Every spring, the Cider Region in Asturias is adorned with a natural spectacle to the delight of both locals and visitors: apple blossom season, known in Asturian as the “Floriar del Pumar”. This phenomenon turns the fields into a sea of pink and white flowers, creating an idyllic landscape waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
What is apple blossom season?
Apple blossom season is the time of year when apple trees bloom, the prelude to the apple harvest, resulting in the iconic Asturian cider. Not only is this process essential to the growth of the fruit, but it also treats us to a stunning visual spectacle, with vast fields and meadows covered in delicate flowers that fill the air with their fragrance and enhance the landscape.
Why visit the Cider Region during apple blossom season?
The Cider Region, made up of the municipalities of Bimenes, Cabranes, Colunga, Nava, Sariego and Villaviciosa, lies at the heart of Asturia’s cider tradition. During apple blossom season, this region is the ideal destination for anyone wanting to connect with nature and with the local culture and cuisine. Strolling among the “pumaradas” (apple orchards) in full bloom is a unique sensory experience, where the white and pink hues of the flowers contrast with the deep green of the Asturian meadows.
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Key activities during apple blossom season
To celebrate this natural spectacle, “Apple Blossom Week” is held from 1 to 4 May, when visitors can enjoy a whole range of activities:
- Guided orchard walks: see the “pumaradas” up close and learn about apple tree cultivation and its importance in Asturian culture.
- Visits to llagares and the Cider Museum: A chance to discover the cider-making process, from when the apples are harvested to their fermentation and bottling. The Cider Museum in Nava offers visitors an interactive experience to learn more about this tradition.
- Music surrounded by apple blossom: Open-air concerts combine the beauty of the floral setting with live music, creating a magical atmosphere.
Useful information for visitors
- When to go: Apple blossom season usually takes place between the end of April and the beginning of May, depending on the weather conditions. “Apple Blossom Week” is held from 1 to 4 May, with a special programme organised over this period.
- How to get there: The Cider Region is well connected by road. From Oviedo or Gijón, you can get there easily by car in about an hour. There are also bus services connecting the main Asturian towns to the Cider Region’s municipalities.
- Where to stay: The region has a wide range of accommodation options for you to enjoy Asturian hospitality in unique rural settings.
Other experiences in the Cider Region
As well as the blossom, the region has numerous places of interest:
- Fishing villages: Llastres and Tazones are two coastal villages of outstanding beauty and authenticity. Llastres, known for its steep streets and sea views, has been used as a location for TV shows and boasts the title of Exemplary Town of Asturias. Tazones, meanwhile, is famous for being where Holy Roman Emperor Charles V disembarked on his first voyage to Spain.
- Unique beaches: Rodiles beach, in Villaviciosa, is a stretch of sand surrounded by woods and cliffs, ideal for surfing and a family day out. La Griega beach, in Colunga, is known for its dinosaur footprints, offering the perfect combination of leisure and learning.
- Old town centres: The towns of Villaviciosa and Colunga have historical centres reflecting the wealth of culture and architecture in the region, with some interesting churches, squares and buildings.
Local cuisine
A visit to the Cider Region would not be complete without savouring its rich cuisine. As well as its cider, the region is famous for dishes such as fabada asturiana (bean stew), local cheeses and a range of traditional desserts. The restaurants and cider houses in the area offer set menus combining local produce with traditional recipes, making your meal an authentic culinary experience.
Apple blossom season in the Cider Region is an invitation to discover an Asturias bursting with life, tradition and natural beauty. An opportunity to step into flower-filled landscapes, learn about the cider culture first hand and enjoy the hospitality of its people. Planning a visit over this period will guarantee you an unforgettable experience, combining nature, culture and cuisine in unique surroundings.
