Asturias is an autonomous community located in the north-western part of Spain, bordered by Cantabria to the east, Galicia to the west, and the Bay of Biscay to the north. Asturias is known for its rugged coastline, majestic mountain ranges, rich culture, and excellent gastronomy. This region has a rich history, as it was the birthplace of the Asturian Kingdom, the last Christian refuge during the Muslim invasion in the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century.
Asturias has a temperate oceanic climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year. In the summer, the average temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C, while in the winter, temperatures range from 8°C to 14°C. Due to its location close to the Atlantic Ocean, Asturias is known for its rainy weather, with precipitation occurring throughout the year.
Asturias is divided into eight counties: Avilés, Caudal, Eo-Navia, Gijón, Nalón, Oriente, Oviedo, and Siero. Each county has its own distinct culture and cuisine, which reflects the region’s diverse history and geography.
Table of Contents
Avilés
Located on the central coast of Asturias, Avilés is known for its seafood, such as spider crab, clams, and mussels. One of its most famous dishes is the Avilés-style octopus, which is boiled and served with paprika and olive oil.
Caudal
Caudal is located in the central-southern part of Asturias, and its cuisine is characterized by hearty stews, such as the Asturian bean stew, which is made with white beans, chorizo, and black pudding.
Eo-Navia
Eo-Navia is located in the north-western part of Asturias, and its cuisine is heavily influenced by Galician cuisine, as it shares a border with Galicia. Its most famous dish is the Eo-Navia-style squid, which is stuffed with breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley.
Gijón
Gijón is located on the northern coast of Asturias and is known for its cider, a traditional Asturian drink made from fermented apples. Its cuisine is also characterized by seafood dishes, such as grilled sardines and crab soup.
Nalón
Nalón is located in the central-southern part of Asturias, and its cuisine is heavily influenced by the region’s mining history. One of its most famous dishes is the Nalón-style chicken, which is cooked with onions, garlic, and white wine.
Oriente
Oriente is located on the eastern coast of Asturias, and its cuisine is heavily influenced by the sea. Its most famous dish is the Oriente-style hake, which is baked with garlic, onions, and paprika.
Oviedo
Oviedo is the capital of Asturias and is located in the central part of the region. Its cuisine is characterized by hearty meat dishes, such as the Asturian beef stew, which is made with beef, onions, and red pepper.
Siero
Siero is located in the central-southern part of Asturias and is known for its cheese, such as the Afuega’l Pitu cheese, which is made from cow’s milk and has a spicy flavor. Its cuisine is also characterized by bean stews and meat dishes.
Asturias then and now
Asturias is a region with a rich history and culture, reflected in its diverse cuisine. Each of the eight counties in Asturias has its own unique gastronomy, influenced by the region’s geography and history. Asturias was one of the first regions of Spain to be inhabited, with archaeological evidence showing human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. Throughout its history, Asturias has been a site of conflict, as it was a border region between Christian and Muslim territories during the Middle Ages.
The Asturian Kingdom was established in the 8th century, when a local nobleman named Pelayo led a rebellion against the Muslim invaders. Pelayo’s victory at the Battle of Covadonga is considered to be the starting point of the Reconquista, the centuries-long effort to drive the Muslims out of the Iberian Peninsula. The Asturian Kingdom lasted for almost three centuries, until it was incorporated into the Kingdom of León in the 11th century.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Asturias remained a region of strategic importance, as it was a gateway to the rest of the Iberian Peninsula. The region’s mountainous terrain also made it a natural fortress, which helped the Asturians resist foreign invasions.
During the 19th century, Asturias became a center of industrialization, as it was rich in coal and iron ore. This led to the growth of cities such as Oviedo and Gijón, which became centers of mining and manufacturing. The region was also known for its labor movement, as workers organized to demand better working conditions and wages.
In the 20th century, Asturias suffered greatly during the Spanish Civil War, as it was a stronghold of the Republican forces. The region was heavily bombed by the Nationalist forces, and many Asturians were killed or forced into exile. After the war, Asturias was slow to recover, but it eventually became a center of tourism, as visitors were drawn to its rugged landscapes and rich culture.
Today, Asturias is a thriving region that is proud of its heritage and traditions. Its cuisine, which is based on fresh, local ingredients, is one of the highlights of a visit to the region. From hearty stews to fresh seafood, Asturian cuisine is a reflection of the region’s diverse history and geography.
