Asturias calls itself “paraíso natural”, and the name fits: the Picos de Europa rise straight behind a coast of coves and fishing villages. Oviedo, the capital, is elegant and quiet; Gijón is the bigger seaside city with a working port.
The region is affordable, safe and green, popular with Spaniards escaping the summer heat further south.
Climate
Mild and wet. Summers rarely get hot; winters are cool on the coast and snowy in the mountains.
Best time: June to September for beaches and hiking.
Food and drink
Fabada asturiana, cachopo, Cabrales blue cheese, and cider poured from a height (escanciado) in sidrerías.
What it’s like
Very green, with dairy farms, hórreos (raised granaries) and steep valleys. Covadonga and its lakes in the Picos are the classic trip.
Living here
Rents are moderate. The population is older and the job market is limited, so it suits remote workers and retirees who don’t mind rain.
Getting around
A high-speed tunnel under the Pajares pass (opened in 2023) cut train times to Madrid to about 3.5 to 4 hours from Oviedo. A car is useful for the mountains.
Towns and cities in Asturias
Asturias
Oviedo
A clean, elegant capital with pre-Romanesque churches, cider bars on Calle Gascona, and mountains and beaches both within an hour.
€€€€ 1 to 2 days
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Asturias?
June to September for beaches and hiking.
What is the weather like in Asturias?
Mild and wet. Summers rarely get hot; winters are cool on the coast and snowy in the mountains.
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