Spain’s best-kept secret: the hidden paradise of Asturias – While the Mediterranean coast draws the massive summer crowds, the true connoisseurs of Spain head north to Asturias. Known as the “Green Coast,” this region offers a dramatic landscape where the Picos de Europa mountains almost touch the sea. It is a land of pre-Romanesque architecture, emerald valleys, and a culinary tradition that is fiercely independent from the rest of the country.
The insight: the ritual of the “escanciado”
The true insight into Asturias is found in its cider houses (sidrerías). In Asturias, cider is not just a drink; it is a performance. Because the local cider is natural and non-carbonated, it must be “broken” against the glass to aerate it. This is the escanciado: the server holds the bottle high above their head and the glass low by their hip, pouring a tiny amount known as a culín. You must drink it immediately while the oxygen is still active. This ritual dictates the social rhythm of the region; you don’t just grab a drink, you engage in a centuries-old ceremony of patience and precision.
10 elements to experience in Asturias
- The Lakes of Covadonga: Visit these glacial lakes high in the Picos de Europa for some of the most iconic views in Spain.
- Cudillero’s amphitheater: Wander through this colorful fishing village where houses are built into the cliffside like a Greek theater.
- Santa María del Naranco: Explore this 9th-century pre-Romanesque palace in Oviedo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The Jurassic Coast: Walk between Gijón and Ribadesella to find actual dinosaur footprints preserved in the coastal rocks.
- Bufones de Pria: Watch the sea water blast through natural chimneys in the limestone cliffs like massive geysers.
- The Cangas del Narcea vineyards: Discover Spain’s “heroic viticulture” where grapes are grown on incredibly steep mountain slopes.
- Bulnes Funicular: Take the underground train to reach a remote mountain village that was only accessible by foot until recently.
- Gijón’s Cimavilla: Walk through the old sailors’ quarter and climb to the “Eulogy to the Horizon” sculpture.
- Llanes’ Memory Cubes: See the harbor breakwater transformed into a colorful art installation by Agustín Ibarrola.
- Taramundi Watermills: Step back in time in this western village famous for traditional knife-making and ancient hydraulic engineering.
Ideas: Travel – Viaje – Reise – Resa – Matka
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Local’s secret tip
To taste the most authentic Asturias, ask for Gamonéu cheese. While Cabrales is the most famous blue cheese, Gamonéu is rarer and more complex. It is produced by local shepherds in high-mountain huts, smoked with wood, and aged in natural limestone caves. Because of the limited production, it rarely leaves the region. Finding a wedge in a local market in Cangas de Onís is a true pro-traveler victory.
What to avoid
Avoid expecting a typical “sunny Spain” beach holiday. Asturias is green because it rains frequently, even in summer. Do not drive into the center of Oviedo without checking your hotel’s parking rules; the city has one of the largest pedestrian zones in Europe and cameras are everywhere. Finally, never try to pour your own cider in a traditional sidrería if you aren’t an expert; it is considered disrespectful to the craft. Let the professional escanciador do the work.
Planning your visit
- Best time to travel: June to September for hiking and coastal exploration. May is beautiful for the spring blossoms in the valleys.
- Explore the area:
How it looks actually in Asturias
To see the dramatic coastline and the unique architecture of the northern fishing villages, use the interactive Street View below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the water safe to drink in Asturias? Yes, Asturias has some of the highest quality tap water in Spain, sourced directly from the mountain springs.
Do I need a car to visit Asturias? While cities like Oviedo and Gijón are connected by train, a car is essential to reach the Picos de Europa and the hidden coastal villages.
Is it expensive to eat out? Asturias offers some of the best value for money in Spain. Portions are traditionally very large, especially the famous Fabada Asturiana.
Warm regards,
Lassi Pensikkala
Destination expert & travel writer
Updated 2026 · © Lassi Pensikkala
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