I'm visiting my family in Asturias and Galicia, hopefully in May 2009. I have never been to this region of Spain, and have no clue what to do with any spare time that I might have left. If anyone can help me on what to avoid and what I should spend my spare time sightseeing?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
The little coastal towns in Asturias, such as Llanes and Cudillero, are wonderful. Your Asturian relatives will probably want to take you to Covadonga, a very important site in Asturias' history, since it was the point at which Pelayo (later the first king) turned back the Moorish forces, leaving Asturias as the only area not conquered by the Moors. Gijon is a port city with a couple of beautiful beaches and is well worth a visit. Oviedo is a wonderful little city, too, with a beautiful cathedral. Most of Asturias is protected land (parks), so there are many, many places to hike in the mountains. I can't wait to get back to Asturias for a second visit (hopefully next year)!
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
I echo Nancy's coastline swing....wonderful little towns scattered along some spectacular scenery. Also, in Galicia, Santiago de Compostela....the lighthouse at Cape Finisterre...and the old port area of Vigo (magnificent Galician food there; seafood, fish). In the other direction, altho outside Asturias, you can find a wonderful beach at San Vicente de la Barquera...and the Altamira Caves of prehistoric art near Santillana del Mar (actually, a reproduction of the caves' interiors, since the caves themselves are closed to the public to protect them.)
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
Ooh, Norm you reminded me -- at Ribadesella (also along the coast but closer than Altamira from where you will be) you can see actual prehistoric cave art at the Tito Bustillo cave. Tito Bustillo cave is much less visited than Altamira and is actually known for what my friend describes as "prehistoric porno" in addition to the more familiar horses and bison. The tour there is in Spanish only, though.
Posted by
Johns Island, SC
172 posts
Or if you like; San Sebastian - Roja - Leon – Santiago – Porto are all easy to get to and offer many great things to see and do. You can see pictures and details of our trip at our blog:
Posted by
Denver, CO, United States
205 posts
We're going to Oviedo and Cudillero on wednesday and I was wondering, assuming you're back, how was your trip? What did you do (or eat) in Cudillero?
Posted by
OP
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
265 posts
I'm sorry I didn't visit Cudilleros. But from my experience all the towns in Asturias are somewhat similar. I do recommend that you do visit La Covadonga, make sure you use exit 326 off the A-70,A-8. The other exit is a very narrow road wining road to almost the top of the mountain ( no place to stop and full of barricades ). The food, I hope you are not a vegetarian. If you enjoy sausage ( Chorizo ), pork ( all parts of the pork. Try Laccon shoulder, Lomo and Jamon Iberico ), Pulpo ( Octopus ), Chopitos or Chupitos ( Baby Squids ), and of last but not least Tortilla de Patatas ( Spanish Potato Omelet ). Have either a Asturian Cosido or Fabada (it's like a white bean soup with sausage, the Galician's call it a Caldo Gallego ). If you are expecting anything like a Paella, you might be out of luck. And be ready to drink wine, lots and lots of wine. UMMMMM!