Asturias

Asturias: The Green Coast of Spain

La Costa Verde or Green Coast of Northern Spain, is a paradise of rolling hills, rocky cliffs, sandy shores and quiet coves. An intensely lush beachfront garden at the foot of the spectacular Picos de Europa, where cows graze in seaside pastures set against snowy peaks in the distance. This is a region of surprisingly varied natural landscapes, of picturesque villages with fascinating local architecture - wooden grain barns, colourful colonial-style mansions and old manor houses built in stone. Breathe in the fresh air and revel in the tranquility of traditional rural life. Take time to enjoy meadows full of wildflowers and stroll past natural blowholes on the cliffs. Enjoy fresh seafood tapas in a fishing village or savour a traditional stew in a hamlet in the mountains. And delight in local festivities and folklore to the sound of Asturian bagpipes.

The Picos de Europa

The Picos de Europa are without a doubt the most impressive mountains in Spain, emerging dramatically from the Cantabrian Sea to reach soaring heights just inland. This is a land of capricious limestone formations, rushing rivers, plunging gorges and stunning spires. A truly magical corner of the world which offers breath-taking landscapes, deeply rooted traditions and tasty regional gastronomy. Explore authentic villages, lush green valleys and mysterious woodlands. Learn the fascinating story behind such delicious regional specialities as Cabrales blue cheese and natural apple cider. Soon you will see why Asturias is called ‘paraíso natural’, a natural paradise.

Visit a surprising mountainous destination of ever-changing natural landscapes and charmingly unchanged villages. Stroll round lovely seaside towns, visit protected coastal areas and admire well-preserved historical monuments. Then travel inland to be dazzled by the stunning landscapes of the Picos de Europa National Park. From gorgeous beaches to alpine villages, from ancient buildings to open air markets, from the mountains to the sea. To top it all off, enjoy a visit to Bilbao and the fascinating Guggenheim Museum.

The ‘Camino de Santiago’ in Asturias

The Pilgrims’ Trail to Santiago de Compostela is one of the great historical ‘long distance foot paths’ through Europe. According to legend, it all began in the 9th century when the bones of the apostle St James, murdered in Palestine, miraculously appeared in a village in what is now Galicia. Word spread round the Christian world reaching, among others, King Alfonso IX of Asturias. He undertook the pilgrimage and journeyed through dark woods and daunting mountains, from Oviedo via Lugo to Santiago, inviting fellow kings and nobleman to follow in his footsteps. This ‘original’ route was very popular in the early Middle Ages, when peoples south of the Cantabrian Range were continuously at war. Retrace the steps of millions of 'peregrinos' as you discover beautiful natural settings, intimate historical monuments, gorgeous rural landscapes and authentically friendly villages. Get your first taste of the atmosphere of ‘el camino’ through Asturias or follow the trail all the way to Santiago and Finisterre, which in Medieval times was considered the end of the ‘known world’.