Asturias, an unexpected surprise filled with postcard pretty villages lost in time.
August 2018 was our first time Asturias so we decided to take advantage and arrive a couple of days earlier than our volunteer program was supposed to start. That way, we had time to do some sightseeing. Click on the name of each location so you can see some pictures from our Asturian Adventure!
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Oviedo, the capital city of Asturias.
Our home base for the next few days was Oviedo, the capital city of Asturias. What a surprise to see this city adapt an open-air gallery vibe with over 100 sculptures planted all around the city. We had the chance to see 22 of these incredible sculptures during this trip along with some gorgeous buildings.
Gijon, largest coastal city in Asturias.
Next stop was Gijon (Xixón in Asturian), a 25 minute bus ride from Oviedo and cost only 2,45 € / per person (one-way) through Alsa Bus. Gijon is the largest city in Asturias and is located on the Bay of Biscay. Amazingly, it’s history can be dated back somewhere between the 6th and 5th centuries BC.
Palacio de Rubianes, Hotel & Golf, Cereceda
Here, we began our week of volunteering as Native English speakers with English Getaway. Read more about our experience here.
Once our week was over, we were invited to spend a few days with Sergio and his beautiful wife, Cristina. They were very gracious hosts and took us around the best spots in Asturias.
Cudillero, the prettiest seaside village in Spain!
A picture-perfect coastal village where the inhabitants speak Spanish and a dialect called Pixueto. We think that Cudillero is Spain’s prettiest seaside village.
The Northern Way (Camino de la Costa) route of El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James), passes through Cudillero.
Covadonga
Covadonga is located in the Picos de Europa mountains. It is a pilgrimage site dedicated to Our Lady of Covadonga. In the 8th Century, Covadonga was honored as the Origin of the first Christian kingdom on the Iberian peninsula.
Cangas de Onis
Cangas de Onís, is the capital city of the area of the same name. It sits in the valley between the rivers Sella and Güeña. It is famous for its 5-arched Roman Bridge that spans the Sella River.
Mirador del Fitu
The Mirador del Fitu can be found on the famous hills of the Sierra del Sueve. This viewpoint looks like some kind of flying saucer, suspended a few meters above ground where a set of stairs are deployed to step on the ground. The locals know it as “the cazu” because it is shaped like a cup. It was inaugurated in 1927 with the idea that tourists can have the best visual experience with trees in between.
Ribadesella
Ribadesella is best known as the site of the annual August Descenso Internacional del Sella kayaking festival, a sporting event since 1930 and has become one of the most important dates on the international canoeing calendar. Unfortunately, we were there at the end of August so we missed it. In case you’re interested, the next edition will be held on August 3, 2019.
Ribadesella is one of those fishing villages with a sweeping seafront, enchanting history, and glorious natural surroundings. It has its share of pretty plazas and narrow streets, which creep out onto the old fishing harbour. Ribadesella proves to be the perfect spot for really kicking back beachside (or on grass – perfect for those who don’t like laying on sand), with a generous sprinkling of culture and adventure thrown into the mix.
Salinas, an accessible seaside beach resort
Salinas, known to surfers, as the most visited beach on the Asturian coast . It joins San Juan de Nieva / El Espartal beach forming a 3km long beach known as La Concha de El Espartal (The Espartal Shell). It’s actually the same beach but since it’s divided between 2 towns (Salinas and San Juan de Nieva / San Xuan) they are considered separate.
Cabo de Peñas, the most northern point in Asturias with breathtaking views
As we drove along the Spain’s northeast coast, the more rugged and rustic it became. Driving along the windy country road to Cabo de Peñas really makes you feel like you’ve disconnected for big-city life – this is Asturia’s most northern point and home to a lighthouse-museum (erected in 1852) and a protected natural park.
Monte Naranco, offering a spectacular view of Oviedo
A mountain in Oviedo known as the finish point for the bicycle races “Subida al Naranco” and “Vuelta a España”. It is also the site of two Roman Catholic Asturian pre-Romanesque Asturian architecture churches on the slope of Mount Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo and Santa María del Naranco. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites and are considered to be some of the most significant pre-Romanesque structures in Europe.
Asturias is one of Spain’s best kept secrets. When you visit you will understand why. Asturias, part of green Spain (unlike Andalucia) looks out onto the Bay of Biscay on one side, with mountains on the other – absolutely stunning scenery.
