Asturias
Asturias
Our travel guide, discover the city 100%
WHERE TO EAT? Asturias is undisputedly one of Spain’s gastronomic paradises. Eating here is not just a routine, it is a ritual: sitting down at the table for a proper “llantar” (feast)—sharing generous portions and enjoying cider—is woven into the region’s DNA. It is the finest way to experience its hospitable, noble character, which is deeply rooted in both the land and the sea.
In Asturias, traditional chigres (cider bars) and lifelong cider houses coexist beautifully with Michelin-starred haute cuisine, alongside traditional guisanderas (female home cooks) where local produce and culinary memory go hand in hand.
Gijón (Cimavilla and Cimadevilla neighborhoods): The seafaring heart and the ultimate temple of cider houses. Taking a stroll for a few rounds of drinks around the Cuesta del Cholo or the Plaza Mayor is an absolute must.
Oviedo (The Cider Boulevard): The legendary Gascona Street is a mandatory stop—expect a vibrant atmosphere where the cider never stops pouring.
Llanes and Ribadesella: Charming coastal towns perfect for savoring fresh fish from the Cantabrian Sea and seafood with a view.
The Interior (Cangas de Onís and Arenas de Cabrales): The ideal mountain region to enjoy hearty stews, rich red meats, and strong, artisan cheeses.
Typical Dishes: The iconic fabada asturiana (bean stew), cachopo (two beef fillets stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried), pote asturiano (a hearty pork and vegetable stew), and pitu de caleya (free-range village chicken).
From the Sea: Andaricas (velvet crabs), bugres (lobsters), pixín (monkfish) prepared a la pixueta, and oricios (sea urchins) when in season.
Cheeses and Desserts: Cheeses full of character like Cabrales or Gamonéu; and for dessert, the irresistible casadielles (walnut-filled pastries), caramelized rice pudding (arroz con leche requemado), or carbayones (almond puff pastries).
Drinks: You cannot miss naturally poured cider (sidra natural) or a local wine from the D.O. Cangas appellation.
WHAT TO SEE? Asturias is one of the most fascinating and complete regions in northern Spain. Washed by the Cantabrian Sea and embraced by the towering Picos de Europa mountains, it is a true “Natural Paradise” that has successfully preserved its purest essence. From its mining, seafaring, and Pre-Romanesque past to becoming a global benchmark for sustainable tourism, landscape, and gastronomy, Asturias seamlessly blends the charm of its coastal towns and mountain villages with the cultural vitality of its three main cities.
Strolling through Asturias means discovering its hospitable character, its overflowing green nature, and the strength of a land that looks toward the future while remaining deeply proud of its traditions and legends.
The Picos de Europa and Covadonga Lakes: The alpine heart of the region. This high-mountain spectacle is home to the iconic Lakes Enol and Ercina, as well as the Sanctuary of the Virgin inside the Holy Cave (Santa Cueva).
Oviedo and Asturian Pre-Romanesque Art: The elegant capital houses 9th-century architectural gems unique in the world, such as Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, alongside a beautiful Gothic cathedral.
Gijón and the Cimavilla Neighborhood: A city wide open to the sea, featuring the vibrant San Lorenzo beach, Roman baths, and the old fishermen’s quarter, which is crowned by Eduardo Chillida’s “Elogio del Horizonte” (Eulogy to the Horizon) sculpture.
Avilés and the Niemeyer Center: An impeccable medieval historic center that contrasts beautifully with the spectacular avant-garde cultural center designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
Cudillero and Lastres: Idyllic fishing villages with colorful houses hanging from cliffside amphitheaters over the sea—perfect for getting lost in their steep, narrow streets.
Gulpiyuri Beach and the Bufones de Pría: Unique natural monuments, featuring an inland sea beach hidden among green meadows, and natural rock blowholes that roar with the ocean waves.
Somiedo Natural Park: The sanctuary of the Cantabrian brown bear and the idyllic “teitos”—traditional stone cabins with thatched roofs set in breathtakingly beautiful valleys.
In addition, Asturias is famous for its outdoor summer festivals (fiestas de prau) and the International Descent of the Sella River in August. On the culinary front, you cannot miss a hearty fabada asturiana, a crispy cachopo, or a few shots (culines) of naturally poured cider in a traditional chigre.
Asturias is not just a place to visit, it is a place to breathe: every corner reflects the pride of a land that captivates the senses while keeping its most authentic essence completely intact.
WHERE TO PARK? Traveling by car through Asturias is the ideal way to discover its villages and landscapes, though during peak season, it is wise to be familiar with its parking options and urban park-and-ride lots.
Park-and-Ride Lots in Oviedo and Gijón: Such as those located by the stadiums (Carlos Tartiere or El Molinón), which are perfect for leaving your car for free or at a low cost and catching a bus to the city center.
Picos de Europa Park-and-Ride Lots: The special transport plan for the Covadonga Lakes includes four large, well-signposted parking areas in and around Cangas de Onís.
Beaches and Coastal Towns Parking: In popular tourist spots like Cudillero or Llanes, there are large parking areas right at the entrance of the towns to prevent traffic congestion in the historic centers.
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