Area Information

Asturias is an autonomous community located in the North of Spain, bordered on the east by Cantabria, the north by the Cantabrian Sea, the west by Galicia and the south by the province of León. It takes pride in it’s lush, green vegetation making this region part of Green Spain. Around four-fifths of the region is covered in mountains as well as grasslands and forest and forty percent of the region is designated a natural reserve  which makes it the perfect location for all kinds of sporting activities including hiking, cycling, mountain biking, rock climbing, canoeing, surfing, fishing and skiing etc.  Asturias is also the origin of the famous Camino de Santiago, thanks to King Alfonso II, King of Asturias and Galicia who initiated the pilgrimage to Santiago from Oviedo and ordered the construction of the church in Compostela to protect the relics of the Apostle Santiago. The original route of the Camino, which starts in Oviedo is called El Camino Primitivo.

Things to do

The region also appeals to more than the outdoor adventurer; Asturias boasts modern and cosmopolitan cities and towns, natural parks and biosphere reserves, protected coastal landscapes and natural monuments, amazing beaches, exceptionally friendly people, fantastic cuisine and lots of tourist activities. Although the region is not solely reliant on the tourist trade, it has a large industrial sector dedicated to mining, metal, chemical, glass and the agri-food industry, cider production as well as renewable energies in the development and use of clean energy.

Ninety five percent of the region has access to high speed broadband internet services which makes Asturias the region with the highest rate of broadband cable internet use. Perfect of those digital nomads and work-at-home mums as well as the growing number of people who are opting for their children to find alternative educational resources by way of online courses and home schooling.

 Climate

The Atlantic Ocean influences the climate in Asturias, which is usually cool and damp. The summers are cool and cloudy with some sunny blue sky days, while winters can be quite mild and rainy. This region has plenty of annual rainfall, and fog is common all year round. Snow occurs mainly in inland hilly areas and the mountains. The best time to visit Asturias would be in summer, from June to the first half of October. Although these are the driest and sunniest months of the year, don’t be surprised by some drizzle and short showers or even the occasional thunder storm.

Cities of Asturias

The three major cities in Asturias are Aviles, Gijon and Oviedo. The cities are all compact and can easily be explored by walking. You can also ride a bus or taxi to get around.

Oviedo is the capital of the region, it is an elegant city set on a hill with mountains as its background, about 18 miles southwest of Gijón. Oviedo, with its immaculately clean streets, attractive honey coloured buildings in the ‘casco viejo’, peacocks roaming the Parque San Francisco and well-to-do citizens in suits and fur coats, features many attractions and architectural sites, most of which date back to the early medieval period. The many parks and public spaces are well-maintained. Plus, there are plenty of old and modern universities offering various fields of study and programs. Cultural events are also held here every year. The economy in the Asturias capital relies on coal and iron mining. Other thriving industries include food processing and light manufacturing.

The only international airport in the province is Asturias Airport (OVD). While it mostly has domestic flights, the airport also welcomes some international flights. You can fly to this region directly from Madrid, Barcelona, Paris or London. The airport is easily accessible by motorway or by bus from the three main cities.

Gijón has the largest population among all the cities in Asturias. This lively city can be found on the coast of the Cantabrian Sea in the Bay of Biscay. Many examples of its Roman past are visible in the area, such as the old Roman walls and the finest preserved Roman baths called “The Campo Valdes Roman Baths.” It is also considered an artistic city, filled with sculptures, street art, galleries, and more. It even boasts monthly cultural events. Puerto del Musel, a top coasting trade source and international port of call, is Gijón’s seaport. Major industries in this city include food processing, liquor distilling, petroleum refining, steel, iron, and chemical manufacturing. Gijon is also known as the leading summer resort on the Costa Verde.

Avilés is a calm and relaxed town in Asturias. It is mainly an industrial city with nearby factories from giant international steel and chemical markets. However, it also takes pride in having a full line of mansions, arcaded houses, churches, fountains, and gardens. In the heart of the town, you’ll be welcomed by a busy port, lovely beaches, an incredible art scene, and charismatic people. Moreover, the city is easily accessible as it’s just 10 minutes from Asturias Airport. The town has plenty of historic buildings featuring various architectural styles. There are also tapas bars, taverns, and restaurants lining the streets. Locals love to celebrate parties and host lunch on the streets. The economy depends on the iron and steel industries. The city also exports coal from Asturias’s mines.