READ MORE ONLINE AT NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.CO.UK/TRAVEL
BEAR IN MIND
Somiedo Natural Park is home to
Western Europe’s last-remaining stronghold
of Eurasian brown bears. Observation
lookouts, such as those at Gúa and La Peral,
are the place to spot the bears with the help of
a guide. Afterwards, toast your success with
a drink: the wine-country region of Cangas
del Narcea borders the park and is home to a
scattering of characterful bodegas.
GOING UNDERGROUND
The subterranean scene of Asturias is
easy to miss, but equal to beauty found above
ground. The largest cave in Asturias is Cueva
Huerta, where you’ll fi nd craggy limestone
karsts and colonies of bats. Asturias
treasures fi ve caves with Palaeolithic art
recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage,
including Tito Bustillo or El Pindal.
PEDAL POWER
The annual Vuelta a España has
brought a fresh peloton of pedal-lovers to the
switchbacks of northern Spain. But you don’t
have to be a pro cyclist to take on the region’s
roads. The steep circuit of Alto de L’Angliru
is there to conquer, but there’s also the Senda
del Oso (Bear’s Path), which is suitable for
children and less-active adults.
IN WARM WATER
The area’s mild climate means outdoor
activities are available year-round. The
Canoe Fiesta of Asturias in Sella River is
the most famous, but it’s not the only one.
The Navia Estuary hosts a world-renowned
swimming competition in August that
includes concerts and carriage parades, all
accompanied by plenty of cider-tasting.
FROM STEW TO SIDRA
Throughout Asturias, passionate
producers transform the area’s apple trees,
nut-brown cows and rich river plains
into a bountiful larder. Along with cider,
there’s fabada bean stew, loaded with black
pudding, chorizo and cuts of pork, as well
as some 50 artisanal cheeses, including the
cave-matured blue cheese of Cabrales.
PLAN IT
Located in northern Spain, Asturias is a
beautiful region to visit year-round. It’s
easily accessible from the UK and serviced
by a number of airlines.
For more info, visit asturiastourism.co.uk
Cheese maturing in natural caves in
Picos de Europa National Park
Clockwise from left:Hiking through a
pasture by the Lakes of Covadonga,
Asturias; view of Asturias’ seaside;
brown bear in Fuentes de Narcea
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