Asturias archivos - Page 3 of 4 - VOLARE MAGAZINE

Christmas and all its magic is once again at our doorstep. Cloaked in whites, greens, and sometimes woody and rocky hues, Asturias is a unique symphony of colours and sounds and home to some incredible sights. You’ll definitely come away from this magical location with some unforgettable memories.

Asturias has everything you need to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas: a fantastic atmosphere in the local towns and cities, dreamy landscapes, street markets and shops for the perfect gift, restaurants and cider pubs where you can try amazing local food, incredible places to stay, tonnes of cultural activities, and lots of chances to chill out in nature.

Cities where you’ll never be bored

When Christmas rolls around, the cities of Asturias become even more beautiful – if that’s even possible. The streets become filled with music, lights, locals, and kids excited about their presents, dreaming about ice rinks and a whole host of Christmas activities perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

Shopping is another ideal activity for this time of year. As well as the usual shops, the local Christmas markets are really something to see, and they’re a great place to find original gifts at affordable prices.

Basically, there’s an endless list of cultural activities for you to get stuck into during the Christmas period…

Towns from Christmas tales

Around autumn and winter, the landscapes of Asturias become truly enchanting. There are rivers, streams, waterfalls, and green valleys soon to be tinted white, frozen peaks, the sea in all its splendour, the waves, the whispers of the wind…

And as if by magic, fairy-tale towns appear in the heart of the valley, suspended from hillsides or perched high upon them. Towns with panoramic views overlooking the mountains or the coast, or both…

Blanketed in snow or not, these towns really are straight out of the kind of Christmas story that makes you feel like a happy kid again.

Slow-paced rural environments

Rural tourism is an excellent choice if you want to have a complete but alternative Christmas. It’s a quiet, casual, and friendly option. Whether you’re in a village house or a comfortable apartment, the fire in the hearth is seldom an unwelcome guest, helping to create – in the most literal sense of the term – a warm environment.

This really is an authentic way to see this Natural Paradise, allowing you to gaze over incredible landscapes in locations which combine local traditions with the customs of modern daily life in spectacular fashion.

It’ll open up all sorts of activities to you: walks, trips, hiking, different sports in natural environments…

picos de europa panorama — Picos de Europa

Scrumptious gastronomy

The local food is a key part of the Christmas experience in Asturias. Tables everywhere, in homes, restaurants, and cider pubs, are covered in super tasty delicacies. There’s local meat, fish, seafood, sausages, cheeses, cider, wine from Cangas, traditional sweets, and much more.

You’ll find a whole world of different lunches, afternoon snacks, and dinners to either try for the first time or to eat once more, and here’s the best part: it’s all wonderful Christmas food.

There are a whole host of sensations just begging to be enjoyed in a very lively, happy, and friendly environment, which is sure to make your Christmas stay in Asturias one to remember.

As autumn approaches, leave your post-holiday blues behind and start planning your next getaway to make the most of autumn´s exceptional colours and mild weather.

Asturias is the perfect autumn destination, with its abundant natural surroundings, varied cultural experiences, care for travellers’ wellbeing, and food incorporating ingredients and flavours unique to this time of year.

El Bosque de Muniellos en otoño — The Muniellos Forest in autumn

To make your life easier and help you plan a complete, stress-free trip to Spain’s Natural Paradise, we’ve put together a plan for an Autumn Your Way in Asturias.

Booking accommodation for two or more nights will allow you to enjoy some varied activities:

Two nights is enough for one activity per person.
With three or more nights you’ll have time for two activities per person, or a gourmet menu.

Keep reading to discover what you’ll experience on your autumn trip to Asturias.

A Bespoke Experience of Adventure and Nature

Asturias’ natural surroundings are the perfect setting for risk-free adventures. Choose from multi-adventure trips, bike outings, surfing on the best beaches, paintballing, canyoning, canoeing, paddle surfing, Nordic walking, sea kayaking, or hiking routes, to name but a few activities.

casas y rio montaña asturias — Hiking in Asturias

Wonderful Immersion in Ecotourism

Asturias is a true ecotourism paradise, where nature and the environment flourish, and great care is given to preserving the unique local ecosystems by promoting eco-friendly tourism.

Discover natural treasures that you didn’t think could even exist, filled with flora, fauna, habitats, and ecosystems that are unique to Asturias…

Cultural Visits of the Most Varied Kind

Don’t pass up the chance to visit the interesting and quaint villages, towns, and cities that Asturias has to offer.

La Felguera, Mieres, Taramundi, Cangas del Narcea, Castropol, Luarca, Cudillero, Villaviciosa, Ribadesella, Cangas de Onís, Llanes, Avilés, Oviedo and Gijón are just some of the amazing places that’ll leave you wanting more, as you are guided by experts.

These cultural visits are sure to keep you busy!

Cangas de Onís en otoño — Cangas de Onís in autumn

Comfort and Wellness, One of the Most Relaxing Options

Accommodation in Asturias boasts excellent facilities and breath-taking natural surroundings. Enjoy your stay in establishments that care for your wellbeing with heavenly spas, and spaces meditate or for personal training using state-of-the-art technology and following the latest trends.

Museums and Interpretation Centres to Suit Everyone’s Tastes

Autumn is also perfect for visiting museums, cultural centres, and interpretation centres, and in Asturias there’s something for everyone. The Jurassic Museum in Colunga or La Casa del Lobo (The House of the Wolf) in Belmonte, for example, will keep the little ones entertained, whilst history- and tradition lovers can lose themselves in one of Asturias’ many ethnographic museums.

El centro Niemeyer en Avilés — The Niemeyer Centre in Avilés

A Gastronomy to Extend Your Lifespan

Whet your appetite with Asturias’ gastronomy. Whether it’s traditional or modern cuisine you’re after, Asturias will serve you only the most natural produce, expertly prepared by the best and most imaginative chefs.

Cider bars, restaurants, cheese shops, cider pressers, vineyards, and beekeeping centres highlight the extensive range of Asturias’ mouth-watering delicacies, whilst learning first-hand how the region’s most iconic products are made.

If we’ve sold you on our fantastic plan for discovering Asturias this autumn, you’ll find all the information you need for your reservation on the Asturias a lo grande page.

Asturias is the perfect place for switching off, getting tons of rest, and tuning in to friendly natural surroundings where you’re sure to find moments of satisfaction.

We’d like to suggest 6 really different places for switching off during your trip around this Natural Paradise.

The Lakes of Somiedo, For A Change of Scenery

Somiedo Natural Park, which is both Asturias’ first and also one of the 7 Biosphere Reserves in this autonomous community, is considered a natural wonder par excellence.

One star route of this authentic hiking paradise follows the Lakes of Somiedo: the Lago del Valle – the biggest in Asturias – and the three lakes of Saliencia: La Cueva, Calabazosa and La Mina.

Redes Nature Park, A Very Green Biosphere Reserve

The Redes Nature Park has it all: dreamy villages, leafy forests, incredible waterfalls, mountain passes, lakes, and the Nalón river, the longest in Asturias, flowing through it like an artery.

What’s more, this Biosphere Reserve, established by the municipalities of Sobrescobio and Caso, is home to one of the world’s oldest cheeses, Casín, which is made using the unpasteurised milk of cows from Asturias or Caso and has a strong and lasting flavour.

Spots like Brañagallones, Ubales lake, the Tabayón del Mongayú waterfall, or the Alba Trail are true landmarks of Asturias’ nature.

Tabayón del Mongallu parque de redes bosque — Tabayón del Mongayu (Redes). Pic by Mampiris

The Large Limestone Massifs of The Picos De Europa

The Picos de Europa National Park, once part of Covadonga Mountain, was the first of its kind in Spain. Its rich history, and the three large limestone massifs responsible for its unique morphology, make it one of western Europe’s natural wonders.

What’s more, its legendary peaks, best exemplified by the Naranjo de Bulnes or Picu Urriellu, make it a mecca for mountaineers and rock climbers the world over.

Panorama de Urriellu desde el Pozo de la Oración — Urriellu from Pozo de la Oración (Cabrales). Pic by Mampiris

It’s also where you’ll find places like the Lakes of Covadonga or the Royal Palace of Covadonga.

Mount Naranco, An Unbeatable View Over the Asturian Capital

Mount Naranco is the quintessential carbayón (which means big oak in Asturian) mountain of Oviedo. It’s a large and natural component of this city that has remained omnipresent throughout its history.

You can also find two architectural jewels on the side of this mountain from the erstwhile Kingdom of Asturias – Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo – which were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Vistas de Oviedo desde Santa María del Naranco — Oviedo from Santa María del Naranco. Pic by Alfonzo Suarez

The El Fitu Overlook, For Admiring Both the Sea and the Mountains

The El Fitu Overlook, some 1,100 metres above sea level in the municipality of Caravia, is a classic among places in Asturias with the best views. Its exceptional location grants you a 360-degree view spanning more than 100 km of coast and mountains, where you can gaze at the Sueve mountain range, the Ponga Natural Park and the Picos de Europa National Park.

Cabu Peñes, Or the North of The North

This is the northernmost point in Asturias, and you’ll find it on the coast of the Gozón municipality. It’s a rural area with a gorgeous landscape, whose steep cliffs reach over a hundred metres high.

From Cabu Peñes you can admire small islands and rocky islets, among which La Erbosa, the second-largest island in Asturias, stands out.

cabu peñes asturias — Pic by Gonzalo Azumendi

Asturias is a must-visit destination for lovers of untouched nature, whose one-of-a-kind landscapes will unite you with the strength and beauty of a territory which has managed to keep all of its authenticity intact. What are you waiting for? Come on and uncover Asturias!

It may not be the biggest or most famous town in the principality of Asturias, but Avilés is one of the territory’s very well-hidden treasures and, dare we say, probably the most surprising urban town that you’ll see during your visit to Asturias. Today, we’d like to offer you the chance to familiarise yourself with this hidden gem.

Avilés: Naval Identity and Hundred-Year History

Avilés is one vertex of the Asturias urban triangle, along with Oviedo and Gijón. A naval town par excellence, it’s very easy to reach by sea, land or sky (it’s the closest town to Asturias airport), but despite its strategic location, many tourists opt to skip it because they see it as a purely industrial city. It may be true that Avilés has long been a powerhouse of the principality of Asturias thanks to its steel and mining industries, and though these characteristics are still very present, the city holds many interesting attractions waiting to be discovered.

calle galiana aviles — Calle Galiana, Avilés

Avilés’ history is documented all the way back to the 10th century, but it was in the Middle Ages that it expanded and the town was fortified (during the 11th century) as a result of its strategic location. Since that time, its population continued to grow until the 17th century, when the Old Town was built. Nowadays Avilés is an industrial city, home to the region’s second-busiest commercial port and primary fishing port.

Discovering One of Asturias’ Most Beautiful Historical Centres

Avilés has taken great pains to lovingly preserve its medieval heritage, and it’s on display in the impressive and well-kept Old Town, where the streets, many of which are colonnaded, have made it the most porticoed space in all of Asturias.

Galiana, Rivero, La Ferrería, Bances Candamo, La Cámara, La Fruta, San Bernardo or La Estación are classic references found in these streets, and places like the Palacio of Valdecarzana (the Palace of Valdecarzana), the Romanesque Iglesia de los Padres Franciscanos (the Church of the Franciscan Fathers), the Iglesia Vieja de Sabugo y San Nicolás de Bari (the Old Church of Sabugo and Saint Nicholas of Bari) (who were both from the 18th Century), the Plaza del Mercado, the Palacio de Ferrera (the Palace of Ferrera) (which has since been converted into a hotel), the Fuente de los Caños de San Francisco (the Saint Francis Pipe Fountain), the Parque de Ferrera (Ferrera Park) or the Plaza del Carbayedo… These are all part of the essence of Avilés.

Piazza di Camposagrado — Camposagrado Square

The city is known as the Town of Adelantados, a high-ranking military title, in reference to Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who was known as the Adelantado of Florida for keeping Florida part of the Kingdom of Spain, and for founding the first city in the United States. It’s easy to follow in his footsteps as you go around the city: you can visit his birth house in Plaza de Camposagrado, the monument in Parque del Muelle or the Romanesque church of San Antonio de Padua (known as the Church of the Padres Franciscanos, or Franciscan Fathers) where his remains were laid to rest, and in which you can find the Avilés Museum of Urban History.

Some Avilés Must-Sees

If we’ve convinced you to pay a visit to Avilés, here are some mandatory stops to be found around this beautiful Asturian city:

Sabugo, which has been a fishing village since the Middle Ages, where you can find the living and breathing maritime culture of Avilés.
Plaza de Camposagrado, with the Baroque façade of the Escuela Superior de Arte del Principado de Asturias (the Asturias Principality Superior School of Art).
Calle Galiana, which is lively all year round and a key player in Antroxu, a local masquerade festival, with its famous Descenso (descent).
The Centro Niemeyer, a cutting-edge cultural and leisure space on the estuary’s more industrial bank.
The Museo de la Historia Urbana de Avilés (the Avilés Museum of Urban History), or MHUA, which summarises the city’s rich history nicely.
The Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua (the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua), just in front of the MHUA in Plaza Carlos Lobo, a 17th-Century Romanesque church.
Plaza de Domingo Álvarez Acebal, with the Palacio de Balsera (Balsera Palace) and the Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari (the Church of Saint Nicholas of Bari).
The waterside promenades and the marina.

What’s more, since everything in Avilés is influenced by art, the Conservatorio de Música (the Music Academy) or the Teatro Palacio Valdés (the Valdés Palace Theatre) shouldn’t get overlooked.

Another must-see in Avilés is the Jacobean atmosphere, elucidated by participants of the pilgrimage of the Camino de la Costa through the centre of the town, beguiled by the city, its retreats and its flavours.

Pamper Your Palate in Avilés

If food’s your game, Avilés offers a wide variety, to suit both sweet and savoury cravings. For as far as history goes back, and thanks to its maritime traditions, the town has had its own varieties of pastry, such as marañuelas, or the bollo, which is known as the Mantecado de Avilés (the Avilés bread roll). The town also includes in its gastronomical heritage an ancient sailor’s bread glazed with icing sugar to preserve it.

Amongst the savoury flavours of the town can be found some of the best fish and seafood in the Bay of Biscay, and their local cheeses, mushrooms, and famous long pork sausage, the longaniza, top it all off nicely.

Why wait to go off and enjoy the picturesque Avilés? Take a look at our unmissables for any trip to Asturias and get planning your trip around this natural, historic and gastronomic paradise.

One of Asturias’ gifts is that it’s paradise for explorers, for anyone itching to discover unknown places, fantastic little corners that bring tranquility and relaxation. Asturian nature is an endless source of new discoveries.

Here’s a brief, but jam-packed, guide to its unmissable spots for a tranquil taste of Asturias’ natural surroundings.

Five scenic views that’ll be a sight for sore eyes

If anything can brighten your day, it’s Asturias’ countryside, which gets even more spectacular when viewed from above, or from a strategic spot offering a panoramic view.

There are hundreds of vantage points across this natural paradise, but here are five of the most unmissable: Mirador del Fito, in Parres, which offers views of the Picos de Europa mountain range, El Cuera and all of the mountains in eastern Asturias, as well as the Cantabrian Sea; Pozo de la Oración in Cabrales, to see the peak known locally as Picu Urriellu; Cabo Busto, in Valdés, to enjoy Asturias’ western coast, which can also be seen from the La Regalina shrine; and Puerto del Connio, where you can see the sprawling Muniellos Forest, in the south west of Asturias.

Fito

The Lakes of Covadonga: bringing you closer to heaven

The Lakes of Covadonga are one of those places that have to be seen to be believed. Nestled in the Picos de Europa mountains, surrounded by pastures where farmers and livestock bring the scenery to life, this perfect pair are home to the best cheese on earth: Gamonéu.

With the imposing, iconic peaks of the western Picos de Europa standing guard, at Lake Enol and Lake Ercina, you’ll feel closer to heaven.

Lake Enol

Following the tracks of wild animals

If you’re a fan of wild animals, Asturias’ mountains and forests are the perfect hideout for bears, deer and wolves. And as long as you follow the instructions given by the rangers and nature guides, you can follow their tracks and find out more about their daily lives.

Montaña Central and the nature parks of Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias, Las Ubiñas-La Mesa, Somiedo and Redes are ideal places for getting up close to the flora and fauna that call these biosphere reserves home.

The nature parks of Fuentes del Narcea

Breathe in the heart of the forest

Forests are another unforgettable, healthy space to explore. You’ll find a lot of them in Asturias, but two are particularly iconic and beautiful: Muniellos, in the west, and Peloño, in the east. Both are located in biosphere reserves, and a stroll through them brings an explosion of sound, colour and good vibes.

Two picture-perfect estuaries: El Eo and Villaviciosa

River estuaries are another of Asturias’ charms. And like its forests, two are particularly iconic: the Eo Estuary, the natural border between Asturias and Galicia, and the Villaviciosa Estuary, in central Asturias.

Both possess incredible natural beauty and are spots where you can observe migratory birds, try out some water sports, sail, or simply enjoy the fabulous surroundings.

Villaviciosa river

Waterfalls that will set you free

On any mountain hike, a waterfall is always a motivator, or a fantastic climax. You’ll find them in many parts of Asturias, thanks to its terrain and abundance of water.

Some of them, like the Oneta waterfalls in Villayón, Seimeira in Santa Eulalia de Oscos, Cioyo in Castropol and Xurbeo in Aller, stand out thanks to their beauty, surroundings, height, power, and much more.

Cioyo waterfalls

Visitors flock to the Asturian coast to admire its good looks and explore its hundreds of hidden corners, to enjoy the views, the countryside, the sea breeze, the tides, the sunset and the dawn.

That’s why we can say that it’s, quite literally, a picture-perfect setting, as proven by the many film directors who have turned to it to tell their stories.

The region boasts film and TV locations, including Llanes, Llastres, Tazones and Cudillero, where special tours take you to the locations of famous films, TV shows and adverts.

Lastres – Colunga

Between stops, enjoy the atmosphere, gastronomy and nature activities on offer at each place.

But the big film stars are outnumbered by myriad seaside towns and villages: Castropol, Figueras, Tapia de Casariego, Puerto de Vega, Navia, Candás, Luanco, Ribadesella, and more, all of them with a unique charm that you’re sure to fall in love with at first sight.

Marinas, fishing harbours, seafronts, lookout points, seaside taverns and bars, museums and, of course, lighthouses, cliffs and beaches. An endless number of attractions await you on a coast that’s full of surprises.

Tapia de Casariego

Dreamy beaches on a unique coastal route

Asturias’ beaches are famous for their Atlantic vibe, their appealing rocky shapes, their fine sand, the lush green fields and forests that surround them, their magnificent sands, their unexplored rock pools, and, of course, the crystal-clear waters of the Cantabrian Sea.

More than 200 beaches dot the varied Asturian coast. As you can probably guess, getting to know each of them would mean coming back to this natural paradise time and again.

But to give you a taste, here’s a brief, but intense, selection of must-visit beaches on your coastal journey through Asturias.

An obligatory stop in the area of Castropol, the stunning Penarronda beach undergoes a magical transformation in the sun’s rays, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Continue your journey to the exotic Mexota, in Tapia de Casariego, whose rocky ridges create incredible shapes.

Mexota – Tapia de Casariego

The beaches of central Asturias, such as Salinas in Castrillón, and San Lorenzo in Gijón, are legendary, especially for water sports like surfing.

Carranques beach, in Carreño, is another beauty. Perfect for an idyllic moment.

Keep going towards the east of Asturias and you’ll find Rodiles, another great beach, in all senses – its size, location, setting and waves make this beach truly unique, according to those in the know, with its fine sand, enormous woodland, a historic estuary that runs alongside it (the Villaviciosa), and excellent waves for surfing, thanks to its sea bed. What more could you ask for?

Rodiles

Round off your journey east with a visit to Santa Marina beach in Ribadesella, where the sea laps at houses built in centuries past by returning emigrants, followed by the wild, beautiful La Franca beach, in Ribadedeva.

A journey along the Asturian coast is sure to be full of adventure!

La Franca – Ribadedeva

The three Asturian cities of Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés form a golden triangle offering urban excitement in this natural paradise

Avilés

Firmly centred on its port and the sea, Avilés looks westwards and is the closest of the cities to Cabo Peñas, the most northern point in Asturias.

Its out-of-this-world Old Town still bears the marks of the intense lives of its inhabitants, from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, up to today. From historic streets, like Calle Galiana, to fishing neighbourhoods like Sabugo, the gardens of the Palace of the Marquis of Ferrera, and the childhood home of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the conquistador who claimed Florida for Spain- there’s treasure in every corner of Old Avilés.

The city’s cutting edge is demonstrated by the Niemeyer Centre, on the other side of the estuary, which has been converted into one of Asturias’ leading cultural spaces.

A stroll along the banks of the estuary to admire the marina, or a visit to the Palacio Valdés Theatre or the Museum of Urban History, also come highly recommended.

Palacio Valdés, Avilés © Mampiris

Gijón

Gijón is Asturias’ number one city for beach and summer life. Famous for its casual, laid-back atmosphere and its love of cider, Gijón is ideal for a dip in the sea and exploring the many paths around the city.

What better plan than losing yourself in the streets of the fishing district, with its abundance of sunny terraces, cider bars and restaurants, and stopping off at the marina?

Follow that with a visit to the city’s excellent museums, such as Campa Torres, the Veranes Roman villa and the Laboral City of Culture, not forgetting the Jovellanos Theatre, for a fantastic, varied cultural voyage.

A stroll through the Cabo San Lorenzo Park for a panoramic view of the city, before finishing the day off by sampling the city’s excellent seafood cuisine, which is also known as Jovellanos (in homage to Enlightenment figure Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, who was born there), brings an unforgettable trip to a brilliant climax.

Laboral ciudad de la cultura, Gijon. © Noé Baranda

Oviedo

The capital of the Principality of Asturias, Oviedo is at the very heart of the region. At one with its surroundings, Oviedo is a modern metropolis with all the charm of a classic city.

This peaceful capital’s must-sees include the Old Town, where visitors can discover the secrets of its history, inextricably intertwined with the Kingdom of Asturias and the emergence of the Camino de Santiago.

Its nationally and internationally renowned museums include the Museum of Fine Arts and the Archaeological Museum.

Not forgetting, of course, the green lungs of the city, the Campo de San Francisco, and the lively Calle Gascona in the Old Town, lined with cider bars.

Last but not least, no one can leave Oviedo without visiting Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, the two most famous monuments to pre-Romanesque Asturian art, found in the foothills of Monte Naranco and offering panoramic views of the city.

Santa Maria del Naranco, Oviedo. © Benedicto Santos

Every bit of Asturias is tasty. Every corner, street and landscape, whether rural or urban, of Spain’s greenest region offers you an incomparable dish, recipe or ingredient, putting on an excellent spread for you to enjoy.

From orchards, to woods, rivers, seas, rock pools, estuaries, streets, villages, vineyards and cider presses, Asturias boasts hundreds of settings producing fantastic flavours, truly unique gems that will leave you with unforgettable gastronomical memories of your trip.

The long list of Asturian must-trys includes spoonfuls of fabada and pote, iconic Asturian veal, fish and shellfish delicacies from the sea, as well as cachopo, legendary pitu de caleya, artisanal cheeses, rice pudding and, of course, the two Asturian elixirs: Asturian cider and Cangas wine.

Fabada and pote, two cousins who get along famously

Fabada and pote are two stars of Asturias’ gastronomical scene. At their best in autumn and winter, you haven’t been to Asturias if you haven’t tried them, whatever the time of year.

While fabada is delicious in all its forms, the classic version comes with a compangu (side dish) and boasts all the goodness of gochu (pork). Other variations contain delicacies such as clams and wild boar. This dish is Asturias through and through, and is a must on any gastronomical checklist.

The same is true for pote- whether it’s made with collard greens or something else, like chestnuts, it’s always a must.

A bountiful sea

The Cantabrian Sea is Asturias’ coastal pantry, offering up the best barnacles, andarikas (crabs), bugres (lobsters), king crabs, llámparas (limpets) and much more besides.

From the sea to your plate via Asturian kitchens, experts in stews and other seafood dishes.

Every town and village on the Asturian coast smells delicious, especially at lunch and dinner time!

Always Asturian veal

Excellent Asturian veal is always a hit. It’s used in dozens of recipes, some traditional and others more innovative and creative, but all of them making great use of this fantastic raw material.

Perhaps one of the most popular dishes in recent times is cachopo, which has several variations but always involves two good fillets of Asturian veal.

King of the table: pitu de caleya

Pitu de caleya, which translates literally as “street chicken”, is a species unique to Asturias. A glimpse of them on the streets of an Asturian village gives a clue to what’s behind their unique flavour, which you’re sure to enjoy if you’re lucky enough to try some. This native breed feeds on what it finds in the street- ecology on a plate!

A world of cheeses

Asturias offers an unusual variety of artisanal cheeses, some of which are just as famous as they are tasty: Cabrales, Gamonéu, Casín and Afuega’l Pitu. As a starter, a dessert, a picnic, a snack- they’re tasty however you eat them.

Divine desserts and drinks

When it comes to dessert, Asturias boasts a particularly iconic one that goes extremely well with fabada: rice pudding, which can be enjoyed while celebrating one of the region’s famous festivals, such as the Santa Eulalia de Cabranes festival.

Always, of course, washed down with a glass of cider or Cangas wine.

Are you considering a trip to North of Spain? We want it to be even easier for you to totally submerge yourself in the experience. Whether you’re flying to Bilbao, Santander or Asturias, we’ve created a playlist with music from this gorgeous area, as a little sample of its musical identity.

To discover even more about the region, we’re talking to Ricardo Lezón, singer with McEnroe, the legendary Spanish indie group with more than five records under their belt. Ricardo released a solo album a year ago, he’s also written poetry books and collaborated with international artists such as The New Raemon, among others.

We asked him for some advice on how to discover the soul of this destination.

When did you start making music and what was it like at the beginning?

I started very young, I was only seventeen alongside my childhood friends. We did a lucky dip and I chose to be a bassist, so I bought myself a bass and tried to learn. We put together various bands that were playing cover versions by our favourite groups: Echo and the Bunnymen, The Cure, Stone Roses, The Smiths, Los Negativos, etc. My friends were improving loads but I was left behind so I tried playing guitar instead and formed my own band with Jaime. Later, Edu and Gonzalo joined, then Pablo. The only condition was that we would write our own songs, no more cover versions.

Describe where you live in ten words or less.

In the north. In the countryside. Near the beach.

How do people in Bilbao/Getxo like to listen to music?

Getxo has lots of musical character, especially with bands. A big number of bands started here that have different styles with lots of personality. There’s a lot of musical activity on the street, folk, jazz and two rock festivals. Really, more action is needed when it comes to venues or bars that put gigs on, but I guess you could say that live music is what matters most here.

What’s your favourite place to eat when you’ve got less than €10 in your pocket?

A difficult question, at home of course. Seriously though, with that amount you could have a pintxo platter at the Puerto Viejo, in La Estación de Neguri you could go to a traditional local pollería where, if you get together with someone, you can get a good chicken meal with beer.

What’s your top recommendation for music lovers who are visiting your area, for things to see/do/eat/drink?

Snack on some pintxos at the Puerto Viejo with a few glasses of wine, go for a dip at the Sopelana or Azkorri beach, visit the La Galea cliffs, take a walk around the wall and then a beer at La Estación de Neguri, go and visit the Fine Arts Museum and then the Guggenheim. Dine at the Coppola if you’re in Bilbao or the Itxas Bide if you’re in Getxo and you’ve got more than 10 euros in your pocket.

Do you think that living in Bilbao/Getxo influences the music you make?

I think it’s a primordial influence. The landscape, the character, the colour, the time, being near the sea. We write songs about what’s around us; all those things are here.

Where would you go on a first date?

To the La Galea cliffs, for sure. We’d go up the Serantes for the second.

What is the best way to enjoy the summer in the Basque Country?

The beaches in this area are fantastic. From Getxo to Gorliz, there are loads of beaches. A bit further away, you’ve got the Urdaibai area with the Laga and Laida beaches, with villages such as Mundaka, etc. There are loads of walks and rides if you like the countryside. Then there’s BBK Live in July, jazz and folk festivals all summer, as well as the town and village festivals. There are thousands of things to do, it’s impossible to get bored.

What’s your biggest local musical influence, past and/or present?

There are a lot of bands and writers in the area that I like, but I don’t really know who has influenced me. I really like Mikel Laboa, for example. There are so many quality bands around right now: Gringo, Belako, We Are Standard, Garbayo, Fakeband and loads more.

Which museums or galleries are totally unmissable?

I’m a big fan of the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, I wouldn’t miss out on that. The Guggenheim is right next door and I really like the Museum of Artistic Reproductions too. Ah Bilbao!, which is in the Casco Viejo, is neither a museum nor a gallery, but it’s an amazing store where you can buy clothes and gorgeous handmade items.

If you’re looking for good doses of adventure here in Asturias you will find a large offering that will bring you into nature. One of the most popular ones, for both kids as well as adults, is going down the Sella River in a canoe. This classic route is somewhere between 10 to 15 kilometres long and you can choose to start from the launch ramp, which is like a fun slide for boats.

During the summer months it is quite common to see the river populated with canoes of all colours and everyone enjoying themselves nicely. If you want to take a break and have a snack you may do so, for example, by the shore next to the Toraño bridge. Be prepared to enjoy a spectacular scenery and practise your paddle mastery.