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The north of the north. The cradle of Spain. Asturias, a land protected by the mountains and the Asturians, marked the beginning of the end of the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. Don Pelayo, the heir to the Celtic warriors, led the Christian resistance in Covadonga in the 8th century. Legend has it that the Virgin appeared to help him in the Holy Cave under the rock, today converted into a chapel.
This mineral-rich region, inhabited for 100’000 years, combines a bucolic landscape of green meadows and mountains with the ruthlessness of rock-hard people who have never stopped rebelling against anyone who wanted to rule them.
The Asturian fabada, or ‘les fabes,’ is a slow-cooked bean stew to combat the winter. It’s a traditional peasant recipe that includes chorizo and black pudding. A boost of calories and flavor! Another of the forceful dishes of Asturias is the ‘cachopo.’ Two breaded veal fillets and, in between, Iberico ham and melted Cabrales cheese, a true pleasure for the senses.
The Asturian cider, fermented with apples, is the local drink. A small amount is served in large glasses and is drunk in a gulp. The most remarkable peculiarity of this ritual is the pouring. The bottle is moved away, and the cider is poured over the edge of the glass to oxygenate it.
Are you a sea lover or a mountain lover? Here you have it all. The inland Gulpiyuri beach is an exceptional phenomenon. A landlocked beach! The tide comes through and seeps into the rocks. It is also one of the smallest beaches in the world. Los Bufones de PrÃa, located between cliffs, expels sea water under pressure upwards several meters high like whales.
The Picos de Europa National Park consists of mountains and dense forests. Inside, wolves and bears take refuge, as well as golden eagles and vultures. With their crystalline waters, the Covadonga Lakes is an unavoidable visit, a remnant of the ice age.
Entrelagos
Bufones
Bean Stew
Gaita
Cabrales Cheese
Spring is full of flowers, and autumn with colors, our favorite times to go to this paradise. They are perfect for trekking. Summer is the time to enjoy the best beaches in Spain. However, more and more national tourists spend the summer in Asturias in July and August.
Asturias Airport receives flights from, among others, Madrid, Paris, London, and Rome. The Cantabrian highway will take you to this horizon if you drive from France. Come, by boat or in any other way, but come. Paradise on earth is waiting for you!
