Do I need to speak Spanish to visit Asturias?

While Spanish is essential in rural areas, many in tourism speak basic English. Learning a few Spanish phrases is appreciated. Asturian language is also spoken but Spanish is universal.

What is the traditional drink of Asturias?

Sidra (cider) is the iconic drink, traditionally poured from height to aerate it. You'll find sidrerías (cider houses) throughout the region serving it with local food.

Is Asturias good for hiking?

Excellent! The Picos de Europa offer world-class hiking from easy walks to challenging mountain routes. The Ruta del Cares gorge trail is particularly famous. Always check conditions and be prepared for weather changes.

What are the must-try foods?

Fabada asturiana (bean stew with pork), cachopo (breaded veal steak with ham and cheese), Cabrales blue cheese, and seafood along the coast. Desserts include carbayones (almond pastries) and rice pudding.

How different is Asturias from other Spanish regions?

Asturias has distinct Celtic influences in music and culture, greener landscapes due to more rainfall, unique architecture (pre-Romanesque), and a stronger cider tradition compared to Spain's wine regions. It's less crowded than Mediterranean destinations.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens no visa. Many others need Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days. Check with Spanish consulate.

What currency is used?

Euro (€). Credit cards widely accepted; cash useful for small purchases.

Is English widely spoken?

Limited, especially in rural areas. Spanish is essential; some tourism staff speak English.

What is the typical meal cost?

A menu del día (set lunch) costs €10-15. Dinner at a mid-range restaurant €20-30 per person.

Can I drink tap water?

Yes, tap water is safe and good quality.

Most beaches have lifeguards in summer. Watch for rip currents; follow flag warnings (green=safe, yellow=caution, red=danger).

What is the best way to get from the airport?

Asturias Airport (OVD) has buses to Oviedo, Gijón, and Avilés. Taxis and car rentals available.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

Recommended in summer and during festivals. Off-season, walk-ins possible.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Generally yes, but inform someone of your route. Weather changes fast; carry water and a map.

What is the local tipping etiquette?

Tipping is not mandatory. Round up taxi fares or leave small change (5-10%) for good service.

Are there any local festivals?

Yes, many. Notable: Semana Santa (Easter), Feria de la Sidra (cider festival) in Nava, and Descenso del Sella canoe race in August.

Can I use my mobile phone?

EU roaming is free for EU citizens. Others should get a local SIM or check international plans.

Asturias

Autonomous CommunitySpain, Europe

Asturias is a STATE in Spain, Europe.

Asturias, officially the Principality of Asturias, is a breathtaking autonomous community in northern Spain that offers a perfect blend of dramatic natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional gastronomy. Known as 'Green Spain' for its lush, mountainous terrain, Asturias features the stunning Picos de Europa National Park with its jagged peaks, deep gorges, and picturesque hiking trails like the famous Ruta del Cares. The region boasts a spectacular coastline with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and charming fishing villages like Cudillero and Llanes. Asturias preserves its unique Celtic heritage through traditional music, bagpipe festivals, and pre-Romanesque architecture showcased in UNESCO-listed churches like Santa María del Naranco. The capital, Oviedo, offers elegant architecture and vibrant cider culture, while Gijón provides lively beaches and maritime history. Food lovers will delight in Asturian specialties like fabada (bean stew), Cabrales blue cheese, and the region's famous cider poured in the traditional 'escanciado' style. With its welcoming atmosphere, slower pace of life, and stunning diversity from mountains to sea, Asturias offers an authentic Spanish experience away from the crowded tourist trails.

Best time to visit Asturias

May to September offers the warmest and driest weather, ideal for hiking and beach activities. July and August are peak tourist months with festivals but more crowds. September and October provide pleasant temperatures, autumn colors, and the apple harvest for cider production. Winter (December-February) is cold and wet but offers skiing in the mountains and fewer tourists. Spring (April-May) brings wildflowers and moderate temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 10-18°C, some rain

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Autumn colors; cider season

Know before you go

Getting there

OVD

Asturias Airport

International

15 km away

SCQ

Santiago de Compostela Airport

International

180 km away

BIO

Bilbao Airport

International

250 km away

MAD

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport

International

450 km away

Getting around

"Renting a car is highly recommended to explore remote areas, though fuel is expensive. The FEVE narrow-gauge railway offers scenic coastal routes between towns. ALSA buses connect major towns and cities. Urban areas have local buses; Oviedo and Gijón have comprehensive networks. Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced. Popular apps include Cabify for ride-hailing and Google Maps for navigation. The region's topography means travel times can be longer than distances suggest due to mountainous terrain."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities and hotels; free in many cafes

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from €5

Calling code

+34

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Low crime, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.

Night safety

7/10

Low crime, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Asturias is generally very safe with low crime rates. Normal precautions against petty theft in tourist areas and crowded places are advised. The main safety concerns relate to outdoor activities: hikers should be properly equipped for changing mountain weather in Picos de Europa, follow marked trails, and inform someone of their plans. Coastal areas can have strong currents - swim only at designated beaches with lifeguards. Driving on mountain roads requires caution, especially in fog or rain. There are no specific areas to avoid, though standard urban precautions apply in city centers at night. Scams are rare but be cautious of distraction techniques in crowded areas."

Police

112

Ambulance

112

Fire

112

Tourist Police

Guardia Civil

062

Entry and health

Health information

"Asturias has excellent public healthcare facilities including Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias in Oviedo and Hospital de Cabueñes in Gijón. EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Non-EU travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. No special vaccinations are required beyond routine immunizations. Tap water is safe to drink. The region has a temperate climate but be prepared for rain, especially in mountainous areas where temperatures can drop significantly. Pharmacies (farmacias) are widely available and can provide advice for minor ailments."

Culture

Local customs

"Asturians are friendly but reserved initially. Greet with handshakes; close friends may kiss on both cheeks. Meal times are late: lunch around 2-4 PM, dinner after 9 PM. When drinking cider, never pour your own - wait for the traditional 'escanciado' pouring from height. Tipping is not expected but appreciated: round up bills in restaurants, 5-10% for exceptional service. Dress is casual but neat; more formal for religious sites. Respect the 'siesta' tradition where some businesses close 2-5 PM. Participate in local festivals like the Descenso del Sella canoe race or various cider festivals."

SpanishAsturian

Costs and practicals

Currency

Euro (EUR) · €

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

€12 | a cheap local meal costs around €12

Hotels

€50-100 | budget hotels range €50-100/night

Local transport

€1.50 | local bus ride ~€1.50

Cost notes

Prices lower than Madrid/Barcelona. Peak summer rates higher.

Timezone

Europe/Madrid +01:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

1,011,792

Area

10,604 km²

Government

Autonomous community with its own parliament (General Junta) and president

ISO code

ES-34

Type

Autonomous Community

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Asturies, Astuerje, Asturiae, Князівство Астурія, Աստուրիա, Fürstentum Asturien, Principado das Astúrias, Stúrias, 阿斯圖里亞斯, Asturiez, آستوریاس, Asturias / Asturies, Astürxhas, 阿斯图里亚斯公国, Astúria, Principality of Asturias, Astúrske kniežatstvo, Астур, Astúries, Principáu d'Asturies, Priñselezh Asturiez, An Astúir, Asztúria, Asturia eanangoddi, Astuurien, Kneževina Asturija, AS, Asturi, Кнежевина Астурија, Astùrias, Астурија, アストゥリアス州, ასტურია, Астурыйскае княства, Asturio, Asturie, Asturiasko Printzerria, 아스투리아스 지방, Astúría, Principato delle Asturie, Αστούριες, Астурийское княжество, Asturias Thâu-lâng-kok, ES-AS, Principat d'Astúries, आस्तुरियास, Asturias, อัสตูเรียส, 아스투리아스, Asturië, أستورياس, আস্তুরিয়াস, Prionnsachd Asturias, أشتورية, ราชรัฐอัสตูเรียส, Księstwo Asturii, Астур муж, أشتورية;أشتوريش;أستورية, Астури, 阿斯圖里亞斯公國, Asztúriai Hercegség, استوریا, Astúrias, Астурвлӓ, منطقة أستورياس, Астурія, Астуриэ, אסטוריאס, ஆதூரியா, Principât des Asturiis, Астурия, Астурыя, Principato de Asturias, ئاستۆریاس, Astuuria, Principado de Asturias, Principado de Astúrias, Asturia, Kingdom of Asturias, Asturien, አስቱርያስ, Asturiis, Prencipau d'Astúrias, Asturija, Astūrija, Principauté des Asturies, Asturiya, Aueda, OVI, Ov'edo, Ovedo, Ovetum, Oviedo, Oviedu, Ovieu, Ovjedas, Ovjedo, Uvieu, Uviéu, abydw, ao wei ye duo, awfyydw, awwydw, obiedo, ovhiyedo, oviedo, oviyeto, xo beiy do, Аўеда, Овиедо, Овьедо, Овєдо, Овједо, אוביידו, أوفييدو, ابیدو, اوویدو, ओव्हियेदो, ஒவியேதோ, โอเบียโด, ოვიედო, オビエド, 奥维耶多, 오비에도

Capital CityMajor HubBeachHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingFood & WineNatureCulturalMountain