Spain.Photo: Getty ImagesSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links 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 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 and culinary delights that rival even its celebrated neighbor 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 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 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 you can escape the bustle of Spain’s capital and immerse yourself in this authentic Whether you're following in José Andrés' footsteps for culinary inspiration Asturias is the next European destination you need to add to your list Here’s everything you need to know before you go Photo: Courtesy of CoolRooms Palacio de LucesA flawlessly restored 16th-century palace that blends heritage with contemporary design 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 on-site restaurant helmed by chef Francisco Ruiz celebrate Asturias' culinary roots with a hyperlocal menu Photo: Courtesy of Gran Hotel Boutique BrillanteIn 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 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 with stunning views of the Picos de Europa this intimate retreat is a haven for travelers seeking refined comfort and authentic Asturian charm honors a deep commitment to sustainability the restaurant embraces local flavors with ingredients sourced from nearby farmers Guests can indulge in à la carte dining or two curated tasting menus—Tradicional and Narbasu—featuring creative spins on classic Casa Marcial dishes you can sample Nacho Manzano’s famous croquetas de jamon and fabada here (room service croquetas are the best blending 1930s glamour with sleek interiors in the heart of the city 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 I spent a cozy solo stay in the hotel’s gorgeous junior suite popping bottles of Trabanco sidra and indulging in tinned conservas 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 and urban life—all wrapped up in serious design cred 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 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 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 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 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 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 find Teixidor working his wizardry with the simplest of ingredients to showcase the bounty of the land and sea 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 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 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 Manín has a few locations in Asturias but my favorite location is tucked away in Cangas del Narcea blending traditional Asturian baking with a chic 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 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 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 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 who also designed Manzano's other project “It has a very inspiring interior decor where I can create 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 still graces the bar with her presence after nearly 66 years 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 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 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 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 their breakthrough product described as the “Champagne of cider,” handcrafted and selected from the best wooden chestnut barrels offers fascinating insights into the role of women in this traditionally masculine sector Picos de Europa National Park offers jaw-dropping vistas that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn 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 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 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 and the House of Solís-Carbajal (and it’s always free) stroll around Gijon for architecture and hip art galleries trek out to the Jurassic Coast to see the Bay of Biscay’s dramatic cliffs and fossilized dinosaur tracks Borchers’s approach to showcasing Asturias is one of a kind The Danish Home Lighting Trend That Can Improve Your Mental Health In America’s Cities, Saunas Are Becoming the Hottest Social Spot Millie Bobby Brown Shares Her Favorite Paella Recipe—and Details About Her Wedding to Jake Bongiovi A Day-by-Day Guide to Hiking the Legendary Nakasendo Trail in Japan Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month Asturias entices with gorgeous landscapes and world-class cuisine Sunrise warms the Picos de Europa, part of the Cordillera Cantabrica range that secludes Asturias from the rest of Spain This is a meal I could eat nowhere else, it occurs to me around the seventh course. I’m in the mountains of Asturias, one of Nat Geo’s Best Trips for 2020 and I’ve been served a dish of sea urchin and ham that unites the coast and peaks of this northern Spanish province in a single bite I see José Antelo raise his fork in triumph Antelo works as an air traffic controller in Barcelona. His brother, Luis, is a superior court judge in Madrid They live in two of Europe’s top restaurant cities; they can enjoy memorable meals night after night without ever boarding a plane This autonomous region of Spain lying along the Bay of Biscay isn’t located between Madrid and Barcelona “Nowhere else in Spain can you find so many flavors The coastal region’s rich seafood tops menus at acclaimed restaurants such as Güeyu Mar lavender scents the garden at Michelin-starred Casa Marcial who grew up in the now renovated farmhouse We’re dining at Casa Marcial decorated with window boxes and topped by a barrel-tiled roof the restaurant sits at the top of a winding road in La Salgar But La Salgar remains so deeply embedded in the hilly heavily forested interior of the region that many of its residents spend their entire childhoods without ever seeing the water The Manzano family opened Casa Marcial in the middle of the last century as a general store returned from the coast to start a restaurant Gastronomes such as the Antelos love Casa Marcial But nobody more admires its modern Asturian cuisine—fresh but also the thick bean stews of the mountain villages so pure and perfectly rendered—than other chefs half a dozen chefs from across Spain have gathered to celebrate the restaurant’s 25th anniversary They aren’t just paying homage; they are actually cooking for Nacho and about 50 of us diners We eat plate after plate of food: more ham roasted rabbit from the hills around the restaurant rubbery sea cucumbers that I’ve only had along the Spanish coast By the time I head back over the mountain to my hotel in seaside Gijón Related: Check out these gorgeous photos of Spain Walking in the drizzle by the seawall where on summer days surfers congregate I pass a rowboat filled with predawn fishermen and remember the mountain village I just left There had been no official sign of demarcation when I passed from León to Asturias Most visitors come upon Oviedo first. They seek out some of the best pre-Romanesque architecture in the world, 14 preserved buildings, including the tall, narrow ninth-century palace-church complex of Santa María del Naranco I make a pilgrimage there as soon as I arrive I enter a vaulted room made of stones the color of milk-clouded coffee The windows are cut thick into the walls of the building I peer over a grove of trees and see the city spread out below surrounded by suitcases and sporting a bemused expression as he gazes at the city’s cathedral The medieval town of Llanes is one of the top summer destinations in Asturias We were very hard to get to—a long drive from anywhere We just assumed nobody would want to come.” Then two things happened: Europe’s new bargain airlines began flying intrepid tourists here in the late 1990s; and Woody Allen’s 2008 film Vicky Cristina Barcelona sent its characters to Oviedo for a weekend causing filmgoers around the world to turn to each other in surprise Why would anyone leave Barcelona to visit … Asturias “Woody Allen told the world we exist,” Esther says but he also opened our eyes.” A statue of the controversial writer-director stands off Calle Uria Explore more: Here’s a quick guide to Málaga, Spain’s sixth largest city Tourism has helped raise the standard of living in Asturias giving restaurants like those run by Nacho and Esther Manzano a way to thrive But it hasn’t changed the nature of the place Spain entertained more than 80 million visitors last year enough to overrun many of its best known places far from the raucous port town it used to be Madrid seems like an international shopping mall I’m betting it won’t have an English menu either It’s easy to spot the blazing neon sign for Teatro Jovellanos mounted high above the pedestrian mall of Paseo Begoña the theater was renovated shortly after the fall of ruler Francisco Franco in 1975 and bought by Gijón in 1995 It has served as a cultural centerpiece since standing in the lobby underneath an enormous crystal chandelier Criado grew up in a small inland town near Cangas de Onís before moving to Gijón and our way of life.” When I ask him whether he feels more Spanish or Asturian What we are doing here couldn’t happen in Oviedo.” and several of the granaries—called hórreos—that are ubiquitous in the area I am astonished to see how rudimentary the kitchens were Many of the dishes made in those kitchens are now served at Esther Manzano’s restaurant the restaurant isn’t officially affiliated with it If Casa Marcial is where the Manzano family adds an Asturian element to high gastronomy La Salgar rewards Asturians with deliciously familiar food amid Gijón’s clamor The idea was to have local diners taste quintessential versions of dishes they’ve been eating all their lives and red pepper that every Asturian remembers from childhood Like San Francisco and Scotland I leave Gijón and head east along the coast under a steady drizzle Ribadesella attracts Spaniards who are desperate for a respite from oppressive heat it becomes a particularly lovely local fishing village Kids splash through puddles in the streets Shop owners stand in the doorways greeting friends Fashioned with locally mined pink limestone the Basilica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga rises near the Holy Cave and its Virgin of Covadonga Built in the 9th century as a royal palace UNESCO designated the pre-Romanesque-style building a World Heritage site Not far away is the Tito Bustillo Cave site of one of the more remarkable discoveries of the last century In 1968 a group of amateur spelunkers realized that falling rocks many centuries before had sealed an opening of a cave They returned with full gear and managed to make their way inside they were surprised to discover that one cave opened onto another they found a magnificent series of cave drawings Another mysterious drawing was made some 30,000 years ago Although the site has been validated by waves of experts its existence continues to raise more questions than have been answered were drawings made in precisely the same place some 20,000 years apart I ponder that over lunch 15 minutes to the north, on a spit of beach. Güeyu Mar restaurant is a glorified shack marked by a huge plastic kingfish mounted over the doorway His menu consists of whatever the boats have brought in that day supplemented by seafood in metal tins that Alvarez has preserved himself just seafood and local vegetables and excellent bread rolls from the inland winery Dominio del Urogallo the best of the few producers clustered on the western side of the province The blend of three local red grape varieties has the stony freshness that I usually associate with cool-climate whites Rain is falling again; when I step outside I see a vivid rainbow arcing from the trees atop the steep hills down to the water where a much photographed Roman bridge spans an unhurried stream which is one of the most historic spots in Spain You could make the argument that modern Spain began when the advance of the Moors was halted here by the Visigoth nobleman Pelagius A man makes the most of a Sunday afternoon in Playa de Cadavedo by taking a leisurely ride on a horse but not swimming due to the strong undercurrent I’ve visited before, but hadn’t taken the time to drive to the lakes above Covadonga in the Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe) National Park and the view opens to a wide sky of cotton ball clouds More experiences: Try these lesser-known hiking trails in Europe. Then I hear bells. They start softly, but soon their metallic jangle has drowned out the car radio. I round a bend and see sheep, what looks like several hundred of them, painstakingly crossing the road in front of a line of stopped cars. I park and walk into the nearby brush, inhaling air so fresh that it sends a jolt of sharpness into my chest. The spiky peaks of the mountain silently surround me from a distance; all I hear is the din of the sheep bells, sounding like church bells ringing at high noon. A driver honks a horn in frustration, but that only makes the sheep stop in their tracks. With great deliberation, they look around. Satisfied that they can proceed, they resume their shuffle. Eventually the stragglers get across. By now, the traffic probably snakes around the bend and halfway down the mountain. I see the cars start to move, but I can’t walk back just yet. The bells clank and the air crackles and the peaks look like cathedral spires. Around me is a sea of sheep with no shepherd in sight. I’ve never been anywhere like this. I don’t want to leave. Evenings find locals socializing around Gijón’s old port a gathering place since the 1500s for fishermen One of Spain’s most important port cities thanks to deep waters and a sheltered harbor Gijón continues to update its facilities to attract cargo and cruise ships A popular pastime is sipping prized local sidra (cider) poured the Asturian way—from up high into a glass intended to create froth and open up flavors A surfing class trains on gentle waves at Playa de San Lorenzo pride of the port city of Gijón and one of Asturias’s most popular beaches An arched entrance frames Gijón’s La Laboral a cultural complex with art and educational spaces The late afternoon sun glints off Eduardo Chillida’s “Elogio del Horizonte” sculpture in Gijón Asturias calls itself the país de quesos (land of cheese) due to the dozens of artisanal varieties it produces Farmers Javier Diaz Bada and Nicolas Bada Herrero tend goats whose milk contributes to the region’s famous cheese Mist settles onto the rolling green hills surrounding Bada Herrero’s home near the village of Sotres Diaz Bada blends goat milk for making cheese while a curious member of his flock looks on Diaz Bada takes a moment to pet one of his goats who with his sister Jessica owns Queseria Main cheese factory surveys wheels of Cabrales aging in a limestone cave Lago Ercina is one of two glacial lakes that linger in Picos de Europa The village of Bulnes makes a picturesque stop in Picos de Europa A cyclist rides past picturesque hillside vistas on his way toward the small village of Las Vegas de Sotres in Picos de Europa The sun rises over the peaks of Naranjo de Bulnes Lake Enol is one of two glacial lakes in Covadonga the setting sun and low tide reveal the entrance to a cave Sunrise warms the Picos de Europa, part of the Cordillera Cantabrica range that secludes Asturias from the rest of Spain Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker In order to protect the Picos de Europa National Park an access plan to the Covadonga Lakes has been designed to ensure the sustainability of this unique enclave The only access authorised for private vehicles to access the Covadonga Lakes is the CO-4 road in order to ensure the sustainability of this unique enclave during peak seasons a special public transport system is in place and access to private vehicles is prohibited 24 hours a day in application of its conservation regulations may implement a complementary regulation if the access road is blocked or in the event of saturation of the car parks located near the lakes Although private vehicles are authorised to access the Royal Site it is advisable to use public transport to access both sites As a complementary measure and while the transport plan is active it is possible to access Cuadonga/Covadonga using the shuttle service that leaves from Cangues d'Onís/Cangas de Onís it will operate every 30 minutes in both directions The ticket price is €1.55 and is included in the purchase of the bus ticket to the Lakes one in Cangues d'Onís/Cangas de Onís and the other 3 on the route between Cangues d'Onís/Cangas de Onís and Cuadonga/Covadonga The parking fee is the same in all of them /documents/39908/44379/plano-paradas-bus-lagos.jpg/0b44a33f-2572-a28e-131b-75f14d670151?t=1739369094432 The bus timetable varies according to the time of year The route can start at the Cangues d'Onis/Cangas de Onís bus station or at one of the car parks along the route (El Bosque In both cases it is advisable to get tickets in advance Tickets are purchased through the platform(opens in a new tab) provided by the transport company for this purpose tickets may be purchased at the points of sale set up in the car parks of the plan which is why it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance travellers who wish to take advantage of the day to visit the Royal Site of Covadonga can do so on their return from the lakes using the shuttle service which is available every 30 minutes in both directions from 7:40 a.m The ticket purchased to go up to the lakes is valid on the shuttles that connect the Royal Site of Covadonga with the car parks The buses have a free space for dogs in the luggage compartment All other pets must come in their own carrier and travel in the luggage compartment Animals are not allowed to run loose in the national park in addition to buses you can hire a taxi service bicycles are not affected by these restrictions vehicles with duly accredited reduced mobility can access the Lakes Road by presenting the vehicle parking card at the Covadonga barrier as long as they are not motorhomes or vehicles over 5 metres long (in this case they cannot access the CO-4 road while the restrictions are in force even if they have accredited reduced mobility) People with reduced mobility who wish to use the bus service must purchase their ticket at least 24 hours in advance so that transport can be arranged according to their different needs a reservation in a restaurant does not justify access to the lakes by private vehicle when you make your booking you will be asked to give the vehicle registration number in order to inform the park offices and authorise access as long as they are not motorhomes or vehicles over 5 metres long (in this case they will not be able to access the CO-4 road while the restrictions are in force) To organise your visit, consult the Guide to visit Covadonga, the lakes and the surrounding area 2023 © Sociedad Pública de Gestión y Promoción Turística y Cultural del Principado de Asturias S.A.U Latest UpdatesCountries Why Join?IL MagazineFree Daily E-LetterVideoOur ExpertsTestimonialsFAQsTopics My husband and I spent years ogling real estate online, imagining ourselves living in rural northern Spain He's a Madrileño who had left his heart in his country's northern provinces before moving to the United States I'm the American Hispanophile he met and married there we dreamt of a Spanish country house with a small farm hugging the mountains and the beach if possible We made our dreams come true a couple years back but here is what we learned along the way about affordable properties in northern Spain Cheap rural properties in Spain can be divided into a few general categories There are traditional casas del pueblo (townhouses) tucked wall-to-wall along the narrow streets of quaint villages and there are farms separated from towns that may include a chunk of forest and a spring There are century-old homes that have made it through time in varying levels of livability and suburban-style single family homes with big yards built along country highways in the 1970s or '80s (the Spanish call these chalets) you can pick up an entire village in an isolated valley where utilities were never installed for the price of a down-payment on a house in the U.S. but the farther east you go the more expensive real estate gets Of course the general rules of North American real estate apply in Spain too: The farther away from places of economic or touristic significance But it's precisely in these places in between where you can find the opportunity to build a small rural paradise for as little as $100,000 Living in these out-of-the-way places does require something of a spirit of adventure and a sincere love of being removed from almost everything truly urban We discovered this when we took our search offline one summer and spent a week exploring properties in northeast Asturias a province in the middle of Spain's northern coast known for its virgin beaches and the Picos de Europa National Park we were following the real estate agent along the road that leads over the mountain from Cangas de Onís to Ribadesella the springboard to the Picos de Europa National Park Ribadesella is a yuppie beach town with a surfing school and 19th century mansions lining the maritime promenade above the urban beach ambiente (ambiance) but in between is an area of mountains and forests We looked at properties both on the edge of town and down narrow mountain roads the feel is tranquility with surprising pockets of liveliness and the real estate is appreciably cheaper Learn more about the lower cost of living in Spain and other countries in our free daily postcard e-letter Simply enter your email address below and we'll also send you a FREE REPORT — Live the Good Life in Sunny They may not be numerous, but we discovered that other expats were also making their homes in these areas but a couple of years later life led us south of the Cantabria Mountains to the provincial capital of León where my husband landed a job Sitting inland and not having major economic importance the entire province of León qualifies as one of those spaces in between almost everything is affordable and a lot could even be qualified as dirt cheap a furnished apartment in the heart of the historic quarter like a glass of wine at a restaurant patio we almost wished we weren't tied down by a permanent job León is one of those underappreciated provinces where you can live high in the mountains or in the fertile lowlands closer to a historic town or even in Spain's up-and-coming wine region We settled on a parcel of affordable paradise with mountain views in a village some 10 miles outside of León A Step-By-Step Guide To Purchasing Property In Spain An Overview of Traditions and Culture in Spain Five Places to Live in Spain; Two to Avoid Published: Invalid Date A TOURIST coach packed with children plunged off a mountain road in Spain leaving 19 people injured The bus was en route to a popular national park in the northern Spanish region of Asturias when the horror accident happened overturned and fell off a cliff on the way to Picos de Europa National Park The bus had just left Covadonga heading for Los Lagos when it overturned after passing the La Reina viewpoint on Monday afternoon The alarm was raised by a taxi driver who was heading to the nature beauty spot Cuesta Mirayes told El Comercio: "People were screaming a lot Fire crews, a medical helicopter, ambulances and the Civil Guard rushed to the scene. Emergency services said in a statement that firefighters were working at the site of the accident in Cangas de Onis. Two witnesses said the bus rolled over twice and landed on its side, the statement added. Four of the wounded passengers were transferred by fire brigade and Civil Guard helicopters to the Central University Hospital of Asturias, in Oviedo, and the Arriondas Hospital, Telecinco reports Footage by police showed several passengers being carried into ambulances on stretchers The coach company Alsa said in a statement that the driver has been making this journey for 18 years adding that only "the most experienced drivers" who also have "specific training in driving on high mountain roads" are chosen for the route that "it could have been a real tragedy." He tweeted: "All the necessary means have been deployed to deal with the accident of a bus going up to Los Lagos health professionals are triaging to determine the situation of travellers The Picos de Europa national park is known for its lush landscapes and rich wildlife Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ A view across the Bay of Biscay from the promenade of the port town of Gijon in Asturias Asturias is known as the 'cradle of Spain' and is also part of the region known as Green Spain Gemma FullamMon 15 Apr 2019 at 03:30I'd last been to mainland Spain when I was 15; the memory has abided because a) my mother sister and I travelled almost 800 miles by bus to get to our Costa Brava campsite; b) when we got there we immediately decided we hated it and wanted to go home any mention of Spain transports me back to that teenage summer of 30-odd years ago a time full of promise and possibilities in a place that seemed oh-so exotic to my provincial eyes When the opportunity arose to revisit the Land of Cervantes but my destination this time was not south to the sun-bleached Costas to the verdant regions known collectively as Green Spain My rediscovery of Spain began in Santander Due to the outstanding beauty of its bay and beaches a favourite spot for royalty intent on escaping Madrid's ferocious heat came throngs of nobility and bourgeoisie to enjoy the spas' seaweed baths - their influx marking the beginning of tourism in Spain My entry point into Green Spain was Santander's airport The city owns the Ballesteros-designed Matalenas golf course which is spectacularly located with views of Santander Bay and has cheap-as-chips green fees: €14 for the nine holes My whistle-stop tour took in the aforementioned majestic Magdalena Palace cannily gifted by the city authorities to King Alfonso XIII and Queen Eugenie significantly boosting the area's fortunes as a result of its newly chic status the palace is used for weddings; its grounds are a public park with stunning views of the bay Despite not having a traditional centre - as a port its focus is the sea - Santander is a gorgeous city to meander around as the great fire of 1941 destroyed the city's early 20th Century buildings perched facing the panorama of Sardinero Beach three silver specimens certainly lived up to the hype I headed south along the bay and inland to the vast acreage of the Pisuena Valley and now home to more than 118 species from five continents including the white rhinoceros and African elephant it was on to the pretty seaside town of Comillas home to some of Cantabria's most important art nouveau buildings the jewel in the crown being Gaudi's fantastical El Capricho ('whim') It's notable as one of Gaudi's early works and features the eclecticism that became his trademark The extravagant building is replete with symbolism and musical references - the sash windows chime notes via concealed bells; while a ceiling features 88 cast-iron dandelions reflecting the owner's family heritage in blacksmithing and the number of keys on a piano El Capricho - which its owner enjoyed for a mere seven nights before dying - ran to dereliction for a time but is now fully restored to its former glory I bussed it along the coast to a magnificent lunch stop set in splendid isolation facing the azure Bay of Biscay I dozed while the driver navigated inland to El Soplao possibly the most magnificent of Cantabria's 6,500 caves similar to those used by the miners who extracted lead and zinc here until the 1970s a reference to strong fresh air currents the subterranean miners encountered) is considered one of the five best caves of the world because of the quality and eccentricity of its formations: they are massive twisting and turning rather than obeying gravity as most stalactites do Around every turn is another awesome geological wonder; despite the gloom the snow-white calcium carbonate dazzles against the terracotta iron-rich rock The sun is setting as I exit the speleological gem I am famished as I sit to dine at El Cenador del Capitan a quirky top-floor eatery overlooking the confluence of the Deva and Quiviesa rivers The rustic food is a joy - think bone marrow; cocido lebaniego (chickpea stew); chased with orujo boasting no fewer than six Michelin star restaurants while Potes's microclimate lends itself to the cultivation of cherries and grapes (originally brought by the Moors) the first stop is Picos de Europa National Park The visitor centre succinctly outlines the area's rich natural wealth ranging from mineral deposits to vast forests of holm My final pit-stop in Cantabria is the Santo Toribio de Liebana monastery a variant of the Camino that traverses this part of Spain Most striking is the Forgiveness Door with its effigies of 15 saints encircled with stars representing compos stella the 'way of the stars' that culminates in Santiago de Compostela Inside the monastery is the Lignum Crucis - the largest existing piece of the true cross A resident priest is kind enough to remove the lavishly gilded cross from its reliquary so I can touch the inset cypress wood (verified in 1958 as being over 2,000 years old) in the hope of receiving grace My Green Spain odyssey continues into the principality of Asturias previously a Christian kingdom and the only part of Spain not invaded by the Muslims in the 8th Century I travel through lush landscapes dotted with eucalyptus - a link to Asturias's emigrant past as poverty forced many 19th Century Asturians abroad vibrantly coloured casonsas to herald their new status These houses - the picturesque seaside town of Llanes abounds with them - are easily identifiable as each has a palm tree next to it a pescatarian haven with an adjacent fish market to lunch on the freshest of gambas al ajillo and a selection of the region's 40 artisan quesos the cleanest city in Europe (its 200,000 inhabitants are liable to get a whopping €3,000 fine if they put out their rubbish before 7pm) With over 120 pedestrianised streets dotted with 118 sculptures and I view it first from Naranco Hill on the outskirts the site of two of the finest pre-Romanesque monuments in Europe: the 9th Century sandstone churches of Santa María del Naranco (originally a recreational royal palace; the world's oldest still standing) and San Miguel de Lillo the centrally located Hotel de La Reconquista named for the troops from Gascony who settled in the area during the Napoleonic wars Asturian sidra must be poured from a height of one-and-a-half metres and must then be drunk within four seconds It's zesty and delicious and perfectly complements my feast of Spanish meats and crusty bread at sidreria Tierra Astur Parrilla where I enjoy the cider-pouring spectacle just as much as the terrific food The place is only really hotting up as I leave at 11pm; as in much of Spain people here dine late and party into the wee hours I spot an occasional shell marker pointing the way towards Santiago Oviedo is both the beginning of the Camino Primitivo King Alfonso II set out from here to verify the remains of Saint James; and the end of the Camino del Norte an ancient port city located on the Via de la Plata or Silver Way After a stroll through the beautiful seaside city whose Casa Marcial restaurant has made Le Chef's top 100 restaurants in the world list and my circuitous route re-enters the vast Picos de Europa (it spans three regions Asturias and Castilla y Leon) to Covadonga: a place of pilgrimage defeated the Moors and secured Asturian independence He believed Our Lady had aided him and a monastery and chapel were built on the site in honour of Our Lady of Covadonga I joined the shuffling queue of pilgrims that snaked into the cliffside cave-chapel that holds the 16th Century statue of Our Lady of Covadonga The strains of the Salve Regina filled the freezing air as I glimpsed the tiny white-clad statue of the Virgin her almond eyes gazing past the cave mouth to the distant Basilica but I left Covadonga with an undeniable feeling of peace My final night was spent in nearby Cangas de Onis the first capital of the medieval Kingdom of Asturias Lodgings are at the Hotel Los Lagos Nature The Asturian cuisine is as fine as I've had with excellent wine so cheap it results in a double take at the bill I depart Green Spain more than a little in love it was a brown-eyed Spaniard who captured my heart but this time I'm in thrall to a land certain to enchant me further when I return to its singular embrace "I wanted the building to fly," architect Renzo Piano said of Centro Botin a stunning arts and cultural centre on Santander waterfront the structure is covered in 250,000 mother-of-pearl discs resembling fish scales The ground-floor Cafe El Muelle is a perfect spot to while away an hour a magical bridge that spans the salmon-rich Sella River From it hangs a replica of the Victory Cross; the 10th Century original is to be found in Oviedo Cathedral This feature originally appeared in The Sunday Independent Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Spain (Reuters) – With more than 100,000 people aged 100 or over Spain is the country with the greatest life expectancy after Japan OECD data and the latest population census shows Reuters photographer Andrea Comas interviewed and photographed Spaniards aged 100 or more across the country from the green-hilled northern region of Asturias to the Balearic island of Menorca Average life expectancy at birth in Spain is 83.2 according to the latest OECD statistics made available in 2013 just a shade below the 83.4 years on average a Japanese newborn can expect to live Most of the men and women Comas interviewed showed a zest for life and an interest in pastimes from amateur dramatics to playing the piano Many also continued to carry out daily duties from farm work to caring for a disabled child plays the piano every day in the living room of his flat in Asturias where he lives with his wife who is nearly 20 years younger than him “The nuns taught me how to play the piano as a child,” he said after giving a rendition of a Spanish waltz The majority of these elderly people were surrounded by family or had loved ones calling in on them daily showing how Spain continues to be a closely-knit society He lives with his octogenarian daughter in his house in Badajoz He says he doesn’t like the pensioners’ daycare center because it’s full of old people “He hasn’t had to leave his home I’m single and I live here with him,” says daughter Maria Antonia Nunez When questioned about their most vivid memories many recall Spain’s 1936 to 1939 civil war which set neighbor against neighbor and resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths followed by the 36-year dictatorship of Francisco Franco suffered hunger and hardship during the war years alongside her nine brothers and sisters I didn’t have any more,” says the sprightly woman who lives with her daughter’s family in Asturias and tends livestock and a vegetable garden Tips for long life ranged from a spoonful of honey a day to regular intake of gazpacho a traditional cold Spanish soup made from tomatoes and cucumbers puts his longevity down to a childhood spent in a house in the woods with his eight brothers and sisters “It’s from inhaling the pine resin from the woods where I lived as a child,” he says telling of how his mother would put a jar of the resin under the bed of the sick You must be logged in to post a comment {{registerText}} ¿Ya eres suscriptor? Inicia sesión Suscríbete ahora Pueblo resucitado Aragón Puente medieval más largo Faro de Murcia Camino Pamplona-San Sebastián Comer Pueblos Cantabria Pueblo Francia cátaros Hotel Andalucía Michael Jackson Flandes Playa Canarias nazis Castillo Galicia furia pueblo Viajes / Asturias OFERTA ESPECIAL: Recibe la revista Viajes National Geographic en papel + digital por 4€/mes + regalo Siempre cuesta pegarse el primer chapuzón en el norte Las frías aguas del Mar Cantábrico imponen pero es una sensación que se aplaca rápidamente cuando uno es consciente que en el litoral asturiano se fusionan dos mundos fascinantes y aparentemente antagónicos como son la playa y la montaña Los arenales se funden con el verde de los prados los acantilados gobiernan el lugar dejando estampas propias de películas y las montañas se alzan en la lejanía como gigantes que desean ser visitados En Asturias se concentran varias de las playas más espectaculares de España y las hay de todos los tipos. Desde tranquilas, junto a algunos de los pueblos más bellos de Asturias hasta las más bravas idóneas para los amantes del surf y los deportes acuáticos Todo este mar de playas y arenales se resumen a lo largo de los 345 kilómetros de litoral que deja más postales que la simple foto veraniega En este trayecto para disfrutar de las mejores playas de Asturias se suceden pueblos pintorescos vergeles increíbles y una gastronomía de cinco estrellas palmeras y olivos milenarios que guarda memoria en cada uno de sus rincones de uno de los episodios históricos clave en la historia del país una fina arena y hasta un islote muy fotogénico con poco equipamiento pero sí de acceso sencillo esta playa de Asturias de rocas y arena blanca está rodeada por espectaculares acantilados sobre los que sopla el viento y rompen las olas. Su ubicación la convierte en una de las playas más bellas de Asturias pero hay que tener especial cuidado con las corrientes de esta zona a la hora de bañarse Cuenta con buenos equipamientos y no suele estar muy masificada Su acceso está adaptado a todos los públicos El ser una pequeña playa de mar situada en el interior es una característica suficiente para que se considere la Playa de Gulpiyuri una de las más singulares de Asturias Apenas 50 metros de longitud de arena blanca que recibe el mar de forma indirecta por debajo de los acantilados que la cercan Por ello está catalogada como Monumento Nacional. No es accesible por lo que para llegar a esta maravilla hay que caminar por un camino agrícola rodeado por prados La roca redonda de la orilla da nombre a esta playa que cuenta con equipamientos y aparcamiento La piscina natural de Tapia de Casariego: de cetárea a paraíso estival La recuperación de este espacio abandonado dotó a esta población asturiana de una de las piscinas naturales más bellas de España Los acantilados que bajan hasta el mar dotan al lugar de una gran belleza paisajística Su fuerte oleaje la hace apta para la práctica del surf Cuenta con servicios y párquing por lo que su acceso es cómodo para todo tipo de públicos Desde la playa de Aguilar comienza la Ruta de los Miradores que es un tramo espectacular de la senda costera que cruza Asturias es más famosa que la pequeña parroquia que le da nombre por lo que este arenal es un rincón ideal para el buceo en Asturias El entorno es rocoso y el arenal queda unido a Isla Grande Se puede llegar a pie o en coche desde la localidad de Cué No es accesible para personas con movilidad reducida Costeros y montañosos: los pueblos más bonitos de Asturias el Principado atesora un buen puñado de pueblos bonitos para captar su esencia marinera o montañesa Para algunos, la playa del Silencio de Asturias es una de las mejores playas de España Lo cierto es que se trata de una espectacular playa de cantos rodados a los pies de un blanco acantilado Para acceder a ella hay que seguir a pie un camino de tierra y descender (y luego subir) una escalera de más de cien peldaños sea un lugar ideal para los que buscan un poco de tranquilidad Su descriptivo nombre da fe que es una playa poco concurrida con una serie de islotes que emergen del mar En plena Reserva Natural de la Ría de Villaviciosa Rodiles tiene un extenso bosque de pinos y eucaliptos y un paseo marítimo de madera por el margen de la ría que la convierten en una de las mejores playas de Asturias es un paraíso para el surf en el Cantábrico De antiguo centro ballenero durante la Edad Media a convertirse en una de las mejores playas de Asturias Playa de Cadavedo es un arenal de 440 metros de largo en forma de concha cercano al pequeño pueblo del que toma su nombre Un entorno rural con formaciones rocosas densamente pobladas hacen que esta playa pueda tener altos niveles de ocupación en verano Cuenta con infraestructura y servicios y es ideal para el baño Pueblos de Asturias Oriental donde se come muy bien son el eje del microcosmos gastronómico de estos pueblos ubicados en la franja más oriental del Principado No es solo una de las mejores playas de Asturias también es una de las más curiosas en cuanto a geografía: en la desembocadura del Río Vallina lo cual hace que desde sus 150 metros de arenal no se llegue a ver el mar en el horizonte el mar de color esmeralda entra por el canal formado a lo largo de los siglos por lo que es mejor madrugar para pasar en ella un buen día de playa Suscríbete a nuestra newsletter para descubrir cada domingo los viajes más sorprendentes Apúntate a los newsletter que más te interesen y recibe gratis los mejores reportajes Alimenta tu curiosidad por solo 4€/mes + regalo Explora nuevos destinos por solo 4€/mes + regalo Da un paso más en historia por solo 4€/mes + regalo Y disfruta de un espectacular número cada mes en tu casa y en la app