"Asturias, natural paradise" isn't just a slogan: few regions offer so much beauty and variety for motorhoming. Spectacular beaches and the imposing Picos de Europa within a few kilometres, fishing villages, hearty gastronomy and a cool climate that make it ideal in summer. It's a destination that wins you over. Here are some ideas for touring it.
The coast
The Asturian coast is a string of beautiful beaches and villages: Cudillero and its amphitheatre of colourful houses, Lastres, Llanes with its beaches and "memory cubes", Playa del Silencio, Gulpiyuri (the beach without a sea)... Many coves with motorhome access and a green landscape tumbling down to the Cantabrian Sea.
The Picos de Europa
Inland, the Asturian Picos de Europa: the Lakes of Covadonga (restricted access in high season, reached by bus), the Cares gorge, Cangas de Onís. Spectacular high mountains a stone's throw from the sea (see the Picos de Europa).
Cities and culture
Oviedo and its old town, Gijón and its San Lorenzo beach, Avilés. And Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture (Santa María del Naranco), a World Heritage Site. Culture and a great atmosphere.
The gastronomy
Fabada, the cheeses (Cabrales and dozens more), poured cider, cachopo, fish and seafood. Eating in Asturias is an experience, and a cider house is a must-stop.
Practical tips
- Warm and waterproof clothing: the green comes at a price.
- Narrow mountain and coastal roads: be mindful of your vehicle's size.
- Combine sea and mountains, which are a stone's throw apart.
- Book ahead in August: it's very popular.
In summary
Asturias combines spectacular beaches, the Picos de Europa, fishing villages and great gastronomy, all green and cool, ideal in summer. The step to take today: link the eastern coast (Llanes and its beaches) with the Picos via Cangas de Onís; within a few kilometres you go from the sea to high mountains, the essence of Asturias. Combine it with the northern route.