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I fell in love with Asturias four years ago while judging the World Cheese Awards in Oviedo. This wild, untamed region of northern Spain struck a familiar chord, evoking scenes from Vicky Cristina Barcelona—but with a richer, more rugged soul. Several visits later, Asturias remains one of the most magical places I’ve ever experienced. Nestled between the Cantabrian Sea and the dramatic peaks of the Picos de Europa, this region offers an intoxicating blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and culinary delights that rival even its celebrated neighbor, the Basque Country.
“Maybe this isn’t one you had on your travel plans, but I’m telling you right now: if you want the natural beauty of both mountains and oceans—oh yeah, and great food—you need to plan a vacation to a tiny corner of Spain. It’s called Asturias,” says chef José Andrés in his Substack, The Chef’s List.
What makes Asturias so special is its year-round appeal. While much of Europe shivers in the winter, Asturias enjoys mild weather, with locals strolling along beaches in winter without jackets. Summers are refreshingly cool compared to most of Europe, though unpredictable once you venture into the mountains. Thanks to this temperate climate, outdoor adventures—from coastal hikes to mountain-top excursions—are always on the menu. Whether you’re hiking the coastline or walking the Camino de Santiago route that runs through the region, Asturias invites you to connect with nature in every season.
The region’s magic extends far beyond its landscapes. Gijón, with its lively beachfront and Art Nouveau architecture, offers city tours on bikes, surfing lessons, and ocean adventures like jet skiing and fishing. Then there’s Lastres, a charming fishing village that feels like Spain’s answer to Cinque Terre, with its winding streets and jaw-dropping views of the sea.
Asturias’s gastronomic prowess takes center stage in Oviedo, recently crowned the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy in 2024. “In Spain, one of the main reasons for traveling to Asturias is the food,” says Michelin-starred chef Nacho Manzano. “We have incredibly rich products and many options—from comforting, casual dishes to the most sophisticated meals.” With six protected designations of origin for its cheeses, wines, and cider, Oviedo is already becoming a bucket-list destination for food lovers everywhere.
And thanks to the new high-speed rail line connecting Madrid and Asturias, getting there has never been easier. In just a few hours, you can escape the bustle of Spain’s capital and immerse yourself in this authentic, unspoiled paradise. Whether you re following in José Andrés footsteps for culinary inspiration, chasing outdoor adventures, or seeking a place to slow down, Asturias is the next European destination you need to add to your list.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Where to Stay
A flawlessly restored 16th-century palace that blends heritage with contemporary design. Original stone walls meet sleek interiors, and suites reflect the hues of the surrounding landscape. Whether you opt for an atmospheric CoolSuite in the old palace or a modern room in the annex, you ll be immersed in comfort and style. The indulgent spa, bikes for coastal rides, and Tella, the on-site restaurant helmed by chef Francisco Ruiz, celebrate Asturias culinary roots with a hyperlocal menu.
In San Esteban de Pravia, Gran Hotel Boutique Brillante has been reimagined as a stylish coastal hideaway. Once a legendary pension that hosted poets like Rubén Darío, it now offers a blend of old-world charm and modern comforts. The impressive Art Deco cafeteria bar, black and white marble floors, and imposing plaster moldings have been lovingly restored, creating an ambiance that’s both nostalgic and contemporary. Watch fishermen catch baby eels at dusk from your window, then unwind on the terrace with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a glass of crisp Spanish wine.
Set in a restored 14th-century palace at the foot of Monte Sueve, Narbasu offers a seamless blend of history, luxury, and nature, with stunning views of the Picos de Europa. Run by the celebrated Manzano family, this intimate retreat is a haven for travelers seeking refined comfort and authentic Asturian charm. The hotel’s kitchen garden, planted on a former golf course, honors a deep commitment to sustainability. Awarded a Michelin Green Star, the restaurant embraces local flavors with ingredients sourced from nearby farmers, artisans, and the garden itself. Guests can indulge in à la carte dining or two curated tasting menus—Tradicional and Narbasu—featuring creative spins on classic Casa Marcial dishes. And yes, you can sample Nacho Manzano’s famous croquetas de jamon and fabada here (room service croquetas are the best, FYI).
El Môderne Hotel in Gijón is a stunning showcase of Zig Zag Moderne Art Deco, blending 1930s glamour with sleek interiors in the heart of the city. Housed in a beautifully restored building, the hotel is within walking distance of Playa San Lorenzo and the historic Cimavilla neighborhood, where coastal strolls lead to Eduardo Chillida’s iconic Elogio del Horizonte sculpture. Last Christmas, I spent a cozy solo stay in the hotel’s gorgeous junior suite, popping bottles of Trabanco sidra and indulging in tinned conservas. For the best views, opt for the double urban loft with its spectacular sea-facing terrace, the perfect spot to soak up Gijón’s vintage charm. El Moderne is the ideal spot to explore Gijón’s cool mix of beach, art, and urban life—all wrapped up in serious design cred.
Parador de Corias is housed in an 11th-century monastery, where centuries-old architecture meets modern luxury in the heart of Asturias’s lush countryside. The grandeur of soaring stone arches and vaulted ceilings creates an atmosphere where history feels alive, while the rooms feature warm wood accents and sleek contemporary touches that enhance the medieval charm. Nestled near the serene Narcea River in Cangas del Narcea, this unique escape offers an on-site restaurant that showcases authentic Asturian cuisine, including local specialties like fabada and a selection of exquisite cheeses, providing guests with a true taste of the region s rich culinary heritage. Plus, it s conveniently located across the front entrance from the Monasterio de Corias Winery, inviting guests to indulge in local wines alongside their culinary experiences.
Where to Eat
Casa Marcial in Arriondas is a site of pilgrimage for food lovers, boasting three Michelin stars, plus a green star, and the creative genius of Esther and Nacho Manzano. This mountainside restaurant transforms hyperlocal ingredients into edible masterpieces, inviting guests on a sensory journey enhanced by one of the region s best wine lists. Chef José Andrés considers it a must-visit, underscoring its world-class status. The menu features nostalgic dishes like chicken rice and highlights standout creations, including grilled teardrop peas with hake cheek and a medley of expertly cooked freshwater fish. The tasting menus focus on produce sourced from the Cantabrian Sea and zero-mile ingredients, supporting rural development and emphasizing sustainability. Nacho—assisted by his sisters Esther and Sandra, along with his nephew Jesús—runs the restaurant and brings forth a menu that honors his roots while showcasing the richness of Asturias. It’s truly a tribute to the land.
Hit Raisin-vetted Cadejo Wine Bar in Gijón after hours when the communal tables fill with locals sipping natural wines and grazing on seasonal tapas—expect a buzzy, dimly lit scene where time seems to slow. The spot doubles as a wine shop, with a standout selection at least 30% natural, plus shelves lined with tinned sea delicacies and local goods worth stocking up on. Let the staff guide your glass—they know their stuff, and the food, mostly organic and always local, is just as impressive as the pours.
Seven years ago, Constance Barreré Dangleterre and Damien Teixidor helmed a restaurant called Native in Perpignan, France. Fast forward to 2025 and the duo, along with their seven-year-old daughter, Jo, recently reimagined Native in the charming coastal village of Lastres. The restaurant and bar sit in a renovated sidrería with large terrace where you’ll find the older generation playing cards and drinking cider—and the hipsters drinking natural wine with a meal. “Lastres was kind of love at first sight,” says Dangleterre. “We came on holiday a couple of years ago and the whole vibe was pure magic: the highly welcoming locals, the incredible resources, and the mild climate,” she says. In the kitchen, find Teixidor working his wizardry with the simplest of ingredients to showcase the bounty of the land and sea.
Here, acclaimed sommelier Marcos Granda returns to his culinary roots, with a cooler than cool dining experience. The evening unfolds with stylish aperitifs and appetizers served in the bar area followed by small artsy morsels in the dimly lit by candlelight Chimeneas lounge—making way, finally, to the center stage: the open kitchen where just a dozen guests can witness Chef Marcos Mistry work his magic. His contemporary creations celebrate the essence of Asturian cuisine, with standout dishes like tuna tartare with pistachio and caviar, grilled squid noodles with ham consommé, and Cantabrian sea bream in a mussel and fennel beurre blanc. I left describing it as if it felt like dining in an end-of-world shelter underground. It was that good.
Manín has a few locations in Asturias but my favorite location is tucked away in Cangas del Narcea. It’s more like a designer boutique, blending traditional Asturian baking with a chic, contemporary aesthetic. Upon entering, you’ll find one side of the space dedicated to the bakery and café, while the other resembles a high-end designer shop, showcasing an array of amazing chocolates in glass cases and their signature Manínttone—a stylish take on panettone when in season, amongst other confectionary delights. Third-generation baker Alan Garcia is passionate about maintaining these age-old traditions while attracting both locals and tourists with playful marketing and fun packaging designed to appeal to a younger demographic. Be sure to indulge in the bollo preñao, a beloved Northern Spanish snack elevated at Manín. This savory bread roll stuffed with chorizo is the perfect late-night treat to sop up cider and makes for a perfectly acceptable breakfast.
“You might be surprised to hear this, but Casa Gerardo might actually be my favorite restaurant in the world,” José Andrés proclaimed on his Substack, The Chef’s List. The one-Michelin-starred Casa Gerardo, opened in 1882 and has been run by five generations of the same family, staying true to authentic Asturian cuisine while balancing tradition and innovation. Chef Marcos Morán and his father Pedro helm the kitchen, offering modern à la carte dishes alongside time-honored tasting menus—think the legendary Fabada de Prendes bean stew, Asturian tripe, and crema de arroz con leche requemada, a brûléed rice pudding.
For an intimate and avant-garde dining experience, NM by Nacho Manzano in Oviedo invites guests into a stunning, stark white space that feels like stepping into a cloud-like haven—the perfect setting to savor every bite as if it were your own restaurant. With only 25 guests max allowed per night, the restaurant showcases the spectacular interior design by Hazard Studio, led by Alfredo Rodríguez, who also designed Manzano s other project, Nastura. “It has a very inspiring interior decor where I can create, innovate, and be a little bolder, and where the guests are witnesses of everything that is happening there,” says Manzano. Nestled in a city on the rise as a gastronomic capital, NM was awarded a Michelin star in its first year, continuing to inspire culinary evolution and making it a must-visit destination for exceptional dining experiences in Oviedo.
This family-owned bar-turned-hip restaurant in Cangas del Narcea is a culinary cornerstone that has delighted patrons since 1915. Under the stewardship of brothers Pepe and Kike Ron, who are prominent figures in Asturian cuisine, this establishment has evolved into a must-visit dining destination. It’s bustling every night open and if you’re looking to sit down for dinner, you better call far in advance. Their mother, Engracia, still graces the bar with her presence after nearly 66 years. Kike’s signature vermouth, La Trucha Cautiva, crafted from Albillo grapes, is a must along a Gilda or two before dinner. And standout dishes like the best steak tartare are considered the best in the region.
What to Do
In Lastres, a quaint fishing village, Anchoas Hazas owners Ana and Agustín have revived the town’s historic canning tradition, which has evolved into a stylish storefront that makes for a great stop to or from the village. Each Cantabrian anchovy is treated with the care usually reserved for fine jewels. Caught at their peak in spring and meticulously hand-cleaned, these anchovies are bathed in refined olive oil, resulting in silky, umami-rich morsels that will leave you contemplating suitcase space for a stash. It’s a culinary shrine that encapsulates Asturias’s commitment to quality and tradition. They are the best anchovies you’ll ever consume, I promise—and once you’ve tried them, you’ll continue to spot them at some of Asturias’s finest dining spots.
No trip to Asturias is complete without diving into its cider culture at Sidra Trabanco in Gijón. Learn the traditional art of cider-making and perfect your pour—a ritual that’s as much about showmanship as flavor. Don’t miss Alicia, either, their breakthrough product described as the “Champagne of cider,” handcrafted and selected from the best wooden chestnut barrels. Yolanda Trabanco, director of marketing and sales, offers fascinating insights into the role of women in this traditionally masculine sector.
For adventurers, Picos de Europa National Park offers jaw-dropping vistas that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn. The range is home to gorges, caves, walking trails, and lots of world-renowned Cabrales cheese. The Cangas de Onís Sunday market also is a must for the artisan cheese stalls alone. Pack a gourmet picnic and spend the day immersed in one of Spain s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes. Afterward, stop in Tielve for a mountainside dose of local atmosphere and fabada at Bar El Carteru La Bolera. Note: the roads are tiny and windy and not for the faint of heart.
Truth be told, there’s so much to do in Asturias that it s hard to narrow it down. Sit down with Elena Borches, owner of TourAsturias, who will get to know you and curate the coolest day(s) based on what you’re interested in and throw out many hidden gems along the way. From a historical tour around Oviedo to see the UNESCO World Heritage buildings from the 9th century to Museo de Bellas Artes de Asturias, a hidden gem where three buildings collide: the Palacio de Velarde, the House of Oviedo-Portal, and the House of Solís-Carbajal (and it’s always free). For an artsy day, stroll around Gijon for architecture and hip art galleries, plus sidra—and surfing, if you’re up for it! Or, trek out to the Jurassic Coast to see the Bay of Biscay’s dramatic cliffs and fossilized dinosaur tracks, dating back over 150 million years, embedded in thes shoreline. Borchers’s approach to showcasing Asturias is one of a kind.