Asturias, often regarded as one of Spain’s hidden gems, is rapidly gaining recognition as a must-visit destination. Nestled between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Bay of Biscay, this region offers a unique blend of rugged coastal scenery, lush green landscapes, and rich historical heritage.
Here’s why you should consider visiting Asturias and what you can do during your stay.
Read here best things to know before visiting Spain, Planning an Itinerary in Spain: 3 Days Madrid Itinerary and 4 Days Barcelona Itinerary
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Travel Tips
Weather: Asturias has a mild climate but can be rainy. Pack waterproof clothing and layers.
Transport: Renting a car is the best way to explore Asturias thoroughly, as many attractions are spread out and public transport may not reach all remote areas effectively.
Asturias offers an array of activities and sights that cater to all types of travelers, from those seeking relaxation on secluded beaches to adventurers eager to explore lush green mountains and historical aficionados interested in Spain’s rich cultural tapestry. Its combination of beauty, history, and culture makes it a compelling destination for anyone looking to experience a different side of Spain.
Why Visit Asturias
Natural Beauty: Asturias is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, which include dramatic coastlines, pristine beaches, and lush greenery. It’s a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Cultural Richness: The region boasts a deep historical and cultural heritage, with pre-Romanesque churches, medieval architecture, and vibrant traditional festivals.
Gastronomic Delights: Asturias is a culinary paradise, famous for its cider, fabada asturiana (bean stew), and a variety of seafood. The region takes pride in its artisan cheeses, such as Cabrales.
Less Touristy: Compared to Spain’s more popular destinations like Barcelona and Madrid, Asturias offers a more authentic and tranquil experience, away from the hustle and bustle of crowded tourist spots.
Things to Do in Asturias
Explore Oviedo’s Historical Center:
Visit Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, to admire its well-preserved medieval center. Highlights include the Gothic Oviedo Cathedral and pre-Romanesque churches like San Julián de los Prados.
Hiking in Picos de Europa National Park:
This national park offers some of the best hiking trails in Spain. Don’t miss the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes, and the Cares Route, a 12-kilometer gorge walk that’s among the most breathtaking in Europe.
Relax on Asturias’ Beaches:
Enjoy the beautiful beaches along the northern coast, such as Playa del Silencio and Gulpiyuri Beach, a stunning inland beach reachable only by foot.
Visit Covadonga:
Covadonga is a sacred site with a beautiful basilica and the Santa Cueva, where Don Pelayo, credited as the first King of Asturias, started the Christian Reconquest of Spain from the Moors.
Discover Traditional Villages:
Explore charming villages like Cudillero and Lastres, with their colorful houses and narrow cobblestone streets.
Taste Asturian Cider:
Visit a traditional sidrería (cider house) to learn about and taste the local cider, a fundamental part of Asturian culture. Participate in the ritual of “escanciar” – pouring cider from height to aerate it.
Tour the Jurassic Museum of Asturias:
If you’re traveling with kids or are a dinosaur enthusiast, the Jurassic Museum near Colunga is a great place to learn about the region’s prehistoric past, showcased through impressive fossil collections and interactive displays.
Asturias Typical Food
Asturias, located in the northern part of Spain, offers a distinct culinary experience deeply rooted in its rich geographical and cultural heritage. The region is known for its lush landscapes, maritime culture, and hearty, rustic cuisine. Here’s an overview of some typical foods from Asturias that you might enjoy.
Each of these dishes represents a part of Asturias’s gastronomic identity, reflecting the region’s agricultural richness, historical practices, and cultural influences. Whether you’re indulging in a bowl of fabada asturiana on a rainy day or enjoying some local cider with friends, the food of Asturias offers a direct connection to the land and the traditions of this beautiful region.
Fabada Asturiana
This is perhaps the most iconic dish of Asturias. It’s a rich, hearty stew made with large white beans (fabes), chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), pork shoulder, and often saffron. It’s typically cooked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Fabada is especially popular during the colder months and is a staple of Asturian cuisine.
Cabrales Cheese
Cabrales is a strong, blue cheese made in the Picos de Europa mountains. It’s noted for its intense flavor and is often enjoyed with bread or added to sauces and stews. The cheese is made from a mixture of cow, sheep, and goat milk, which is then aged in natural limestone caves, contributing to its unique taste and texture.
Cachopo
Similar to a Wiener Schnitzel or a Cordon Bleu, cachopo consists of two large veal fillets sandwiching a filling of ham and cheese, then breaded and fried. It’s a substantial dish often served with fries, peppers, or salad. Cachopo is beloved for its crispy exterior and gooey, melted cheese center.
Sidra (Asturian Cider)
Asturias is famous for its cider, which is made from the region’s abundant apple orchards. The cider is traditionally poured from a height to aerate it, a practice known as “escanciar,” which is performed to enhance the drink’s flavor. Asturian cider is less sweet and more acidic than many other types of cider and is an integral part of the local drinking culture.
Pitu de Caleya
This dish features free-range chicken, typically cooked in a stew with local spices and ingredients. The chicken used in pitu de caleya is traditionally raised in the countryside, which contributes to its richer flavor compared to commercially raised chickens.
Arroz con Leche
Asturias is also known for its desserts, particularly arroz con leche, a type of rice pudding. This comforting dessert is made with rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. It’s slowly cooked until creamy and is often caramelized on top with a hot iron, creating a deliciously rich crust.
Frixuelos
These are Asturian-style crepes, which can be served as a dessert or a sweet snack. Frixuelos are thin and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as sweet cream, jams, or simply sprinkled with sugar. They are particularly popular during Carnival.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.