The Principality of Asturias, located on the northern coast of Spain between Cantabria and Galicia, has the sweet nickname of "Natural Paradise". The small autonomous community seduces by the strength of its landscapes, with a preserved coastline and 7 biosphere reserves where mountain lovers can enjoy the view. A multitude of paths are to be traversed to put oneself in slow tourism mode and to commune with nature. You can also enjoy a delicious traditional gastronomy, in charming fishing villages and in towns with a remarkable heritage, with a special nod to pre-Romanesque art. Treat yourself to a wonderful discovery in Spain, here are 10 good reasons to spend a vacation in Asturias in 2023.
1- Discover the pre-Romanesque art in Asturias
A trip to Asturias is an opportunity to discover a unique art in the world: the Asturian pre-Romanesque. One of the most beautiful cultural routes in Spain leads visitors to the foot of incredible architectural works built in the 9th and 10th centuries. Oviedo, the capital, offers an exceptional testimony of this style, with the Holy Chamber of its cathedral, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, the churches of San Tirso and San Julián de los Prados or the Foncalada fountain. The route continues in the direction of Mount Naranco, to see the churches of Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Many other wonders await the curious on this route, such as the church of Santa María de Bendones, the classifiedchurch of Santa Cristina de Lena, nestled in a landscape of valleys and mountains, as well as the church of San Salvador de Valdediós or Santiago de Gobiendes. Beautiful stones meet beautiful landscapes, and the sensations are unique!
2- Hiking in the biosphere reserves of Asturias
Río Eo, Oscos and Terras de Burón, the Picos de Europa National Park and the natural parks of Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias; Somiedo; Ubiñas-La Mesa; Redes and Ponga are the seven areas that make up the Asturias Biosphere Network. These territories invite you to go on endless walks in the heart of mountains, valleys, forests, along rivers and at the foot of waterfalls. To inspire the desire to explore these biosphere reserves, it is worth noting that the Picos de Europa National Park is a jewel for climbing; theFuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Natural Park contains the Munieḷḷos forest, the largest pedunculate oak forest in all of Europe; thePonga Natural Park reveals impressive canyons and the Somiedo Natural Park stands out for its beautiful pasture areas and lakes. Ready to put on the right walking shoes?
3- Walk by the sea and clear your mind
In Asturias, several coastal paths invite walkers to enjoy the beauty of the seascape, to open their eyes wide and to clear their minds. Walks in which you can marvel at the movements of the sea, the foam that caresses the sand, the breeze, the jagged cliffs and the green vegetation. You can start by following the Coastal Route and be fascinated by the cohabitation of the sea and the mountains. Between Luanco and Nieva, the Cabo Peñas and its steep cliffs that can reach 100 m in altitude and that break into the waters of the Cantabrian Sea represent one of the most impressive landscapes of the autonomous community. Between Barayo beach and Navia, the 20 km long coastal path is another option. You can walk along unspoiled beaches, wild coves and cliffs, without forgetting a stop in Puerto de Vega, so beautiful with its winding streets and alleys.
4- Enjoy the local gastronomy
It is impossible to stay in Asturias without enjoying its gastronomy. We learn that an association of 40 women with unique stories, Las Guisanderas de Asturias, works to preserve and promote traditional Asturian cuisine. These dishes are those of mothers and grandmothers who have always had the will to pass on their knowledge to future generations. Around the table in the restaurants of the region, travelers have the opportunity to taste the Asturian stew, a stew of vegetables and meat; the fabada, a stew of white beans and pork, or the caldereta de pescado, a fish stew. Asturian cuisine is generally rich in meat, fish and seafood dishes. There are also delicious mountain cheeses and tasty desserts, such as carbayones, a puff pastry filled with almond cream and covered with icing.
5- Stop in Oviedo, the serene capital
Capital and city of Asturias, Oviedo is an unavoidable stop on the Way of Saint James. It is a city on a human scale where it is pleasant to stroll around and admire its heritage, including the pre-Romanesque works mentioned above. The cathedral of San Salvador, its bell tower, the square where it stands and the nearby fountain are a must-see. Oviedo is also a maze of medieval and cobbled streets. Calle Mon is the street that comes alive at the end of the week, with numerous bars and clubs. In the morning, we enjoy going to the El Fontán market to stock up on fresh produce. In the afternoon, a visit to the Asturias Museum of Fine Arts is an opportunity to contemplate thousands of classical and contemporary works. Oviedo has a relaxing character, with its green oases like Campo Sans Francisco. It also knows how to wake up, with a wide cultural agenda and events such as the Holy Week, theOviedo Music Festival or the San Mateo festivities.
6- Stroll in Gijón, on the coast
Cosmopolitan city, turned towards the sea and the past, but also towards the interior and the future, Gijón is a pleasant coastal city where it is good to stop during a stay in Asturias. We start by going to the inevitable Plaza Mayor, before strolling through the streets of Cimadevilla. It is in this old fishermen's quarter that you can stop in a bar to enjoy a glass of cider, the main drink in the autonomous community. Just upstairs is the Elogio al Horizonte, a work by Eduardo Chillida that faces the ocean and allows you to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. And what a view! Gijón is also home to a number of shopping streets and, in parallel, the beach of San Lorenzo: 1.5 km of breathtaking views of the sea and a favorite spot for bathers on sunny days. At the western end of the beach, the Roman baths of Campo Valdés are a must-see! We like this Asturian city for its dynamism, its beautiful strolls along the sea front and its spaces that invite to rest, like the Botanical Garden.
7- Avilés, a city to discover in Asturias
Of medieval origin, Avilés is a pleasant place to stay in Asturias. Its historical center is wonderfully preserved, with colorful buildings, fountains, palaces, arcaded houses, churches and gardens. A place where you can enjoy shopping. The city is also marked by its important river flow. Its "Ría" is one of the most beautiful natural estuaries of Asturias. You can walk or cycle along its banks or take a boat trip. If Avilés is the birthplace of explorers like Pedro Menéndez de Avilés - conqueror of Florida -, it is a city that has experienced a great industrial revolution, and therefore open to innovation. For example, the Nemieyer Center, the first work of the architect Oscar Niemeyer in Spain, can be seen here. Its modernist architecture is as amazing as its cultural program is rich, with conferences, music, theater, exhibitions, cinema, dance, lectures and gastronomic activities throughout the year.
8- Stop at the most beautiful fishing villages in Asturias
Lovers of roads along the coastline have plenty to marvel at in Asturias. The contrasts between sea and mountains are magnificent. There is also a wide range of fishing villages to visit. You will discover a period architecture and you will stop at the table of restaurants to taste typical dishes. We also take the time to stop on benches to contemplate the immensity of the ocean or the sunset. We do not forget the lighthouses, like those of Luarca or Cudillero, obvious lookouts where to enjoy breathtaking views. These two villages, as well as Llanes, Ortiguera, Lastres and Ribadesella, are among the most beautiful to see on the Asturian coast.
9- Tread the sands of the most beautiful beaches
Whatever the season, staying in Asturias is an opportunity to spend time on some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Their shape, the landscapes that surround them, the proximity of the mountains, the mixture between the blue of the sky, the green of the earth and the bluish shades of the sea, they all have a certain charm. Playa de Barro, with its white sand and crystal clear sea, Playa de Torimbia, surrounded by green cliffs or Playa de Gulpiyuri, so surprising because it is located inland, are among the places not to be missed under any circumstances!
10- Simply a Slow Travel paradise!
Many travelers today are looking to slow down and disconnect from the hectic pace of everyday life. In Spain, Asturias is a territory for Slow Travel, for constant observation of the landscape and heritage, and for joyful moments around the local cuisine. It doesn't matter what you do here. Whether you hike in the biosphere reserves, walk or bike along the coast, lie on a towel on the beach, go shopping and take the time to chat with the inhabitants of the towns and villages, we can assure you that you will be able to relax!
