Asturias region travel information and video

Holiday information, facts, photos and video about Asturias region

Reviews for Asturias region

Average overall ratings - Based on 51 reviews.

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René MOULIN

Very nice.

Featured holiday homes in Spain

Asturias

The principality of Asturias in situated on the north coast facing the Bay of Biscay (Mar Cantábrico). An autonomous region of Spain, it is one of the areas that is commonly known as, ‘Green Spain’, a title given to the Spanish northern maritime coast; a lush, green coastal strip, which runs north from the Cantabrian and Basque mountains, along the Bay of Biscay,
and includes the land zones of Asturias, Cantabria and half of the Basque country, from Galicia to the French border.

Asturias is an ancient and magical land, as majestic and thrilling, as it is ancient and romantic. A place to wake up to and feel exhilarated, to feel part of the bewitching landscapes and to experience the sensation that you are standing in prehistoric country.

Natural Asturias
Asturias is a naturally striking and contrasting
region, from the rugged coast and tempestuous sea, to its lush vegetation and inland wooded national parks, dramatic mountain ranges, biosphere reserves and remote caves where you can behold Palaeolithic cave art. If you wish to enjoy a holiday surrounded by natural beauty, then we thoroughly recommend Asturias.

The contrast of the Asturian countryside and natural coastal zone makes for a perfect vacation for those who love hiking and walking. The coastal area is both stunning and dramatic; long sandy beaches, hidden caves and a spectacular backdrop of rugged mountains. The marine zone of Asturias was the first in Spain to become a protected area.

Head inland and the scenery is no less spectacular; mountain villages, emerald forests, gorges, fertile plains, rushing rivers, and the serene and magnificent snow capped Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe), which attract walking enthusiasts from all over the world. The ancient land is still dotted with the footprints from the dinosaurs from the Jurassic age, 150 million years ago. It’s also one of the only places in Western Europe where brown bears still roam and its home to wild wolves, chamois and golden eagles.

History
The region has its own language, Asturiano or Bable, however, Asturianos also speak Castellano (traditional Spanish).

Asturias Destinations
There are three main cities in the principality –
Oviedo, Aviles and Gijon:

Oviedo is the capital of Asturias, a historic
university city, which attracts students from all over the world. Oviedo is also host to the annual Prince of Asturias Awards, which celebrates outstanding achievements in the Sciences, Humanities and Public Affairs. The awards are
amongst the most prestigious in the world, a sculpture by Joan Miró is presented to each year’s winners. Bob Dylan was honoured with an awarded in 2007.

Aviles is located on the Cantabria coast, although the smallest of the three main towns in Asturias, it is the most popular in terms of tourism, the old seafaring and farming town is now a modern
industry-thriving town. UNESCO has declared its city centre a Historical-Artistic site and it boasts many important architectural sites.

Gijon is situated in the central coastal area of Asturias; it began as a fishing village nearly 3000 years ago and is now considered the maritime capital of Asturias, incorporating one of Spain’s busiest shipping ports. The city combines perfectly its historical past with a modern day,
energetic and prosperous town. It’s vibrant and lovely and has great shopping and places to eat.

Gastronomy Asturias
Asturian gastronomy is created around wholesome and hearty home cooking. When in Asturias you have to try the rich bean stew dish
of Fabada Asturiana, which consistsof fabes (white beans) with chorizo sausage, morcilla (black pudding), lacón (shoulder of pork), tocino or pancetta (pork fat) and saffron. It’s a rather heavy meal, so best served at lunchtime, so you can enjoy a siesta afterwards, or to try a smaller portion as a starter. Fabada should be washed down with typical Asturian strong cider or a good red wine.

Antother gastronomical favourite from Asturias is Queso de Cabrales (Cabrales cheese); coming from the town of Cabrales in Asturias and made in the traditional way, it’s a blue cheese, deliciously piquant in both smell and taste. All of the milk that goes into the production of Cabrales comes exclusively from herds reared in a small zone in the Picos de Europa mountains.

How to get there
To arrive in Asturias you can catch a flight straight from Madrid, Barcelona, London or Paris.  Asturias airport is located close to Aviles and is easily accessible to and from the three main towns of Aviles, Gijon and Oviedo.

Climate
The weather in Asturias is as contrasting as is the
scenery; it can be extremely wet and temperate for much of the year and in the winter, especially in the mountainous areas, it can get quite cold. However, this only makes for more dramatic scenery, with the snowy mountains and storm-wrecked beaches. Many areas within the region have their own microclimate, due to the close proximity of the sea to the Cantabrian Mountains.

 

 

 

Things to do while you are here

Exciting places to visit in Asturias region

Reviews for Asturias region

Average overall ratings - Based on 51 reviews.
City
Coast

City:
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29. Sep 2019
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Ribadesella review

Very nice.


Costa Verde reviews

I like very much.
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20. Sep 2019
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Ribadesella review



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7. Jul 2019
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Ribadedeva review

A very nice place to stay, it is quiet and nature is beautiful, and yet it is close to several little villages, the mountains, the beaches, and much nice old little towns, churches and castles.


Costa Verde reviews

Costa Verde is beautiful and very divers. People are friendly and helpful. We loved the prehistoric caves, the heritage of mediëval times and the hiking in the Picos and along the coast.
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27. Sep 2018
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Gijón review

There are prettier towns and more charming towns along the north coast of Spain. Gijón was one of the largest we visited, so it depends on what you are looking for


Costa Verde reviews

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19. Jun 2016
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Arriondas review



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11. Sep 2015
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Llanes review



Costa Verde reviews

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16. Aug 2015
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Villaviciosa review

Villaviciosa is a small town, with a relaxed atmosphere. Although it doesn't look that inviting at first, it was actually a good base, with good selection of food shops and a very nice cafe which had the most wonderful cakes. There was an outdoor exercise area, and good bird nature reserve. The nearby Rodilles beach was wonderful. Good links to Oviedo and Gijon.


Costa Verde reviews

Rodilles beach was excellent, beautiful.
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26. Aug 2014
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El Valle review

El Valle is not a city just a lovely hamlet.


Costa Verde reviews

Beautiful and craggy
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7. Jul 2013
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Gijón review

Gijon was very Historic the Holiday home was about 12 km from Gijon


Costa Verde reviews

The coastline was beautiful and many of the small villages are well worth a visit.
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8. Jun 2013
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Gijón review

Gijon is located in a privileged location in the Asturian geography. It is a fantastic and vibrant city. There are many great attractions nearby. Also its gastronomy is unique.


Costa Verde reviews

Full of charming little towns, everything so green, people very friendly, I will repeat for sure.
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3. Mar 2013
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Villaviciosa review

A delightful town, and lovely people in shops. A good market there once a week. Plenty of quaint shops and lovely places to eat and have coffee


Costa Verde reviews

Very unspoilt and uncrowded
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3. Mar 2013
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Villaviciosa review

Very quaint and very friendly people. Lovely coffee shops and quite good for shopping and it has a market every week. I think on Wednesday but forget the exact day.


Costa Verde reviews

It is a short drive to beach, but it is very unspoilt, but I like all this area anyway
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3. Mar 2013
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Villaviciosa review

A lovely bustling town with lots of shops and cafes to explore. Lots of architecture too and a nice square where there always seems to be something going on!


Costa Verde reviews

Superb - clean and beautiful
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20. Sep 2012
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Gijón review

As we live on the Costa Blanca and this was our first trip to Asturias, we were very impressed with Gijon and were reluctant to return home!!! It is a lovely clean place with an attractive old town. We hope to return in the future.


Costa Verde reviews

Very attractive.
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21. Aug 2012
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Gijón review

Gijon is an amazing mix of style and fashion with down-to-earth city living by the sea. It's a busy place, but at the same time, very relaxed and easy going. With everything from modern city centre shopping to the narrow old streets around the old town and port, there really is something for all tastes and all weathers. The weather in August was sunny and warm (~26 C) with light sea breezes. We saw rain showers on two of our 14 days there.


Costa Verde reviews

The Costa Verde is very popular with Spanish holiday makers; there seemed to be very few foreigners around. The rest of Europe is missing out! The coast is a mix of cliffs, coves and wide sandy beaches; something for everyone, be they car-cruisers, cyclists, walkers or deck-chair enthusiasts. To get the best out of your stay, you should be willing to practise a little basic Spanish.
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20. Jul 2012
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Somiedo review

This is a rural area with great nature and wild life. Plenty of hiking trails and places to visit. Car is a must.


Costa Verde reviews

Fantastic beaches even though it's an hour and a half drive away it's definitely worth it!
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27. Oct 2011
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Cangas de Onís review

Cangas de Onis is a very active city, yet not overly populated like most big cities. Great place to walk around and enjoy the typical food of Asturias.


Costa Verde reviews

There is nothing more beautiful than La Costa Verde. It offers amazing sights for all to enjoy. It mixes the natural beauty of its coast lines, the Picos de Europa etc and just a short drive from the local airport. Asturias .... true Paraiso Natural!!!!!
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29. Sep 2011
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Gijón review

Great location for outdoor adventures like running and cycling. The Picos de Europa are nearby with beautiful scenery and hiking trails.


Costa Verde reviews

Beautiful. Might be a little cool for some but if you like getting out and doing things this is a great spot.
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18. Aug 2011
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Gijón review

Bustling city yet had a friendly 'villagey' charm to it. Some guide books have been wrongly dismissive about Gijon. We found the old town attractive, loved the parks, beaches, cliff paths and city centre shopping which we preferred over Santander. Got the impression that Gijon is a 'happening' place to be.


Costa Verde reviews

Very scenic. Beautiful beaches/coves - yet the mountains are a short drive away.
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