"Asturias - the Green Spain" Top 5 Page for this destination Asturias by karenincalifornia

Asturias Travel Guide: 601 reviews and 6,857 photos

Unconquered Spain

Asturians will tell you Asturias is Spain and the rest is conquered land. That is because Asturias is the only province in Spain that was not conquered by the Moors. As a result, it does not have a Moorish influence like other parts of Spain. After traveling to Barcelona and Anducia, Asturias seemed like a completely different country. It's green all over, it can be wet and foggy, instead of flamenco, you're likely to hear bagpipes, you'll find apple trees instead of olive trees.

Why Asturias?

Austurian countryside

We spent 16 days in Spain and I wanted to spend some of the time in a part of Spain that was considered off the beaten path for most Americans. Asturias in the northwest part of Spain, on the Bay of Biscay, seemed to fit the bill. Only Galicia is farther to the west. Indeed, when I told people at home we were going to Asturias, the first question was "Where's that?" The second was "Why Asturias?"

Why Asturias? Why Astuias, indeed! The real question is "Why go anywhere else?"

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful, uncrowded, green, pastoral, rural, fantastic food, friendly people
Cons:Weather can turn suddenly - be prepared
In a nutshell:Gorgeous - a perfect vacation!

Last visit to Asturias: Jul 2007
Intro Updated Jul 27, 2007
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Reviews (18)

Covadonga Things to Do (6)

Covadonga is a place of great historical significance for the Asturian people. It lies at the foot of the Picos de... more travel advice

Beautiful beaches Things to Do (6)

Asturias has some gorgeous beaches. Ribadesella is one such beach. The sand is soft, the beach is wide, and the water... more travel advice

Picos de Europa, Asturias, Spain - Asturias

Hike in the Picos de Europa Things to Do (6)

The Picos de Europa National Park in Asturias is very popular for hiking (or "walking", as our British hosts called it).... more travel advice

Oviedo Fine Dining Restaurants (4)

We stopped at Casa Conrado during our day trip to Oviedo. Oviedo has a number of highly recommended restaurants for fine... more travel advice

Local Customs (5)
See All Cochinillo
Shopping (1)
Asturian Goods

Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 3, 2007

8 photos

Asturian Scenes

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Comments (7)

asturnut Nov 15, 2007 at 2:58 AM Report Abuse

nice to see another American enjoyed Asturies. kudos.
jadedmuse Aug 29, 2007 at 7:30 PM Report Abuse

Very unusual for non-Spanish speakers to venture to Asturias - kudos to you guys! I have friends with DNA leading back there, lots of pride. Your tips were tops. As a fellow vegetarian, I really enjoyed your foodie stuff. Gorgeous all the way around.
supermediania Aug 10, 2007 at 1:52 AM Report Abuse

I really enjoy you love my hometown ! When asturian people go over the world they founded everywhere one place called "centro asturiano" You have one in tampa and one in new york. You could eat asturian food in that locals when they have their anual party
deecat Aug 7, 2007 at 8:07 AM Report Abuse

I learned so much from this intro and from the tips. Excellent job. The Sanctuary of Covadanga is exquisite. The food tips were especially wonderful. What a grand trip you had.
Hopkid Jul 31, 2007 at 12:57 PM Report Abuse

Posada del Valle looks like quite the value! How were the rooms? And kudos to your son for ordering the cochinillo. Sounds like something I would have done!
ncfg Jul 30, 2007 at 12:20 PM Report Abuse

Great page! When i visited Asturias i stayed in Villaviciosa, a nice town.
bijo69 Jul 29, 2007 at 5:26 PM Report Abuse

Hioefully I'll visit this part of Spain later this year! Great tips!