The natural paradise of Asturias is becoming one of the biggest discoveries of the decade for many people in the UK. This region of northwest Spain, known for its rugged coastline, mountains, religious sites and medieval architecture is less than two hours away from the UK with direct flights from London airports to its regional capital Oviedo.
For nature enthusiasts, this region’s variety of landscapes, and vast network of hiking and biking trails offer wonderful possibilities, such as 25km straight-line routes between peaks of more than 2,500m, as well as some of the best beaches in Spain, lapped by the Atlantic in the Cantabrian Sea.
Asturias also has one of Europe’s most ambitious environmental strategies, enabling it to have six Biosphere Reserves and over one third of its area covered by protection measures. And all of this in an area that is roughly half the size of South East England.
For example, Asturias is the last refuge in Western Europe for species such as the brown bear – with a population of around 300. Wolves, too, still roam the silent valleys of the Cantabrian mountains. Moreover, a wealth of wild fauna forms part of its mountain landscape in which traditional farming is still practised, in perfect harmony with some of the most important forests in Europe such as the Muniellos oak forest.
And while the mountains of Asturias are one of the main attractions for visitors from around the world, its coastline is the best preserved in Spain thanks to the active involvement of its population in environmental awareness campaigns, enabling visitors to enjoy over 400km of unspoilt coastline, without a trace of human buildings, except for traditional fishing towns, nestled in the most stunning natural coves.
Active travellers will readily find an activity to suit them, from cycle routes to horse riding, canoeing to water sports, climbing, canyoning and hiking – great news for those wanting to discover some of the most spectacular and authentic landscapes in Europe.
