Why visit Asturias? If, like me, you live in a city, and if like me, the soundtrack to your life seems increasingly infected by police sirens, other peoples inane phone conversations, road users shouting at each other and rap music. Visit Asturias. If like me, you begin to feel you have somehow unwittingly become an extra in a perpetual episode of Eastenders. Visit Asturias If, like me the only regular birds to visit your garden appear to be half dead, one legged pigeons. Visit Asturias. If, like me you weary of being where the action is and yearn to be somewhere where the action most certainly is not. Visit Asturias If, like me the approach of summer signals months of having to deal with the now traditional British style statement of discarding shirts and exhibiting acres of tattooed and pierced flesh for fellow citizens to view and enjoy up and down the high street. Visit Asturias. If, like me you seem to have a vague memory, real or imagined of living in a place where civility and good manners were important, where high streets had shops that differed from town to town and closed on Sundays. Where the countryside was filled with farms whose fields contained cows, horses, sheep, vegetables, fruit trees and crops often all at the same time! If you wonder where this place went? Visit Asturias.

Asturias has maintained its integrity in preventing the exploitation by developers of its magnificent and magical landscape, from the majestic Picos de Europa mountain range to the miles of stunning coastline. Instead you will be encouraged to visit a local village, rent a rural house, stay in a small hotel, B&B or camp sites. Somewhere you can really experience the culture, meet the people, become absorbed in the unique and enchanting atmosphere. The region offers a truly diverse landscape with more than 200 gorgeous beaches along the 345 km coastline and impressive mountains all within 30 kms distance of each other. Around a third of  the Asturian Principality has been recognised for its outstanding beauty, and has been given special status as Protected Natural Space. UNESCO has named four specific nature reserves as dedicated Reserves of the Biosphere .

The Principado de Asturias sits on the Atlantic coast and occupies 10,000sq km or 3,900 square miles. It is part of what is refered to as the 'costa verde'  with Cantabria and the Basque country (Santander, Bilbao) to the east. Galicia (Santiago de Compostela, Pontevedra ) to the west. Asturias covers a section of the Camino de Santiago or the pilgrims route. Asturias Information

Situated in the centre of Northern Spain's 'Costa Verde' between Galicia and Cantabria, Asturias has thus far been pretty much ignored by the hordes of holiday makers swarming south in search of the conventional two weeks of sunstroke, sangria and sandblasting offered by some other resorts. Long may this continue, Asturias is not for everyone, it might even rain! However, for those who value clean air, beautiful natural surroundings, sparkling rivers, a coastline to rival any on the planet and a genuine unique atmosphere, this may be the place for you. The Asturian climate whilst a good bit warmer than the UK, does involve rain. Hence the spectacular green countryside, sparkling rivers and wealth of flora and fauna.  Culture and Contrast