This Magnificent Region In Spain Beckons Tourists In Europe Seeking Culture & Nature

Asturias is one of the most beautiful regions in Spain — and one of the most unknown. Sitting along the northern coast between Galicia and Cantabria, this verdant corner of the Iberian Peninsula is a dream for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a landscape where medieval towns meet a rugged coastline. If you're exploring Europe and want to find a place that blends authentic Spanish culture with jaw-dropping natural beauty, add Asturias to the top of your list.

While getting there is relatively easy, it does require some planning. The Asturias Airport (OVD) is roughly 30 minutes from the capital city of Oviedo and has direct flights from both Madrid and Barcelona. If time isn't a pressing issue, you can also take a high-speed train from Madrid to Oviedo in just 3.5 hours, thanks to Renfe's Alvia service via the Pajares Base Tunnel. For a truly scenic journey into Asturias, consider riding the Costa Verde Express, a luxury train experience that winds through northern Spain with panoramic views of the coast and mountains. Prefer to travel by road? Direct long-distance Alsa buses from Madrid take around five hours to get to Oviedo and run multiple times daily, with additional service from cities like Bilbao, Seville, and Barcelona. Once in Asturias, a rental car is your best bet for discovering the area's coastal villages, national parks, and secluded mountain roads at your own pace.

The region enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, which means you can expect lush green landscapes year-round, with the best weather between May and October. Asturias will be easier on your wallet than other major Spanish cities, with mid-range hotels costing between $80 and $130 a night. The area's rural B&Bs offer a cozy, budget-friendly alternative. Most towns are easy to explore on foot, but buses and regional trains will connect you to major areas like Gijón, Oviedo, and Avilés.

Whether you're a casual stroller or a hardcore hiker, Asturias is a paradise for nature-lovers. The region offers some of the best outdoor adventures in Spain — without the crowds. Start with Picos de Europa National Park, a must-see destination that spans across Asturias, Cantabria, and Castilla y León. Just 1.5 hours from Oviedo by car, the park is a dramatic mix of jagged limestone peaks, deep gorges, and high-altitude meadows. The Lagos de Covadonga are the park's crown jewels — two glacial lakes surrounded by mountains. From Cangas de Onís, shuttle buses run to the lakes from early spring through late fall. Bring layers, water, and a camera — weather changes quickly, and the views are unforgettable.

Hikers will find miles of trails, from coastal routes along the Camino del Norte to more challenging alpine treks through the Ruta del Cares, a breathtaking 13.6-mile trail carved into a cliffside gorge. Beach lovers aren't left out either — Llanes is an underrated coastal town with golden sands, secluded beaches, and medieval towers. Whether you're kayaking the Sella River, mountain biking in Somiedo Natural Park, or spotting wild horses in Las Ubiñas-La Mesa, outdoor activities in Asturias offer something for every level of adventurer.

Dazzling scenery isn't the only thing on offer in Asturias. The region also delivers on rich cultural experiences steeped in history, art, and tradition. Oviedo is home to pre-Romanesque churches like Santa María del Naranco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched on a hillside just outside the city. Walk the cobbled streets of Old Town, pop into museums, and admire sculptures by artists like Fernando Botero and Eduardo Úrculo.

Music and dance more your thing? Check out one of the region's many festivals, like Fiesta de la Sidra Natural (Festival of Natural Cider) in Gijón, where traditional Asturian bagpipes and folk dancing take center stage. If you visit when the festival isn't going on, you can always head to a sidrería to try the regional cider. It's poured from high above the glass to aerate it, and locals drink it quickly, one small pour at a time.

Hungry? A hearty bowl of fabada asturiana, a slow-cooked bean stew, will certainly fill you up. And don't leave without trying queso Cabrales, a strong blue cheese aged in the area's mountain caves. If you want one fancy dinner, it should be at Casa Marcial, a three Michelin-starred restaurant in Arriondas that reimagines traditional Asturian dishes with elegance and creativity. And no visit to Asturias is complete without a stroll through Cudillero, a colorful beachside fishing village perched on scenic cliffs known for its fresh seafood and photogenic harbor. Warm, wild, and quietly spectacular, Asturias is waiting with its untamed landscapes and authentic cultural rhythms. In a country overflowing with postcard-perfect destinations, Asturias offers a refreshing dose of something different: the real Spain.