Huesca or Asturias

There are plenty of things to do and see in each area, so you can’t go wrong with either. Asturias is greener and by the coast whereas Huesca is dryer, but closer to the Pyrenees. Asturias should be cooler and Huesca could be very warm depending on when your trip is. Visiting either province should be very relaxing.

If using public transportation Asturias might be the better choice, but if you will have a rental car, Huesca would be my choice. Although there will be fewer tourists in either region compared to the popular destinations, you’ll find very few in Huesca. It isn’t a province most tourists get to.

For me, it’s a toss up. I’d enthusiastically return to either.

Month and transport are important considerations. Looks like a car would be of great benefit to both areas and especially for hiking. For example, in summer Asturias would be great, Huesca not so much (but spring would be!).

Hi Wayne, first off welcome to the forum.

As mentioned, when and how you're going to get around are important to know. Sounds strange at first, but Jaca has had several bids to host the Winter Olympics.

Also, you say you don't want the "normal touristy spots". Does that mean the ones most people go to, or the kind of thing most people go to? I'm think of the Castle of Loarre for example. It is typical as in it being a castle, but it is pretty under visited, not part of the "normal" tourist spot.

I have several coworkers who take a week each summer to go to the Pyrenees. They go to the area around Ordesa and Monte Perdido. While not the "overtourism" of other places, everytime they come back they complain that there is always more people.

In regards to the question, I would go with Huesca. Besides the Castle of Loarre, there are many things to see: Jaca, Monastery of San Juan de la Peña, Biescas, Ainsa, the Muralla de Finestres, etc.

Thank you all for the replies and information. We would like to visit places that are "less visited" hoping to avoid the touristy crowds, if that's possible. It sounds like time of year for a visit is a key thing to consider. Tentatively we are thinking some time between June and July but it sounds like it may be too hot for an enjoyable visit?

I believe we would be renting a car rather than trying to rely on public transportation, again, unless you can suggest something different. If we were able to find an accommodation that allowed us to visit a province all with the ability to walk everywhere local, that would be wonderful. We do want to get a couple of hikes in while visiting.

It sounds like Huesca would be the recommendation from your replies and suggestions. We are looking forward to making plans to visit.

How about lodging accommodations, any suggestions? Or is it pretty easy to find lodging with an online search?

Thank you all again so much for your help!! You have been wonderful!
Wayne

I am not as familiar with the Pyrenees, but if you mean Huesca region up in the mountains, then maybe, but the lowland areas are likely scorching in summer. I’d suss that out with a guide book and weather websites. (I’m from the southern US so not one to us usually worry much about heat, but I do here.)
Asturias is a great choice for summer, and good guides are plentiful. It’s harder to find a good Aragon source in print, so I’d start here: https://www.roughguides.com/spain/aragon/
https://www.turismodearagon.com/en/
So you can’t go wrong either way, but if you are thinking you’ll fly into Madrid, do check all of your options for connecting flights if they will put you closer to where you intend to focus. Otherwise, you are faced with planning your round trip drive from MAD, and you’ll need to stop at a safe distance after an overnight flight, or, you have to take a train before getting your car, and I just find it easier to fly exactly where I want to be.
I can personally attest to how gratifying it is to branch out a bit—Spain is full of treasures and there is no rule you must start with the typical itinerary. I now have Huesca on my list!

I am grateful for all of the feedback and recommendations. We are hoping to make plans to visit Huesca soon.