four seconds? It is zesty and tasty and excellently accompanies Spanish meats, widely enjoyed in Northern Spain. Cider from Asturias is a drink with a low alcohol content made exclusively with Asturian cider apples. If you visit Asturias, don’t hesitate to order this typical drink in one of its restaurants and discover the art of pouring cider.

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