City: Asturias
Top Things to do in Asturias
Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Asturias, Spain
Asturias (/æˈstʊəriəs, ə-/; Spanish: [asˈtuɾjas]; Asturian: Asturies [asˈtuɾjes]; Galician: Asturias), officially the Principality of Asturias (Spanish: Principado de Asturias; Asturian: Principáu d'Asturies), is an autonomous community in north-west Spain. It is coextensive with the province of Asturias, and contains some of the territory that was part of the larger Kingdom of Asturias in the Middle Ages. Divided into eight comarcas (counties), the autonomous community of Asturias is bordered by Cantabria to the east, by Castile and León to the south, by Galicia to the west, and by the Bay of Biscay to the north.
Restaurants in Asturias
1. El Cuelebre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Exclusive Spanish school in the mountains of Somiedo Natural Park, Asturias, Spain.
Reviewed By cocobeanz08 - Sisters, United States
Most people know that the best way to learn a language is through immersion. But the idea of immersion can be intimidating – or it certainly was to me. Well, how about immersion tailored to your specific needs and desires, with all the comforts of life, coziness, delectable food, magnificent scenery, and warm, friendly, and knowledgeable hosts? That’s what I had the good fortune to experience at El Cuelebre Spanish school in La Peral, Somiedo Natural Park, Asturias. I decided to take a week “off” and study at El Cuelebre. Little did I know that I would not only have customized Spanish classes but that I would be spoiled in so many ways. Jimena and Alfredo, owners, teachers, guides, and chef extraordinaire went above and beyond any expectations. As for language learning, know that Jimena and Alfredo are professionally trained and experienced teachers who have traveled widely and learned a variety of foreign languages themselves. As a result, they're well-acquainted with the needs and challenges of learning a foreign language. They're also very flexible in quickly understanding an individual's difficulties and can customize accordingly. Learning languages is not one of my talents, and I'm insecure about that, but both of them were amazing in making me feel comfortable and encouraging me. We did two formal classroom sessions per day. I initially wondered if that would really be enough, but we covered a lot of ground in each session. For me, the "breaks" consisted of independent study time, walks with my hosts (and their adorable dog) in the surrounding mountains and charming villages, siestas ????, and meals together. Both Jimena and Alfredo are so generous in sharing their deep and broad knowledge of the area, the history, customs, culture and the flora and fauna and their passion for all the above. I have an interest in politics and both Jimena and Alfredo were very kind and patient to indulge me and answer my many questions. I believe it was through our more casual/informal interactions that I was able to improve my comprehension along with developing a great love and respect for the country and people. I was there off-season, so our outside activities were somewhat dictated by the weather. For me, the "downtime" was perfect to allow me to absorb all the learning in addition to providing me with a calm that I was in desperate need of. I look forward to returning during spring/summer seasons when we’ll seek out other opportunities to visit more historic sites and attractions. Of note: Jimena previously worked for a conservation non-profit and is a font of knowledge on the area flora and fauna. I discovered rather late in the week that she has an enthusiasm and knowledge of butterflies. That alone is reason enough for me to return, IMO. The accommodation is in Jimena and Alfredo's own charming home, but in a separate area with its own entrance, en-suite bathroom, and (if you go off-season as I did) heating system. The room is spotless, spacious, yet cozy. It is large enough to accommodate not only a sleeping area, but there's a bank of closets, a table with laptop along one window looking out over the mountains, a sitting area with a flat-screen tv, and plenty of space (if you're like me) to do yoga and stretching in the morning. It's well-equipped with all necessary+ amenities, e.g., good Wi-Fi, hairdryer, shampoo and soap, towels, in-room electric kettle for coffee and tea. Basically, if you wanted to you could go with your clothing and cellphone (oh and hiking shoes, of course). There's also an additional sleeping loft. I went on my own, but there's more than enough space for a couple or even 2-3 good friends. Last, but certainly not least, is the cuisine. Jimena prepared some of the most scrumptious meals I've had -- and I'm a well-traveled food enthusiast! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all-inclusive, and I dined on paella, fabada, stuffed trout, and tortillas to name just a few. She used only the freshest of ingredients and was very mindful of food sensitivities and dietary requirements. Thank goodness for the opportunity for walks, otherwise, I would've surely gained a lot of weight! To ensure that the learning wouldn't stop with the classes, Alfredo was generous in providing online links to other resources and YouTube videos, as well as suggested leisure reading books for my level. I'm currently enjoying reading some fun mysteries in Spanish. If I've left you with any question, let me just say that my time with Jimena and Alfredo was educational, informative, delightful, delicious, head-clearing, relaxing, and inspiring. I arrived there a nervous, stressed out novice student and left there calm, energized, more confident, feeling like a princess, with a little bit of sadness to leave friends behind. I look forward to my next stay at El Cuelebre!
2. Pozo Soton
3. Museo de Bellas Artes de Asturias
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 454 reviews
Reviewed By Brimble - Lagos, Portugal
I'm very pleased to say that, contrary to usual Spanish expectations, the museum was actually open for a few hours on a Sunday. And very pleased we were... First things first, it's free. But we wouldn't have minded paying for such a treat. The informative layout, with both English and Spanish notes, is welcoming, interesting and a work of genuine passion The collection is varied, with many local artists well represented, alongside a couple of 'cameo' pieces from Picasso, Miro, Gargallo, Braque, etc. No crowds, so a leisurely stroll through the three levels, each representing different styles and periods. This was a real privilege, for which we are grateful. Not to be missed.
4. Catedral de San Salvador de Oviedo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,619 reviews
Reviewed By 227ianc - London, United Kingdom
The Cathedral dates back to the 8th century, though it was substantially rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th and 14th centuries, with major Baroque additions in the 17th and 18th centuries. The cathedral contains many relics including pieces of the holy shroud and one of the urns which are said to have been used for the water Jesus turned into wine. As with many cathedrals, the stonemasons saved their most creative work for the cloister - no two of the stone capitals are the same, though the cloister is a little odd with a Baroque addition on top. Originally the carvings would have been painted, of which traces remain. Off of the cloister is the beautiful Chapter House with its octagonal vaulting and carved seats. One of the glories of the cathedral is the altarpiece with the images set in a gilded wooden frame and there is an extensive and fascinating museum open as part of your visit.
5. Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,371 reviews
Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura es el resultado de un proyecto de transformacion que el Gobierno del Principado de Asturias acometio en 2001 con el fin de dar nueva vida al edificio de la antigua Universidad Laboral de Gijon.El proyecto vio la luz en marzo de 2007: nacia Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, una ciudad cultural del siglo XXI, abierta plural, en la que hay espacio para todo tipo de espectaculos y propuestas de ocio.La sede de Radiotelevision del Principado de Asturias en el antiguo Convento de las Clarisas, LABoral Centro de Arte y Creacion Industrial, el Centro Integrado de Formacion Profesional, el Patio Corintio que alberga la Tienda, la Torre, la Escuela de Arte Dramatico y Profesional de Danza, la Iglesia, el Cafe, el Teatro, el Paraninfo y la Facultad de Comercio, Turismo y Ciencias Sociales "Jovellanos", son algunos de los espacios que tienen su sede en la Ciudad de la Cultura.La tarea de recuperacion del monumental edificio con nuevos usos relacionados con la cultura, la formacion y la creacion, aun esta en marcha, en un apasionante proceso que no cesa y en el que nuevos espacios se iran sumando de forma paulatina hasta completar una ciudad singular.Laboral City of Culture is the result of a transformation project the Government of the Principality of Asturias undertook in 2001 in order to give new life to the building of the old Laboral University of Gijon.The project became a reality in March 2007: it was the birth of La Laboral City of Culture, an open and plural 21st Century cultural city, offering space for all kinds of shows and leisure proposals.The headquarters of the Principality of Asturias Broadcasting Corporation in the old Convent of Clarissa nuns, LABoral Art and Industrial Creation Centre, the Integrated Professional Training Centre, the Corinthian Patio housing the Shop, the Tower, the College of Dramatic Art and Professional Dance, the Church, the Cafe, the Theatre, the Auditorium and the Jovellanos University College, are some of the spaces with their headquarters in the City of Culture.The task of recovering the monumental building with new uses related to culture, training and creation, is still underway in a thrilling non-stop process, which will gradually add new spaces up until the completion of this singular city.
6. Teatro Campoamor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
7. Cuevona de Cuevas del Agua
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,296 reviews
Reviewed By AliceK1847 - Greenwich, United Kingdom
The road runs through a 300 metre long cave which is stunning and free to visit. You are supposed to wear a fluorescent jacket to walk through the caves. There are a number of walks that start at the far end of the caves.
8. San Julian de los Prados
9. Museum of Mining and Industry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
10. Church of Santo Tomas de Canterbury
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