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Area And Activities |
Where
is Asturias? Asturias is located on Spain’s
north Atlantic coast, between Galicia and Cantabria.
The region is a principality (the heir to the
Spanish throne is known as the “Prince of
Asturias”) and it’s capital is Oviedo.
This is the part of Spain that the Moors never
conquered; they couldn’t cross the Picos
de Europa mountains! The culture here is very
different to other parts of Spain, with the region
having a very strong Celtic influence.
The area is unique in that it offers unspoilt
mountain countryside and the unexploited coastline
runs very close-by. In the Picos de Europa
mountains live brown bears, mountain goats, golden
eagles, wolves, deer and wild boar; about a quarter
of the region has been declared a Protected Natural
Area. This region is popular with walkers of all
ages as you will find routes to suit all abilities,
whether by the sea, along mountain tracks and
through gorges, or around the lakes near historic
Covadonga, the "Birthplace of Spain".
There are even several routes that you can take
from La Rondita, each of differing length
and altitude!
We can offer advice about walks that we know and
there are maps and guides in the house, plus spare
walking sticks. |
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Asturias
- Beaches |
The
nearest river beaches are only a couple of minutes
walk from the house and the nearest coastal beach
is only a 20-minutes drive away. This coast (known
as the Costa Verde as it is so very green and
lush ) offers a variety of different types of
beach, whether you prefer surfing or exploring
in caves and rock-pools. Beaches here are clean,
peaceful and unspoilt.
This is cider country so the landscape is covered
in orchards. These are particularly beautiful
both in the spring, when apple-blossom is out
everywhere and in the autumn as the fruit ripen
towards harvest time. Visitors at this time of
year will never be short of a home-grown apple
or two to add to their picnics. |
Asturias - Outdoor Activities |
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Asturias caters for everyone. Locally there
are many activities on offer for those who
enjoy the challenge or tranquillity of the
great outdoors :
Walking and hiking, canoeing, quad-biking,
paint-balling, caving, surfing, mountain-biking,
fishing (salmon and trout are locally available),
horse-riding, bird-watching (kites, falcons
, vultures and many other birds can be spotted
locally).
Not forgetting sun-bathing, sand-castle
building, and shopping of course. |
Exploring Asturias |
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you fancy exploring either by car or train (there
is a station in the village), there are many towns
and cities nearby. Neighbouring Cangas de Onis
is a popular destination for visitors, with its
weekly Farmers' Market, an outdoor pool and many
cafes, shops and restaurants. It also has a beautiful
Romanesque bridge that spans the Rio Sella. Close
as well is Ribadasella, a pretty seaside town
which also hosts a weekly Farmers' Market, and
has its own beaches, with a lovely promenade walk
where you can watch the daily catch being brought
in before it is taken off to the local restaurants.
It is also home of the Tito de Bustillo Museum,
where you can see 20,000-year-old cave paintings.
Visit Llanes, a medieval fishing town is charming
with its cobbled streets, beaches, popular seafront
walk and many restaurants and shops. |
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Not
far off is historic Covadonga, the “Lourdes”
of Spain with its chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Covadonga
and an almighty basilica built on a mountain side. Whilst
there consider also visiting Lakes Enol and Ercina which
are great for hiking and wildlife spotting. Walk in
the famous Cares Gorge, the most famous of walks in
the Picos de Europa National Park which should not be
missed. Or visit the Dinosaur Museum in Colunga (this
whole area is also called the Jurassic Coast with many
beaches boasting ACTUAL dinosaur footprints) and the
Cider Museum in Nava (learn about its history, significance
and production, and have a go at making sidra. Take
the chance to try various Asturian pastimes e.g. play
the gaitas (bagpipes) or have a go at bolas, Spanish
boules.) Try the Funicular Railway at Bulnes or the
cable car at Fuente De.
Slightly further afield is Gijon (45 mins' drive), a
coastal city which is a popular place to visit with
beaches, shops, museums as well as a great children's
park, the Cantabrian Botanic Gardens and a brand new
aquarium. Oviedo, the regional capital ( also 45 mins.
Drive ), offers a cathedral, parks, shopping, entertainments
and all of the facilities of a large city. And consider
cosmopolitan Santander and Bilbao with the modern Guggenheim
Museum. |
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