Other Spain Tourism Guide - Asturias

Rural Asturias is a natural paradise, as many travellers are increasingly discovering. As well as containing some of Spain's most beautiful natural parks - notably the Picos de Europa, Asturias contains some vibrant city breaks including Oviedo, Gijon and Aviles. Coastal Asturias city Gijon offers a full arts and entertainment programme, alongside a selection of museums.

On the coast Asturias holds more delights including a selection of pretty fishing village bases such as stunning Llanes with its pretty beach bays, choice of golf courses and stunning coastal and inland valleys. Asturias Airport is located on the coast at Castrillon just 15 km west of Aviles, 40km west of Gijon and 47 km north of Oviedo. The highlight within Asturias has to be the stunning Picos de Europa natural park, most of which sits within the Asturias region, although the park pushes a little into Cantabria and the north east of Castilla y Leon. The Picos de Europa webguide right (Spanish only, but with virtual photography tour) gives you some idea of sheer beauty of the the rugged mountains within the park. In here you'll discover some of Spain's finest walking territory, and Picos de Europa is prety popular too with climbers and cavers. The limestone massifs here are not dissimilar to the Alps terrain. Picos was the first to be declared a Spanish National Park in 1935, and the four rivers that cross it sit within deep channelled gorges. Renowned for its wildlife, including numerous birds, the area also contains distinctive Atlantic forests of beeech, oak, hazel, maple, chestnut and walnut trees. Visitor centres are situated at Posada de Valdeon, Cangas de Onis and Buferrera.