Bordering the Galician province of Lugo, we find the Principality of Asturias, bathed by the Cantabrian coast. It is a uniprovincial autonomous community which receives the name of Principality for several historical reasons, for proclaiming himself the heir of the Spanish Crown with the title of “Prince of Asturias” in the year 1388.
The capital of Asturias is Oviedo, but in this autonomous community comes to take almost more importance the city of Gijón, being more populated than Oviedo. In it we will be able to fuse history, gastronomy, traditions and nature. An ensemble of immense beauty.
The enormous variety of places of interest, whether monumental or its natural offer adding its gastronomy make Asturias one of the must-visit destinations for any lover traveler. Next, we’ll explain what to see and do in Asturias and you’ll discover why this province has earned a place in the heart of every person who has visited it.
What to see in Asturias?
This province in spite of its small surface, offers an endless number of activities, things to do and see, above all we can highlight several of the cities and towns that you can not miss if you decide to travel to this wonderful place.
The Most Important cities in Asturias
Oviedo
First of all we have the capital of Asturias, also known for being named one of the cleanest Spanish cities. The second most populated city in the Principality, and also stands out for being one of the most beautiful. In it, its historic centre will not leave us indifferent, of medieval style almost in its totality. We can also find in each corner different sculptures, and we can visit monuments as prominent as the Cathedral of San Salvador or even the Teatro Campoamor, where they celebrate the famous Prince of Asturias awards. Its gastronomy is not left behind either, obligatory visit to some of its bars or restaurants to taste its exquisite plates.
Gijón
We find the most populated city in Asturias, perhaps the most charismatic and has the most beautiful beaches in Spain. A combination of sea, nature and a very wide monumental set. It is a must-see port, which took on its importance thanks to the Catholic Monarchs to promote these lands. Do not forget its old town formed by the hill of Santa Catalina and the fishing district of Cimadevilla, we will see at the top a breathtaking view of the Cantabrian Sea.
We will also find monumental examples such as the Town Hall, from the 19th century, the Palace of Revillagigedo, the palace Valdés, construction from the 16th century that was in times Fábrica de Tabacos, the church of San Pedro and the Roman thermal baths among many other enclaves. A city in which we can not forget that its scenic offer as the English Park and the Park of Isabel the Catholic located delimiting the bed of the River Piles. And of course, the local gastronomy, insurmountable.
Áviles
We find ourselves before perhaps the least appreciated of the three big cities but not for that reason the least beautiful. It is true that its beauty does not stand out, so we recommend that you go inside and get to know it since its old quarter has been declared a Historic-Artistic-Monumental Site. As it has important jewels of civil and religious architecture such as the old church of Sabugo. We will also highlight one of the beautiful beaches of Asturias, Salinas. And we won’t leave without tasting the fish, your star dish. As data in its auction is auctioned about 70% of Asturian fishing, is therefore considered one of the most important fishing ports.
Towns with more charm in Asturias
If what we want is to go deeper into nature, in smaller areas, with a special air, below we will list some of the most charming villages of the Principality of Asturias that you can not miss.
Cudillero
Valued as the most beautiful, this small village is situated at the foot of the cliff. It stands out for being a fishing village in which its port is full of restaurant. Your houses painted with bright colours will be one of the points that will capture our attention the most.
Lastres
The best advice we can give when visiting this village is to get lost in its cobblestone streets and admire every corner. For a reason it was awarded the Prince of Asturias Award as an Exemplary Town in 2010. Don’t forget to go up to the viewpoint and admire the landscape, pass by the port where you will be attended in any bar and you will be able to taste its gastronomy.
Taramundi
The protagonist of this charming village is water, its greatest natural heritage. It offers us a dream landscape in which we can enjoy the forests, its valleys and mountains in which their peculiar little houses will stand out. If we are lovers of outdoor activities, Taramundi offers us what we are looking for, such as the route of the Ferreiros. Don’t forget to prepare yourself with good equipment as we do on the Camino de Santiago.
Luarca
On the Asturian coast we will find Luarca, famous for its fishing port, its beaches and its gastronomy. Besides standing out for its houses, curiously has the most beautiful cemeteries in Spain and views from its Watchtower. The views from the top of this Watchtower are worthy of a postcard.
Llanes
It could not miss in our list the most touristic town of all, which also have been shot several well-known films such as The Orphanage for example. Between mountains and sea, this corner stands out for its old town as well as for its beautiful beaches. We can walk along its famous San Pedro promenade, take a dip in the spectacular Gulpiyuri beach or visit its cider houses.
Obviously, Asturias does not only have these charming villages, there are many more that you may find more beautiful although these are the most known. If you’ve been wanting to know more, why not visit Asturias?
Activities in Full Nature in Asturias
If we are fond of sport, nature and especially hiking, in Asturias we will find a wide range of routes on foot or bicycle that we can do. If we have made the Camino de Santiago, surely we will be curious to know the different itineraries that the North of Spain offers us.
The landscapes if we go through the interior are worthy to see. But those that offer their nature in pure state, will remain engraved in our retina. There are countless routes within the Principality, even from Oviedo we can make the Primitive Way to Santiago. Among the best known routes we can highlight: Cares Route, one of the best routes to do in Asturias, the route of the Foces del río Pino, Route of the Waterfalls of Oneta, Route of the Mills in Caves, the route to Cabo Blanco, the Green Route of the Railway, among many others. If you want to know all the offer of routes and paths that this province gives us click here.
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