Principality of Asturias discover the ultimate vacation paradise

The first thing that will catch your attention in this region of northern Spain is the spectacular landscape of the national park of the Picos de Europa, but this region doesn't just feature the mountains, it also has beautiful and paradisiacal beaches. The Asturias region is famous for nature and wellness, let yourself be seduced by the rural environment, the beauty of the villages and the coastline. Traveling to Asturias will make you find again sensations forgotten: the quietness, the grass smell, the fauna noises and the caress of the early breeze, in brief, all the blessings provided by mother nature.

Aviles - Cosmopolitan, maritime, medieval, dynamic and metropolitan... These are the overall characteristics of the provincial capital. The city is located on the central coastal strip of Asturias, west of the Cape of Peñas. It was once a fishing and farming town, but today it is a modern city and a major iron and steel center, the fruit of population growth and the industrial expansion. Do not miss the chance to see the old town, classified as a historic site, the pedestrian streets of Galiana and Rivero, the Plaza de España and its Town Hall, the ancient church Sabugo, the Niemeyer center, Caños de San Francisco and the Palace of Ferrera.

Arriondas - The village is surrounded by mountains and is a perfect and wonderful place for hiking and active tourism lovers. It is situated in the heart of a wide valley encircled by mountains, at the confluence of the rivers Sella and Piloña within a rich natural patrimony of streams and gorges. There are many prehistoric sites in the area, such as the Taragaño cave, and an impressive local patrimony with its churches, palaces, windmills and residences full of ancient memories. The viewpoint of Fitu offers a splendid panorama of the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa National Park.

Cabo de Peñas - An attractive place classified as a protected landscape, a surprising arm of land that juts out into the Bay of Biscay, in the middle of the Asturian coast. It' s a beautiful and peaceful natural place to explore if you like the nature, the sea and the cliffs. This is also the northern point of the Iberian Peninsula, with sea villas and lovely beaches on the edge of its 100 meter high cliffs. The lighthouse is a remarkable structure built in 1852. From this place, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the El Sabín cove and its sandy beach.

Cangas de Onis - The municipality is embedded in the valley formed by the rivers Sella and Güeña, the Roman bridge is classified as a historical and artistic monument in 1931. Also worth mentioning is the hermitage of Santa Cruz, remarkable for the age of its construction, sitting on a dolmen in 437. Land of transition to the Meseta, country of pasture, of cattle, of cheese, of alpinists and climbers, salmon fishing and the cult of the locals for their Sella, Güeña and Dobra rivers. Some other buildings worth to see: the Town Hall, the Cortés Palace, of Renaissance style, the Chapel of San Antonio, Chapel Santa Cruz, Bridge over the river Sella and the Sanctuary of Covadonga.

Cudillero - A picturesque little fishing port, set in a horseshoe shape on the slope of the mountain, with amazing houses clinging to the wall, with brightly colored windows. The village is a pleasant place to take a walk from the port along the paths to the lighthouse of Cabo Vidio or the one of Cudillero, as well as to the Garita, the Atalaya or El Pico. In the village, the Gothic parish church is worth a visit, as well as the Humilladero chapel, the oldest building in the town.

Gijón - An attractive combination of marine flavor, architectural patrimony and a modern urban design, all articulated around the sea and the beach as well as its history closely linked to the sea. The old town of Gijón is made up of the Santa Catalina hill and the fishermen's district of Cimadevilla. From the hill top, the view of the Bay of Biscay, the Costa Verde and Cimadevilla is breathtaking. It is between the beach of San Lorenzo and the marina, where the streets are full of Roman remains, noble mansions and fishermen's houses. Do not miss the collegiate church, the Roman baths, the botanical garden, the palace of Revillagigedo and the aquarium of the city.

Llanes - A small town with a protected historic center that houses some important examples of civil, religious and military architecture. The promenade of San Pedro, the paseo of San Antón, the river Carrocedo and the port are the axes around which the city of Llanes revolves. The beaches of the area are particularly famous as the ones of San Antolín, Torimbia, Barro, Celorio, Poo, Sablón and Toró. Lovers of natural spaces will appreciate the pleasant walk along the San Pedro walkway, which runs along the cliffs.

Luanco - It is a seaside town in the region of Gozón, less than 40 kilometers from Oviedo. It stands out for its history and the buildings related to it, as well as for its beautiful beaches along the Cantabrian Sea. It is very pleasant to walk through the narrow streets of this medieval village, where you will also discover some palaces, dating back to the 18th century. After that, what could be more relaxing than having an aperitif in a "tasca" while walking by the sea. Since 1984, the Asturian capital of tuna, organizes gastronomic events around this theme. Do not miss the Asturian Maritime Museum, the Somiedo Natural Park, the Ponga Natural Park and the Muniellos Reserve.

Luarca - A picturesque village located between cliffs, where the combination of beach and mountains offers beautiful landscapes. Some of the highlights are Casa Guatemala, the Palace of the Marquises of Ferrera, the fishermen's neighborhood of La Pescadería and the area of La Atalaya, the fishing port, the old town and the beaches. The inhabitants have a deep bond with the sea since the olden times, while the village has kept a medieval charm in one part and a very traditional one in the other.

Oviedo - Over centuries of experience and history, Oviedo has earned the status of capital of the natural paradise of Asturias. The city was the first capital of a Christian kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula. Located in the heart of the region, is a privileged place from where you can explore the whole Asturian principality. Nature, pre-Roman art, fiestas, gastronomy and much more can keep you busy for several days in the region of Oviedo. In the city you shouldn't miss to visit important monuments such as: the Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum of Asturias, the Museum of Fine Arts, the San Tirso Church, La Foncalada, the San Francisco Park, the Church of Santa María del Naranco and also Santa María Church, in Bendones.

Pola de Lena - A little mountain village at 33 km from Oviedo that stands out for its mountain landscape but above all for its architectural heritage with the church of Santa Cristina de Lena, a pre-romanic temple of the 9th century registered in the list of the Humanity's patrimony. The main characteristic of the church is its iconostasis and a triple system of arcades supported by marble columns that separate the presbytery from the area for the faithful. If you are in the area in early July, don't miss the lamb festival that takes place every year since 1965 on the first weekend of the month.

Ribadesella - On the oriental coast of Asturias, at the foot of the European peaks, Ribadesella is crossed by the river Sella. Between the landscape, the history, the culture, the wildlife, the fiestas, the gastronomy, the town offers a wide range of attractions. Surrounded by a wonderful natural landscape, you can explore the numerous caves in the surroundings. The city was founded in the 13th century and has a mixture of medieval town planning and modern architecture, enhanced by beautiful beaches. There are many points of interest in the town such as the Ribadesella Museum, the Rock Art Center, the Tito Bustillo Cave, the Magdalena and Virgen de La Guía chapels, the Casa del Collado, the Prieto Cutre Palace and the Upper Jurassic formations.