DISCOVER Asturias
This gem in northern Spain offers spectacular beaches, unparalleled wildlife and culture-filled cities
BEING lauded with the title ‘a natural paradise’ is no mean feat. But alluring Asturias, in northern Spain, is no ordinary holiday destination.
Blessed with beaches and mountains, this compact region offers an abundance of outdoor activities, as well as incredible cities to explore, ancient architecture to admire, and sumptuous food to taste.
Asturias, between Cantabria and Galicia, is part of ‘Green Spain’ and it boasts 200 miles of lush green coastline, dramatic landscapes, sleepy coastal villages, and rugged cliffs.
Thanks to its climate, the region is home to a wealth of natural wonders, including an impressive seven UNESCO Biosphere Reserves – sites used to learn about sustainable development.
And, with direct flights from London to Asturias, this natural paradise, which is drenched in sunshine, can be reached in less than two hours.
BREATHTAKING
Mountains and waterfalls, valleys and beaches, rivers and caves, Asturias’s landscape has a rich and varied form – no two areas are the same. And it’s simply breathtaking.
Get up close to the wonders of nature, exploring its seven biosphere reserves. There are plenty of hiking, walking and cycling trails, so you can explore this magnificent natural haven at your leisure.
At Spain’s first national park, the jaw-droppingly beautiful Picos de Europa, you will find jagged peaks, vast lakes and colourful flowers, and some of the world’s best climbing. It’s perfect for nature lovers.
Then descend from the tranquility of the mountains to the crashing waves of the coast, and discover the Río Eo, Oscos y Terras de Burón Biosphere Reserve. Here you can explore ancient water mills and watch for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot kestrels and maybe even a wolf in the forest.
With its rugged terrain and woodland, the Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias Natural Park is home to the largest white oak grove forest in Europe. Meanwhile, the Somiedo Natural Park spans five valleys, with hiking trails that take in views of the four large shimmering lakes.
Discover the waterfalls and the legendary thousand-year-old yew tree at the Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, and look out for bears, wolves and golden eagles.
Try one of the region’s oldest traditional cheeses in the Redes Natural Park and marvel at Tabayón del Mongallu's spectacular waterfall.
And mountain lovers can enjoy the well-trodden trails of the Ponga Natural Park, home to the famed beech forest with its spectacular autumn display as the leaves change.
Just don’t forget to take a camera and a pair of good binoculars!
POSTCARD PRETTY
Asturias is also home to a magnificent coastline and pretty cities that demand to be explored.
In the postcard-pretty fishing village of Cudillero you'll discover pastelcoloured houses surrounding a central plaza, and harbourside cafes.
Nearby is one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches, Playa del Silencio, a long, silver-sandy cove backed by a natural rock amphitheatre.
Search for dinosaur footprints along the Jurassic Coast, which stretches from Villaviciosa to Ribadesella.
Dip your toes into soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters at the nearby beach of La Griega, before going hunting for fossils. Then head inland to the cities.
Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés are packed with fascinating monuments, mustvisit museums and a wealth of intriguing history to discover.
Old and elegant Oviedo is the capital of Asturias. Here you can explore the Gothic cathedral and the indoor market of Mercado El Fontán, where you can pick up traditional Spanish foods and souvenirs.
When it comes to food, Asturias really is in a league of its own, especially for cheese fans – the region produces the highest concentration of different cheeses in the country. Go for haute cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants or dine on homemade fare at a traditional casa de comidas.
Tuck into the hearty fabada, a pork and bean stew, or cachopo, a deepfried ham and cheese sandwich made with veal steaks instead of bread, and wash it down with a glass of wine from Asturias's high-mountain vineyards.
You really won’t want to come home!