SPAIN GUIDE

Asturias

Asturias's Heritage 

Welcome to Asturias, a beautiful region in northern Spain that offers a variety of attractions for tourists. Whether you are looking for nature, culture, history, gastronomy, or adventure, Asturias has something for you. In this guide, we will give you some tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your visit to Asturias.

Asturias is known for its green landscapes, rugged mountains, and stunning coastline. The region has two natural parks, Somiedo and Picos de Europa, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife watching, or even skiing in winter. You can also explore the many caves, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls that dot the region. If you are into surfing, Asturias has some of the best waves in Spain, especially in the towns of Gijón, Salinas, and Tapia de Casariego.

Asturias also has a rich cultural and historical heritage. You can visit the pre-Romanesque monuments of Oviedo, the capital city, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can also admire the Romanesque and Gothic architecture of churches and monasteries in towns like Llanes, Cangas de Onís, and Covadonga. Asturias was the birthplace of the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of Spain from the Muslims, and you can learn more about this history in museums and monuments.

The most stunning coastline of Spain

 If you are looking for a relaxing and scenic destination for your next vacation, you might want to consider visiting the Asturian beaches. Asturias is a region rich in history, culture and natural beauty, and its coastline offers some of the most stunning views and beaches in Europe. In this blog post, I will give you a tourist guide to some of the best Asturian beaches that you can explore and enjoy.

One of the most popular and famous beaches in Asturias is Playa del Silencio, or the Beach of Silence. As the name suggests, this beach is a quiet and secluded spot, surrounded by cliffs and rock formations that create a natural amphitheater. The water is crystal clear and turquoise, and the sand is fine and golden. You can access the beach by a footpath that descends from the nearby village of Castañeras, or by boat from Cudillero, a charming fishing town. Playa del Silencio is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or simply relaxing in the sun.

Another beach that you should not miss is Playa de Torimbia, located in the municipality of Llanes. This beach is one of the most beautiful and emblematic of Asturias, and it is also one of the few nudist beaches in the region. The beach is shaped like a half moon, with white sand and clear water that contrasts with the green hills and cliffs that surround it. You can reach the beach by a 15-minute walk from the parking lot, or by a longer hike from the nearby village of Niembro. Playa de Torimbia is perfect for surfing, windsurfing, sailing or just enjoying the natural scenery.

If you are looking for a more urban and lively beach, you might want to visit Playa de San Lorenzo, in the city of Gijón. This beach is one of the most famous and visited in Asturias, and it stretches for almost 2 kilometers along the city's promenade. The beach has fine sand and moderate waves, and it offers many facilities and services, such as showers, toilets, lifeguards, restaurants, bars and shops. You can also practice many sports and activities on the beach, such as volleyball, soccer, skateboarding or yoga. Playa de San Lorenzo is a great place to experience the culture and nightlife of Gijón.

These are just some of the many amazing beaches that you can find in Asturias. There are many more to discover and enjoy, each with its own charm and personality. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation or fun, you will surely find a beach that suits your preferences and expectations. Asturias is a paradise for beach lovers, and you will not regret choosing it as your next destination.

Camino de Santiago - Asturian section

230 Km through mountains, valleys, rivers, forests and beaches

Welcome to the Camino de Santiago in Asturias, one of the most beautiful and challenging routes of the ancient pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint James. In this guide, We will share with you some tips and insights on how to prepare and enjoy this amazing journey.

The Camino de Santiago in Asturias is part of the Northern Way, which runs along the coast of northern Spain from Irún to Ribadeo. It is also known as the Camino del Norte or the Camino de la Costa. This route has a total length of about 825 km, of which 230 km belong to Asturias.

The Asturian section of the Camino de Santiago is divided into 14 stages, each one ranging from 10 to 25 km. The terrain is varied and sometimes steep, as the path crosses mountains, valleys, rivers, forests and beaches. The scenery is breathtaking, with views of the Cantabrian Sea, the Picos de Europa and the green countryside.

The Camino de Santiago in Asturias is not only a physical challenge, but also a cultural and spiritual one. Along the way, you will encounter many historical and artistic monuments, such as churches, monasteries, bridges, castles and palaces. You will also discover the rich gastronomy and folklore of Asturias, with its famous cider, cheese, fabada and bagpipes.

To make the most of your experience, you should plan ahead and book your accommodation in advance. There are many options available, from hostels and hotels to rural houses and campsites. You should also pack light and carry only the essentials, such as a sleeping bag, a raincoat, a hat, sunscreen, water, snacks and a first aid kit. You should also bring your pilgrim's passport or credencial, which you can get at any pilgrim's office or church along the way. This document will allow you to access the pilgrim's hostels or albergues and to get your certificate or compostela at the end of your journey.

The Camino de Santiago in Asturias is a unique opportunity to connect with nature, history, culture and yourself. It is a rewarding and unforgettable adventure that will leave you with memories for a lifetime. Buen camino!

Picos de Europa 

An impresive national park

 If f you are looking for a spectacular destination for your next holiday, you might want to consider visiting the Picos de Europa, a stunning mountain range in northern Spain. The Picos de Europa are part of the Cantabrian Mountains, and they offer some of the most diverse and scenic landscapes in Europe. Whether you are into hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking, or wildlife watching, you will find plenty of options to suit your preferences and abilities. In this guide, We will give you some tips on how to plan your trip and what to expect from this amazing place.

First of all, you need to decide when to go. The Picos de Europa have a temperate climate, with mild summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is usually sunny and dry, and the flowers are in full bloom. However, keep in mind that the mountains can be unpredictable, and you might encounter rain, fog, or even snow at higher altitudes. Therefore, it is advisable to pack layers of clothing, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes. You should also check the weather forecast before setting off on any outdoor activity.

Secondly, you need to choose where to stay. The Picos de Europa are divided into three massifs: the Western Massif (or Cornión), the Central Massif (or Urrieles), and the Eastern Massif (or Ándara). Each of them has its own characteristics and attractions, and they are connected by several roads and trails. Depending on your interests and budget, you can find a variety of accommodation options in the villages and towns around the mountains, such as Cangas de Onís, Potes, Arenas de Cabrales, or Fuente Dé. You can also stay in one of the many campsites, hostels, or mountain huts that are scattered throughout the area.

Plan your activities 

The Picos de Europa are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and you will never run out of things to do. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:

Hike the Cares Gorge: This is one of the most popular and spectacular hikes in the Picos de Europa. It follows a narrow path carved into the rock along the Cares River, between the villages of Caín and Poncebos. The hike is about 12 km long (one way), and it takes about 3-4 hours. You will enjoy stunning views of the cliffs, waterfalls, and bridges along the way. You can either do it as a round trip or take a taxi or bus back to your starting point.

Visit Covadonga: This is a historical and religious site that marks the beginning of the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of Spain from the Muslims in the 8th century. It consists of a basilica, a chapel, and a monastery that are built on a hillside overlooking a lake. You can also visit the nearby Cave of Covadonga, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to King Pelayo and helped him defeat the invaders.

Ride the Fuente Dé cable car: This is a thrilling way to get a bird's eye view of the Picos de Europa. The cable car takes you from the village of Fuente Dé to an altitude of 1823 m in just 4 minutes. From there, you can admire the panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below, or explore some of the hiking trails that start from the upper station.

See the Naranjo de Bulnes: This is a majestic peak that rises to 2519 m in the heart of the Central Massif. It has a distinctive orange hue that contrasts with the green surroundings. It is also a famous climbing destination, with several routes of different difficulties. If you are not a climber, you can still enjoy its beauty from various viewpoints, such as the Vega de Urriellu refuge or the Bulnes village.

Watch wildlife: The Picos de Europa are home to a rich and diverse fauna, including some endangered species such as the Cantabrian brown bear, the Iberian wolf, or the capercaillie. You can also spot other animals such as chamois, deer, wild boar, foxes, eagles, vultures, or owls. The best way to observe them is to join a guided tour with an expert naturalist who can help you identify them and respect their habitat.

Medieval Architecture

Pre-Romanesque churches

Asturias has a rich cultural and natural heritage. It was the first Christian kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula, and it developed a unique architectural style known as Pre-Romanesque, which influenced later religious buildings in Spain.

You can explore some of the main monuments in Asturias, that showcase the history, art and beauty of this region. The Pre-Romanesque churches of Asturias are among the most remarkable examples of early medieval architecture in Europe. They were built between the 8th and 10th centuries, when the Kingdom of Asturias was resisting the Muslim invasion of Spain. 

The churches reflect a fusion of influences from Late Antiquity, Byzantine, Visigothic and Mozarabic art, as well as local traditions and innovations.  the most famous Pre-Romanesque churches are:

• Santa María del Naranco: This church was originally a royal palace built by King Ramiro I in 848. It has a rectangular plan with two floors and a porticoed gallery. The upper floor has a central hall with an arched window and two lateral chambers with barrel vaults. The lower floor has a chapel dedicated to St. Mary. The church is decorated with carved reliefs, geometric patterns and animal motifs. It is considered one of the masterpieces of Pre-Romanesque art.
• San Miguel de Lillo: This church was also built by King Ramiro I, next to Santa María del Naranco. It has a basilical plan with three naves and three apses. The central nave has a wooden ceiling supported by columns with carved capitals. The apses have semi-dome vaults with windows. The church has a rich sculptural decoration, with scenes from the Bible, animals, plants and geometric designs.
• Santa Cristina de Lena: This church was built around 850 by King Alfonso III. It has a Greek cross plan with four arms of equal length. The central space is covered by a dome supported by four arches. The arms have barrel vaults and semi-circular apses. The church has a portico with three arches on the west side. The interior is decorated with frescoes depicting Christ, angels, saints and symbols.
• San Julián de los Prados: This church was built by King Alfonso II between 791 and 842. It is also known as Santullano, meaning "the big one". It has a basilical plan with three naves and three apses. The central nave has a wooden ceiling supported by columns with carved capitals. The lateral naves have groin vaults. The apses have semi-dome vaults with windows. The church has an impressive mural painting covering more than 1,300 square meters, with scenes from the Old and New Testament, geometric patterns and floral motifs.
• Cámara Santa: This is a two-storey building attached to the Oviedo Cathedral. It was built in the 9th century as a reliquary chapel for the holy relics brought from Jerusalem by King Alfonso II. The upper floor has a rectangular plan with two barrel vaults and an apse. The lower floor has a square plan with four groin vaults and an altar. The building is decorated with sculptures, reliefs and inscriptions.

Gastronomy

A whole universe of variety and constant innovation.

Asturian gastronomy is an exponent of care, respect and use of the natural environment, a philosophy of healthy living, knowledge of tradition and a desire to innovate, and all of this results in the culinary excellence that the Natural Paradise boasts, which not only has an extraordinary raw material, but also an absolutely exemplary human talent and vocation for improvement.

Asturias has managed to combine in perfect balance, generating a unique culinary panorama, the wisdom of the kitchens of yesteryear, very well represented by the gastronomic philosophy of the Guisanderas de Asturias, with the renewed creativity of other styles of cuisine which, taking advantage of the wealth of ancestral knowledge and the exceptional raw material, generate new trends.

In reality, Asturias is a great melting pot of gastronomic trends: traditional, signature, slow food, kilometre zero, etc. As far as raw materials are concerned, the quality and variety are exceptional: fish, seafood, fruit, berries, vegetables, pulses, meat, milk, honey, etc. There are thousands of possibilities and ways of cooking, which makes Asturian cuisine original, healthy, fun and enjoyable.

So much so, that of the almost ninety Festivals of Tourist Interest in Asturias, a good number have a gastronomic dedication and in all of them, Asturian culinary delights are very present, to the delight of the participants in the festive events.

An emblematic dish, omnipresent in many celebrations is fabada, and an equally iconic drink is natural cider. Both dishes and products are deeply rooted in the local identity. So much so that the gastronomic festival based around cider, called espicha, is one of the most common festivities on the leisure agenda in Asturias.

And of course, another of the characteristics of Asturian gastronomy are its settings. That is to say, the places where the raw material is produced: the sea, cliffs, rivers, forests, meadows, orchards, etc. are always beautiful and interesting. And the places where you can taste the hundreds of recipes are also spectacular: charming restaurants with splendid views and well-kept atmospheres, cider houses full of joy and good food, eating houses in dream villages, etc.