SO WHERE IS ASTURIAS – LOCATION
The Principality of Asturias is located in the North of Spain occupying a territory of 10,603 km2 and is home to 1,085,000 people. It is bordered on the West by Galicia,
Después de organizar veinte operadores turísticos y periodistas para visitar Asturias y experimentar de primera mano The Original Way of St James , pensamos que sería una buena idea mantener las cámaras en funcionamiento y grabar momentos del viaje de cinco días de Fam, todo envuelto en entrevistas realizadas en el dia final. La respuesta de los visitantes fue impresionante y 100% positiva. Nosotros en Where is Asturias estamos muy orgullosos de haber tenido la oportunidad de contribuir a este proyecto junto con Costas Galicia, el grupo hotelero HUSA y otras organizaciones públicas y privadas que hicieron que esto sucediera, y esperamos presentar a muchos otros en la industria del turismo a esta joya nuestra en 2013. Asturias tiene el potencial de convertirse en un destino de cinco estrellas para los turistas que buscan una experiencia vacacional única y diferente, y las respuestas en el video anterior son prueba de ello.
El Camino de Santiago es una ruta de peregrinación que va a la ciudad gallega de Santiago de Compostela . Santiago de Compostela es el lugar de descanso final del apóstol Santiago, uno de los primeros discípulos en unirse a Jesús. La peregrinación a Santiago de Compostela es una de las más importantes para los cristianos de Europa occidental. Cada vez más personas se dirigen a Santiago de Compostela cada año, con más de 325.000 peregrinos en 2018, un pico que se incrementará en el Año Santo de 2021.
Hay muchas maneras de ir a Santiago de Compostela , y Where Is Asturias quería mostrar a los huéspedes el Camino Original de Santiago: el camino seguido por el Rey Alfonso II el Casto, considerado el primer peregrino, en el descubrimiento de los restos de la apóstol.
El Camino Original de Santiago va desde Oviedo , donde el rey Alfonso celebró la corte, hasta Santiago de Compostela , pasando por 7 municipios asturianos diferentes: Oviedo , Las Regueras , Grado , Salas , Tineo , Pola de Allande y Grandas de Salime .
Antes de llegar a su destino final de Santiago de Compostela , los peregrinos y visitantes tendrán la oportunidad de disfrutar y compartir las mismas experiencias que nuestros invitados.
Ya sea que elija ir a Santiago de Compostela a pie, en bicicleta, a caballo o por cualquier otro medio de transporte, la mejor manera de hacerlo es a través de Asturias.
Asociación Artur Galaica de Amigos del Camino de Santiago
Filmed with Canon cameras.
Si quieres más información contacta Dónde está Asturias en info@whereisasturias.com
Part of remit of Where is Asturias is to work alongside both the public and private bodies of the tourism sector in order to generate as much exposure as possible for Asturias, its people and the products they produce.
We completed our second “Familiarisation Trip” for the Camino de Santiago or St. James Way, this time concentrating on the stunning “Coastal Route of Saint James”, a route that takes pilgrims along the entire coastline of Asturias to their final destination in Santiago de Compostela and allows them to experience the wonderful landscapes and great local food and marvellous accommodation.
25 tour operators and Journalists from 11 different European communities arrived in Aviles on the 15th of May, 2013 and spend the next 5 packed days discovering all that Asturias has to offer visiting many towns, cities, restaurants, national monuments and quite a few coastal walkways.
Despite the less than clement weather, the trip was a resounding success and our visitors displayed an eagerness to share Asturias with their clients back home… in fact, many seemed amazed that they hadn’t heard about Asturias and her natural beauty up till now. All of them thought they could sell Asturias to their clients and praised the quality of accommodation and especially the food.
The above video is a montage of their journey as we brought them along the coastal route of Saint James and also a few interviews we recorded with the visitors on their final night in Asturias. As you can hear from them, they enjoyed the trip very much but also felt that more promotion was needed to give Asturias the international recognition it deserves.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who gave up their time and energy to produce a rewarding experience for the visitors (you will find them mentioned at the end of the video). For us, the WIA team, it’s always an honour to be a part of a team so focused on promoting Asturias to the international tourism market, be it the Way of Saint James or any other aspect of tourism in the region.
The Way of Saint James was in origin a religious pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela that has, over the years, developed in more than that. Still having that religious implication of visiting the final resting place of the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela, nowadays it is followed by thousands of people every year with different motives: from the original religious one, to a spiritual and self-discovery one, without forgetting cultural and touristic values.
The Coastal Route of Saint James will take pilgrims along the breath-taking coastline of Asturias to their destination in Santiago de Compostela. Whether the motive for the pilgrimage is religious, cultural or spiritual is up to the traveller, but all visitors will be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes, the company of the warm locals, the unique gastronomy and the best services available.
On your way to Santiago de Compostela you will enjoy the magic of Asturias, with wonderful beaches like Gulpiyuri, Cuevas de Mar or El Silencio, natural phenomena like the “Bufones” in Llanes, its ancestral culture and traditions, or the southernmost cave paintings in Europe. During the Fam trip our guests had the opportunity to experience all these marvels and much more, and any visitor will be able to replicate their experience. There are many ways to go to Santiago de Compostela, but none of them displays the variety in scenery and culture that the Coastal Route of Saint James does.
Before entering Galicia and taking last steps to Santiago de Compostela, pilgrims will enjoy the wonders of Asturian gastronomy, with the perfect mixture of products from the sea and the mountains and pastures, like “Fabada” with oysters or clams, the wide variety of cheese locally produced, roasted lamb and pork, local chicken or beef, natural cider and other liquors or the finest sweets.
Asociación Astur Galaica del Camino de Santiago
If you wish to plan your way to Santiago de Compostela following the Coastal Route of Saint James or any other route going through Asturias you can contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Article extract by Paul Ridcharson for The Guardian in 2009 (for read all the article click here)
Don’t get me started about Asturias. I could go on and on about this inexplicably little-visited region wedged between Galicia and Cantabria along the north coast of Spain. I have been known to get very boring about its dramatic landscapes, its superb beaches, its excellent food, its unique pre-Romanesque architecture, its affable locals, and the strange fact that, as yet, few people seem to share my unbridled enthusiasm for the place.
Asturias is very Spanish in some ways, and surprisingly unlike the rest of the country in many others. Its Celtic, Atlantic culture is the polar opposite of the indolent, sherry-sipping, sun-lounging outdoor life of the Mediterranean.
The greenness of Asturias is astounding, especially if you’re coming from the parched plains of the Spanish south. You might also argue that the region is a microcosm of Spain as a whole, cramming into its borders everything from snowy mountains to sandy beaches, humble tapas bars to avant-garde restaurants, and from raucous local fiestas to silent valleys where bears and wolves still roam. The community has no fewer than 24 nature reserves, including one parque nacional and three of Spain’s largest parques naturales.
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Asturias is known as a “Natural Paradise” and the best way to discover why, is by hiking through the Asturian valleys and mountains.
Oddly enough, Asturias is not as well-known as a hiking destination as it should be (though this has begun to change over the last few years) and hikers that have experienced the quality of the trails here in Asturias have found an incredible mixture and variety of routes ranging from very easy and short ones to long and difficult ones. Moreover, fantastic routes with many different possibilities.
Some people call Asturias the “Little Switzerland” due to its beauty, sceneries and orography. Nearly 40% of Asturias is “Natural Reserved Space” and can be accessed through nearly 5,000 Km of different routes.
Asturias is a great region to go walking with 300 Km of coastline, hundreds of forest trails, meandering rivers, lakes, plenty of wildlife, cultural heritage sites, pre Romanesque churches, old water mills and stunning meadow lands full of floral color. All of this make Asturias one of the best spots in Europe for hiking and trekking so no matter what you are looking for, from difficult hikes to relaxing walks, anything and everything can be found in Asturias.
It worth mentioning also that the routes in Asturias tend to be named or themed, for example “Ruta de los Molinos del Rio Profundo” or “Water Mill Route” which in this case follows a 7 Km route deep into the forest and along small rivers with 19 different water mills to discover. This design of walkway makes the experience altogether much more rewarding. Important Routes to mention with protected landscapes are the very popular Route of the Cares, the Route of the Alba, the Route of the Oneta Waterfalls, Route of the Dinosaurs, Turon Valley Routes, or the Route of las Xanas, among others.
There is something for everyone so make sure you don´t miss the opportunity of getting to know this amazing region through its hiking and trekking routes.
Also Asturias is an essential part or the Walk of St. James or «Route of Santiago», through three important ways «The Coastal Route» along the coast, «The Primitive Route» and «The El Salvador Route» along the mountains. The Primitive Route starts in the cathedral of The Saviour in Oviedo and leads you towards Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Oviedo is an essential stopping point for pilgrims who wish to visit the cathedral of San Salvador (The Saviour) before leaving for Santiago……. as it is said in an old French song that “Those who visit Santiago before The Saviour, visit the servant but leave the Lord”
We will be designing all the information you need about all the Routes worth to visit in Asturias and delivering that to you in regular bases through the website. We will also have plenty of information about the Route of Santiago.
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images suplied by Tomás Fano and Turismo Asturias
Now that the summer is here, we will be going into overdrive filming the best bits of Asturias. We have already compiled a long list of places to see, things to do and people to talk to but in case we miss anything we would like you to suggest your favourite parts and Asturias Experience.
Simply contact us through our facebook, twitter, google+,vimeo, youtube, tumblr or email us with your suggestions at info@whereisasturias.com
Likewise, if you feel like showing us your favourite places in person then let us know and we’ll send our cameras over to you. We are always looking for people to put in front of the camera : )
If you want to know more about Asturias Experience you can read the article written by Paul Richardson for the english newspaper The Guardian: Why unspoilt Asturias is a secret I just have to share.
The Valdés-Salas Foundation in the village of Salas in Asturias is a space in the third stage of the Camino Primitivo available for the pilgrims to rest, reflect and learn about the history and culture around the Origin of the Way of Saint James.
The Foundation is located inside the Castillo Valdés Salas. Here the pilgrims can enjoy free of charge, two reading rooms, a library including books of Spanish Golden Age and a magnificent collection of world maps facsimiles ranging from the discovery of the tomb of St. James in the s. IX until the middle of s. XV.
The Valdés-Salas Foundation announced in 2014 the first edition of the «Alfonso II» Award for the Diaries of the Primitive Pilgrim Route (Camino Primitivo) to Santiago.
The aim of this award is both to encourage and recognize the records made by pilgrims of their experience on the Primitive Pilgrim Route to Santiago, which has its origins – both historical and geographical – in Asturias.
The organizing body aims to encourage and recognize annually the best Pilgrim’s Diary, focusing on descriptions of the enjoyment of nature and the overcoming of adversity, the pilgrim’s reflections and notes on culture and tradition and, finally, the personal enrichment that the journey has brought to the pilgrim. Likewise, the award seeks to recognize the presence of the ancestral trails by means of which travelers from around the Old Continent moved through the villages, valleys and mountain passes of the Principality of Asturias, as a symbol of belonging to Europe and of the hospitality offered by Asturias to travelers from all latitudes.
In parallel, and with similar aims and criteria, the Foundation has established a digital photography contest.
In 2015, the Pilgrim’s Diary winner was Mr. Yves Oustric, from Escalquens (Haute Garonne, France) for “Le Camino Primitivo. L’ autre chemin de Compostelle. Journal d’un pèlerin du XXI siècle d’Oviedo à Santiago”, and the Photography winner was Mr. Harley Anderegg from Switzerland for a photography taked in Buspol watching the descent to the dam of Grandas de Salime.
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Pola de Lena is called the”Gate of Asturias” because it is what you will first see as you are head north from the plains of Leon in Spain. This is quite an impressive journey, positioned at the border between Leon and Asturias in which you have to pass a tunnel called “El Negron” (The Black One) which is 4.1km in length. As you exit the tunnel you are welcomed by the magnificent and vibrant beauty of the Mountains of Guerna Valley which makes quite an impressive picture.
In this area you have two types of landscapes, one of impressive natural beauty and the other more industrial in its makeup reminding you of its mining heritage and long industrial history.
The Central Mountains offer a wealth of Natural and Protected Spaces, leafy Beech and Oak forests, green mountain pastures, narrow valleys and large meandering rivers.
This natural beauty is juxtaposed with examples of past and present mining activity as Slack-heaps, mine entrances, Headframes, worker’s housing, etc dot the landscape. This is a real cornucopia for those who have an interest in Industrial architecture and landscapes. Mining has moulded Asturias and plays a significant part in her story so it is worth while learning about this history as it will help to understand the local community a bit more.
The area is home to a wealth of stone monuments, megalithic structures, necropolis and old settlements. Pola de Lena also acts as a crossroads of two significant trading routes and for that reason the area is well marked by a mixture of many cultures. The two main routes that cross the territory are the Route of the Silver and the Route of Santiago.
The Route of the Silver is Roman in origin and crosses the peninsula from north to south starting in Gijon, Asturias, and finishing in Seville, Andalucía. This was built to facilitate commerce and legion movement. After that, the route was mainly used by shepherds who took their livestock to the greener pastures of Asturias during the summer.
The Route of Santiago is the other significant route of the area. This section is known as the “El Salvador Route” which enters Asturias through the Pajares Mountain pass and down into Oviedo ending up at the San Salvador Cathedral where the route connects with “Primitive Route”.
Pola de Lena is truly the gate to the Principado de Asturias. The council lies at the foot of the impressive Massifs of The Principado de Asturias and it is a real paradise for nature lovers.
The Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park has one of the most important peaks in Asturias called Peña Ubiña and with a height of 2,417 metres it is an absolute playground for rock and ice climbers. Also, you can find the Protected Landscapes of the Aramo Massiff. Here you will take in the beauty of these mountains at the view points of “Flor de Acebo” and the impressive “Alto L’Palo”.
Within the area of Pola de Lena you will find the Valgrande Forest, a paradise for lovers of trekking as it is the largest beech forest in Asturias and home of Asturian Bears, Wolfs and Capercaillies (A type of Grouse).
There are many important cultural places to visit in Pola de Lena including the very popular pre-Romanic Church of Santa Cristina de Lena declared a site of UNESCO Heritage, The Xomezana as an example of ethnography and tradition and the historic area of Las Puentes declared of cultural interest and made up of the Church of San Martin, the old Rectory and the Medieval bridge.
Pola de Lena is the start of many Routes and it is also part of the La Carisa Way which is one of the pre-historic routes that connected Asturias with the rest of the peninsula. It was the first road built and widely used by the Romans to accommodate safe passage for their carriages. You can still see some of the original road preserved as you travel along its route. The Roman camp of La Carisa is located on the Curriel peak and at 1,728metres, it was the highest Roman military camp in Europe and could house up to approx 10,000 men.
The area of Pola De Lena is a fantastic place to do any kind of sports and is well set up for trekking, mountaineering, climbing, skiing, fishing, mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding, spelunking, paragliding, etc.
Two of the most important sporting activities in the area are climbing and skiing and is home to the Winter Ski Resort of Valgrande Pajares, the largest ski station in Asturias.
The other main attraction Pola de Lena is the Gastronomy offering a Asturias traditional fare based on Stews, Asturian reared beef, fish from the rivers, cheeses and Asturian desserts but the toast of the region is the succulent splayed Lamb slow roasted over an outdoor fire pit. This is a very nice Asturian tradition known locally as “Corderu a la Estaca” and takes place throughout the summer months. A lot of towns host these parties but the one held in Lena, called the Party of “Prau Llaguezu” which is celebrated the first Sunday of July, is the most popular and best organized one in Asturias. This party is declared of International Cultural Interest.
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Ayto de Pola de Lena, Montana Central and Turismo Asturias: Arnaud Spani.
The council and area of Siero is a part of the Nora Region which is made up by the towns of Posada de Llanera, Noreña and Siero and is situated on the banks of the River Nora.
Siero is very important for business due to it strategic location between the three main cities in Asturias, Oviedo, Gijon and Aviles and less than 45 minutes from the airport. It is one of the most important manufacturing, storage and distribution areas for the Principado de Asturias hence the high concentration of large industry in the area.
It is a busy and lively area full of services companies and businesses but is also full of monuments, open spaces, good food and parties.
The council of Siero has a very long and rich history going back to the prehistoric ages and has been well populated since the Iron Age right up to the day.
Siero still preserves some prehistoric sites and burial mounds like the Alto de la Maya (Espinera) or “Cantu Negro” (Bobes). Also, you can find forts in different parishes like Tiñana, Lugones, Marcenado or La Collada.
The Roman colonization can be still seen by way of old roads and Bridges in the villages of Colloto, Bergueres, Lugones and Pola de Siero. You can also find other fine examples of cultural interest such the area of Aramil with a rural Palace and the Romanic Church of San Esteban de los Caballeros. It is also worth visiting the medieval church of San Martin de Arguelles, Santa María in Tiñana, San Felix in Hevia, the Renaissance Palace of Celles, the Palace of Vigil and the Arguelles Estate among others.
The town of Pola de Siero, also known as “La Pola” is quite a bustling place with a vibrant market that takes place every Tuesday. It has also the biggest Cattle Market in Asturias with capacity for up to 4,500 calves and 1,200 cattle.
Siero is a section of the Route of Santiago arriving from the «Northern Route« towards Oviedo where the «Primitive Route« starts. This section tends to be a much appreciated rest bite for pilgrims after battling the elements through the hard and rigorous mountains of Asturias. The section of la Pola is easier going terrain.
Pola de Siero offers many other walking routes such as The Route of Rural Palaces, the Toceo Trail, The Valdesoto trail (east and west stretch), The Camin of Careses, Les Casuques and Vega de Poja.
The local food of this area is a traditional Asturian fare, with stews, Asturian reared beef, chicken dishes, and fresh fish from the sea and rivers. The true gastronomic toast of the area is their pork production and especially the rearing of the local breed called “Gochu celta” or Celtic Pig. The meat of this pig produces excellent organic cured meats, fresh meat and offal.
The area offers plenty of very good restaurants because of the proximity to the highly populated business and industrial areas.
In the town of Pola de Siero celebrates the very popular party of the Painted Eggs over Easter which is considered to be of Interest for national and international tourists.
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Ayto de Pola de Siero, Comarca del Nora and Turismo Asturias: Marcelo Suárez, Arnaud Spani.
If you are a keen carnivore then you must visit this fine eatery in Gijon.
The Restaurante-Asador La Bolera in Gijon is a very popular BBQ and roast meat dishes specialist. The meat served in the restaurant is fully traceable and certified and selected personally by the owners in order to offer the highest quality and service to its customers. The team at the Restaurante-Asador La Bolera are experts in the «perfect cuts» of beef from different breeds and ages. The meats are roasted with charcoal of different types of wood sourced in Argentina.
The Restaurante-Asador La Bolera has two dining rooms each offering a different ambience and a terrace that opens when weather permits. The first of the dining rooms is based on the traditional Asturias Restaurant decoration and you can choose between eating «a la carte» or the daily menu. In the second dining room is of a more intimate design allowing the client to request specific desires for the preparation of the roast and grilled dishes, different seafood plates from the Cantabric Sea (available by pre-order only) and a selection of home made desserts.
The cellar of the Restaurante-Asador La Bolera offers a wide range of select wines from different regions and also the very best Asturias Cider, all of them certificated in origin. Also, they are famous from preparing the most delicious and authentic Brazilian Caipiriñas in town.
Avda. Jardín Botánico, 355 (Gijón)
Tf: 984 193 422
Tf: 662 31 85 53
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