PICOS OF THE PARKS
There are seven UNESCO Biosphere
Reserves packed into this principality.
Chief among them is Picos de Europa
National Park, which was created in 1 918.
This hikers’ hinterland is laced with trails,
such as the 7 .5-mile Cares river route, which
takes about six hours. Inside the park,
you’ll also fi nd the high-altitude Lakes of
Covadonga — well known to cyclists all
over the world — next to the town of Cangas
de Onís. Keen climbers, meanwhile, can
tackle the limestone peak of 8 ,264ft Naranjo
de Bulnes.CUT-ABOVE COAST
The region’s sea-faring heritage comes
to life in fi shing villages such as Llanes,
Ribadesella, Cudillero and Luarca — which
you can drive east to west in one day. Don’t
miss the chance to see mackerel, sardines
and red mullet being traded at the lively
rula (auctions) in Puerto de Vega and Avilés.
When you’re not feasting on boat-fresh
spider crabs (fi shed from December to July),
there are also 200 golden beaches to explore.
Favourite stretches among surfers are the
left-hand river break of La Barra off Rodiles
and the consistent reef break of Tapia.I
n between the Bay of Biscay and the
Cantabrian Mountains is Asturias, a
green-blue patch of northern Spain
that’s best experienced outdoors. Think
spotting bear cubs snuffl ing about in spring,
surfi ng some of the region’s 200 beaches in
summer or hiking through the Peloño Forest
Nature Reserve in autumn before feasting
on hearty fabada bean stew. Rubicund faces
and robust spirits abound here — it’s evident
in the fi shermen hauling in their catch at
Puerto de Vega and Avilés markets and in the
farmers working the land in the shadow of
the Picos de Europa mountain range.
TOP SEVEN
From searching for brown bears in the Cantabrian Mountains to cyclingalong ancient bridle ways, adventure awaits in this Spanish principalityWild-at-heart things todo in Asturias