On the north coast of Spain, bordered by Galicia and Cantabria, the principality of Asturias harbors unexpected riches. On its territory, the small autonomous community brings together spectacular nature, between sea and mountains, fishing villages where life is good, prehistoric sites and remarkable heritage, without forgetting an original gastronomy. What delight all the senses of visitors.

A preserved coastline with more than 200 beaches

On the Asturian shores, the mountain seems almost to throw itself into the sea. This is particularly true in the east, where the Cantabrian mountain range dominates the coast, offering extraordinary panoramas.

Along this unspoiled coastline, which stretches for 345 km, wild cliffs and more than 200 beaches are varied. Those of Llanes, 38 in number, alternate between small sheltered coves and long ribbons of sand or pebbles. With its jagged rocks planted in the Atlantic, the coast often has the air of Brittany.

More confidential because it is difficult to access, the small beach of El Silencio bears in its name the promise of a break from serenity, at the heart of its sandy cove bordered by emerald and translucent water.

The beaches are also magnificent near Tapia de Casariego, on the west coast. Here, as in the other fishing villages that dot the coast (Luanco, Figueras, Puerto de Vega), you can enjoy the seaside atmosphere, taste seafood and take a walk in the alleys or on the port.

Those who want to move can also indulge in water sports, such as surfing or sea kayaking, unless they prefer fishing and a boat ride.

Asturias, a natural paradise

Asturias well deserves their nickname of “natural paradise”. A third of the territory is indeed protected, in particular by 6 biosphere reserves. Mountain lovers are spoiled with outdoor activities for all tastes: hiking, climbing, speleology, canyoning or even cycling or horse riding.

Among the most spectacular sites are the Picos de Europa, classified as a national park and biosphere reserve. Their contrasting relief impresses, with its high peaks, its gorges and deep canyons, but also its rivers and glacial lakes bordered by pastures whose cows appreciate the soft grass.

Another biosphere reserve is worth a detour: Muniellos-Fuentes del Narcea, which can boast of having the largest oak groves in Spain. This is where the Cantabrian brown bear resides. An emblematic animal also presents in the forests of the Somiedo reserve, which was once a place of transhumance for a people of Asturian breeders: the vaqueiros de Alzada.

Along the hiking trails, we come across several hundred teitos, thatched stone huts that served as a refuge for the shepherds. Do not miss climbing to the viewpoint of Príncipe, from where the panoramic view is fabulous.

Other beautiful walks are to be made in the reserves of Oscos-Eo and the park of Redes, without forgetting the reserve of Las Ubiñas-La Mesa, dominated by the massif of Peña Ubiña, culminating at 2,417 m above sea level.

Finally, two routes belonging to the Santiago de Compostela routes cross Asturias. The “Camino Primitivo” (primitive path) runs through rural landscapes from Oviedo to Fonsagrada. The other path, the “Camino de la Costa” runs along the coast – as its name suggests -, and links Cantabria to Bustio.

A rich and diverse urban heritage

At the heart of the triangle formed by the cities of Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés, the heritage is as rich as it is diverse.

In the capital, Oviedo, you can admire fine examples of pre-Romanesque Asturian art, appeared in 9 th century. Several sites are classified by Unesco : the Foncalada, a work of hydraulic architecture from the Middle Ages, the Cámara Santa, in the cathedral San Salvador, and the churches Santa Maria del Naranco, San Julián de los Prados, San Miguel de Lillo and Santa Cristina de Lena (located 35 km south of the city).

In the old town, where it is good to walk in the pedestrian streets, you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts , located in the elegant palace Velarde (18 th century) and the Casa de los Oviedo-Portal (17 th century) .

The contemporary heritage is also very present in Asturias, including the Palace of Exhibitions and Congresses of Oviedo, a steel building designed by Santiago Calatrava. In Avilés, the Niemeyer Center, the work of the Brazilian architect, dominates the estuary, while to the east of Gijón, stands the Laboral, designed in the 1950s and today housing a cultural center.

The region, marked by mining, also watches over its industrial heritage. A story told at the Museum of Mining and Industry (MUMI), in San Martín del Rey Aurelio, but also in Langreo; one can see there the museum of the steel industry (MUSI) and the mining ecomuseum of the Valley of Samuño , where one discovers the installations of the 19 th century by following an old railroad track. In Arnao, the coal mine and the zinc factory can also be visited. Finally, in the village of Navelgas, the king of metals is honored at the gold museum.

The treasures of the Asturian basement

If the landscapes of Asturias are breath taking, the region is also rich in an underground treasure, hidden in the heart of the Cantabrian massif: a huge network of caves (over 6,500!). A dream for speleologists, but also for tourists who discover these natural wonders during guided tours.

The basement contains many ornate caves, exceptional examples of rock art in prehistoric times, particularly well preserved. In 2008, UNESCO also listed five caves decorated with Asturias on the world heritage list: El Pindal, Tito Bustillo, La Peña Candamo, Llonín and Covaciella.

40 km from Oviedo, we can improve our knowledge by going to the prehistoric park of Teverga. And to go back even further in time, to the time of the dinosaurs, the Jurassic Museum, north of Colunga, reveals the mysteries of this distant era.

Finally, to complete this stroll through time, head to the Casaña de Coaña, 25 km from Luarca. An exceptional site, since it is one of the fortified villages built by the Celts who once inhabited Asturias and Galicia. Its ruins are still visible today. Not far from there, there are traces of other castros, like those of Mohías and Pendía.

Tasty and varied gastronomy

For this great tour of Asturias to be complete, it is worth learning about its original gastronomy.

Among the specialties of the principality, the flagship dish is fabada, a sort of cassoulet with chorizo, blood sausage or shoulder. Several variants exist, as for the friend, dish in sauce which can contain white beans, cabbage, chorizo or even potatoes.

The sea is also very present in Asturian cuisine, with fish, weirs and even sea urchins. On the meat side, we will taste the veal tongue (cachopo), game and local cold meats (chosco, butiello, sabadiego).

The cheese is not to be outdone since 40 different kinds are produced in the region, some cellars being open to the public.

To accompany all these dishes, the star of the drinks is cider, already mentioned by the Greek traveler Strabo in the 1 st century before our era. To discover the secrets of its production, you can go to the interactive cider museum in Nava or visit presses (lagares) in the region of Gijón, Villaviciosa, Colunga or Siero. And why not participate in one of the festivals celebrating Asturian drink in Gijón, Nava or Villaviciosa?

Finally, to taste authentic and quality cuisine, do not hesitate to push the door of restaurants marked “Mesas de Asturias”, highlighting the products of the region.

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