When most people think of Spain, their minds instantly jump to Barcelona’s iconic architecture, Madrid’s grand boulevards, or the flamenco rhythms of Seville. And while those cities are undeniably amazing, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Spain is a vast and diverse country, full of lesser-known regions that are equally—if not more—captivating. Head north, and you’ll find gems like San Sebastián with its world-class food scene, the bold and artistic spirit of Bilbao, or the Roman heritage of Tarragona. But one place that truly flies under the radar and steals the heart of every traveler lucky enough to visit is Asturias. Tucked between the Bay of Biscay and the towering Picos de Europa, Asturias offers raw nature, rich traditions, and a slower pace that feels like a deep breath in a fast world. visiting asturias

Asturias: it’s that hidden gem of Northern Spain where you can feel the ocean breeze one minute and be cradled by mountains the next.

If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat – so grab a cup of café con leche, get comfy, and let me take you through why visiting this region is truly a heart-swelling experience.

First Impressions & Getting There

Landing in Asturias, especially if you’re coming from abroad, is part of the adventure. FSC (the region’s international airport) is small and friendly — you’ll typically breeze through baggage claim faster than you can say, “¡Guau!” It’s intimate and laid-back, not like the bustling airports in Madrid or Barcelona. visiting asturias

A special shout-out to Vueling here: they often operate regular connections into Asturias from major European cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Milan. Booking with them felt seamless — online check-in, reasonable fares, free carry-ons (bonus!), and friendly cabin crew helped me settle into holiday mode before I even touched down. The flights tend to land mid-afternoon, giving you just enough golden-hour light to start soaking in those Asturian mountains and coastline as you taxi in.

Why Asturias, Anyway?

You might ask, “Why would I go to Asturias?” Without missing a beat: because it’s dramatic, cultural, delicious, and overwhelmingly human. This is a region where green cliffs plunge into grey-blue sea, cider flows freer than water, and ancient traditions feel alive and relevant. It’s not overcrowded — you’re not elbow-compressed on bakeries lines or competing for souvenir photo ops. Instead, it’s a place to breathe.

Nature & Outdoor Adventures

Asturias is what I like to call a “nature whisperer’s dream.” The Picos de Europa, part of the Cantabrian Mountains, are epic — jagged peaks, winding trails, and valleys that cradle quaint villages. Hike the famed Ruta del Cares if you’re up for it: a narrow gorge path cutting through limestone, with views so breathtaking you’ll wonder how to top it. visiting asturias

Coastal lovers, you’re covered too: the rugged Costa Verde is studded with tiny pebble beaches, natural coves, and surfers riding wild Atlantic waves. Playa del Silencio is a local favorite — it’s peaceful, rugged, and feels untouched, perfect for lingering with a good book or chasing sunset colors. If you prefer exploring by sea, kayaking and boat trips offer a totally different vantage point — hidden beaches, bird cliffs, even sea caves where you can hear the ocean rumbling from within.

Charming Towns & Hidden Gems

Asturias has that “niche wonder” vibe — no overwhelming city sprawl, but pockets of charm everywhere:

• Oviedo: The capital city is cosplaying medieval all day but still hip and buzzing at night. The Cathedral of San Salvador is a medieval jewel, and wandering through the old town’s cobbled lanes you’ll stumble upon sidrerías (cider bars), tapas spots, and locals happily toasting with their signature cuencos — think hearty stock in a bowl, gulped down in one shot. Freshly baked pastries swirl aromas around its plazas, and local markets feel intimate and alive.
• Gijón: This seaside town marries elegance with surf culture. The Playa de San Lorenzo promenade is popular with strollers and joggers; hunker down in a café with beachfront views, and you’ll spot surfers tackling frothy winter swells. Gijón’s historic quarter, Cimavilla, rises with narrow streets and fishermen’s houses, offering pretty views and fresh seafood spots at every turn. visiting asturias
• Cudillero: A pastel-hued, cliff-hugging fishing village that’s basically postcard material. You walk winding stairs downward through mosaic houses to the port, where fishing boats bob and seabirds swirl overhead. Try the “pixin” (monkfish) — preparations are simple, flavors immaculate — and pause now and then for a shot of cider, poured in the Asturian style from high above the glass. Pure joy.
• Llanes: Less touristy than some other towns, with stunning beaches like Playa de Toró and Playa de Gulpiyuri — the latter is a rare inland beach surrounded by cliffs, where the ocean filters through blowholes to create a mini-sandscape. Ideal for letting the mind wander and feeling gloriously, wonderfully small in the world.

Cider, Cheese, and Cuisine

If you came for food and drink, Asturias doesn’t hold back. The cider (sidra) here is legendary: thin, dry, and served with flair. The pouring ritual (escanciado) involves holding the bottle high and pouring from above, aerating the cider and sending fizzy drops flying. Trust me, it’s as much a performance as it is a beverage — and yes, you’ll spill some, but locals do, too. Sidrerías often serve buttery cod dips, chorizo, morcilla, and fabada, a robust stew of beans and pork.

Cheese lovers, rejoice! Cabrales cheese (blue cheese aged in mountain caves) is Lushootseed on the palate — bold, tangy, honest. Bring some home (vacuum-sealed is best) and pair with honey or nuts for an unforgettable snack.

Market days are a must: the Mercado de la Plaza in Llanes or Oviedo’s Mercado El Fontán bristle with vendors selling fresh fish, cheeses, meats, honey, flowers — vibrant with local life and conversation. Grab a snack, mingle with locals, and feel like you’re part of a living tapestry.

Culture, History & Festivals

For a relatively small region, Asturias is steeped in culture. In Oviedo, you can admire pre-Romanesque churches like Santa María del Naranco — a UNESCO-listed architectural marvel perched on a hill. They date from the 9th century and they feel magical, tiny sanctuaries perched in the sky.

Music and folk traditions are everywhere. One of the highlights of my trip was stumbling upon a banda de gaitas (bagpipe band) at a small feast day in a rural village. The music carried through the valley like an invitation — and I answered. If you time your visit right, you might catch the Festival de la Sidra in Nava, or local romerías (village fairs) with folk dancing, food stalls, and more sidra. These gatherings aren’t flashy tourist events — they’re real, family‑centric reunions where everyone’s invited.

Travel Tips & Itineraries

• Transportation: Renting a car gives you full flexibility — trust me, so many beaches, mountain passes, and forests lie off-route from buses and trains. But if you’re sticking to towns like Oviedo and Gijón, the public network is solid enough: regional trains and coaches are regular, and comfy.
• Best time to go: Late spring through early autumn (May to September) is ideal — weather is mild, rain is less frequent, and festivals are in full swing. Winter can be magical, especially if you want snow in the Picos de Europa, but expect rain on the coast.
• Where to stay: Cozy rural cottages (casas rurales) are perfect if you’re all about peace, rustic breakfasts, and local character. Towns like Cangas de Onís (gateway to the Picos) have lovely options. If you prefer more urban energy, Oviedo and Gijón have boutique hotels with style yet unbeatable access to food and nightlife.
• Sample 5‑day itinerary:

• • • Day 1: Arrive via Vueling or other airlines into Asturias airport, pick up your car (or hop a bus) and head to Oviedo. Explore the old town, get your first sidra lesson, and tuck into fabada.

    • Day 2: Morning in Pre‑Romanesque churches, afternoon drive to Cudillero for sea air, pastel houses, and seafood.

    • Day 3: Up to Picos de Europa — hike, marvel at peaks, sleep nearby in a mountain lodge or ranch.

    • Day 4: Coastal charms in Llanes and Playa del Silencio — surf, swim, photograph, and snack.

    • Day 5: Wind down in Gijón — promenade brunch, Cimavilla stroll, visit a cider museum, even.

  

  Authentic Connections visiting asturias

  What makes Asturias truly special isn’t just the landscape — it’s the spirit of the people. I’ll never forget sharing tables with local families at humble sidrerías deep in the hills, watching poché beans and chorizo sizzle on wood-fired stoves. They were curious about me, and I was curious about them. We shared a glass, we shared stories, we laughed over our different languages. Even in the tiniest village I visited, someone invited me for coffee, or pointed out a hidden viewpoint, or told me the legend of an old hermitage tucked in the woods.

  That is Asturias: open-hearted, unpretentious, quietly proud, and more alive than you ever guessed. There’s no line to queue, no Instagram crowd pushing for a photo. It asks only that you slow down, open yourself to the earth, the sea, and the people who call it home.

  Final Takeaway about visiting Asturias

  If you want a trip with big skies, wild coastlines, proud traditions, treasure‑troves of flavor, and time to actually live in another place — Asturias is the place. From the moment your Vueling flight descends over verdant peaks to the instant you crush your last piece of Cabrales cheese with honey, it’ll lodge itself in your soul.

  So what are you waiting for? Asturias is patient, quiet — calling to the explorer in you who wants something real. When you embrace its rhythms, its textures, its laughter and tears of cider, you leave changed. In the best, little‑known ways.