Asturias Guide

A coastline packed with secluded sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages, gloriously green countryside, and the spectacular Picos de Europa mountains, all combine to make this a truly enchanting holiday destination.

This region boasts some of the most scenic and spectacular landscapes in Europe with its often mountainous but lush terrain and breathtaking scenery as well as some wonderful towns and historic cities like Oviedo, the capital of Asturias.

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Drive into the stunning Picos de Europa mountains and visit the atmospheric Covadonga sanctuary, a famous pilgrimage site, and then take the steep hike up to the lakes for absolutely exquisite views - a great photo opportunity.

Or follow one of the many varied marked footpaths for great walks through beautiful countryside into neighbouring Cantabria whilst spotting the abundance of wildlife including birds of prey and chamois on the way. The coastline is packed with secluded sandy beaches, picturesque fi shing villages and family resorts such as popular

Llanes with its sheltered cove and cliff paths or the pretty old estuary town of Ribadasella which holds a famous canoe race in August. This is also a good area for golfers with some excellent and challenging courses.

Places to visit in Asturias

Avilés

An appealing old town with very colourful buildings, squares and plazas. It's also a great place for shopping and eating.

Cangas de Onís

A charming little place in a superb setting deep in a valley on the edge of the Picos de Europa mountains from where you can take leisurely walks and admire the scenery.

Gijon

With a population of more than 250,000, Gijon is the largest city in Asturias. Official records state that it began life as a small fishing community nearly 3,000 years ago.

Oviedo

Discover a wealth of history and architecture in the beautifully maintained old quarter of this city where you will often see traditional folk dancing. There is a magnificent cathedral and lively markets are held here too.

Things to do in Asturias

Boat trips

From Gijón you can take trips on both motor and sail boats ranging from an hour's sailing along the bay to longer excursions with stopovers in several nearby fishing ports.

Canoeing and kayaking

The Escuela Asturiana de Piragüismo in Arriondas organises various outdoor activities including canoe/kayak descents down the Sella river.

Parque de la Prehistoria de Teverga

Set in a beautiful valley near Gijón this fascinating museum has an impressive reproduction of three famous caves to explore including Niaux and Tito Bustillo.

Food and drink in Asturias

• Cabrales cheese which tastes much like stilton though a bit stronger and smellier. Casadielles, a walnut and aniseed pastry.
• Fabada, a pork and bean stew that is like a Spanish version of the French cassoulet. Arroz con leche, a rice pudding made with locally farmed milk and burnt sugar.
• Sidra (a still cider) which is usually sold in specialist bars called 'sidrerias' and dispensed from a bottle at height into the waiting customer's glass - quite a spectacle!