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¿Dónde está Asturias? – Where is Asturias?

by Admin

 

ASÍ QUE, ¿DONDE ESTÁ ASTURIAS?

¿Dónde está Asturias? El Principado de Asturias está situado en el norte de España ocupando un territorio de 10.603 km2, con 1.022.000 habitantes. Limita al oeste con Galicia, al norte con el mar Cantábrico, al este con Cantabria y al sur con la provincia de León. La capital del Principado de Asturias es Oviedo, siendo Gijón la ciudad más grande. Otras poblaciones significativas de la región son Avilés, Langreo, Mieres, Pola de Siero, Cangas de Narcea, Navia, Luarca, Grado, Ribadesella, Arriondas, Cangas de Onís y Llanes, entre otras.

El Aeropuerto Internacional del Principado de Asturias se encuentra en el centro de la provincia, en la localidad de Santiago del Monte (Castrillón), a tan solo 10 minutos en coche de Avilés, y a 30 minutos de Oviedo y Gijón. Asturias también tiene el Aeródromo de Morgal en Llanera, a pocos minutos en coche de Oviedo.

Existe una extensa red ferroviaria gestionada por FEVE a nivel regional y local,  y RENFE a nivel nacional. Actualmente se encuentra en construcción una línea de tren de alta velocidad AVE que reducirá el tiempo de viaje entre Asturias y Madrid.

Hay dos autopistas nacionales principales que cruzan la provincia y una red de carreteras amplia y bien mantenida. Se puede atravesar Asturias de un extremo a otro en un máximo de tres horas.

UN POQUITO DE HISTORIA

La historia de Asturias está ligada a la fundación de España. Todo comenzó cuando el rey Pelayo inició la reconquista de la península ibérica, ocupada por los musulmanes, al ganar la batalla de Covadonga en el año 722 d.C. 

El Principado de Asturias está también en el origen del Camino de Santiago, gracias a Alfonso II, rey del Reino de Asturias cuyo territorio ocupó la parte oeste de España y llegó hasta Oporto. Alfonso II, apodado El Casto, fue el primer peregrino que viajó para atestiguar que los restos encontrados en Iria Flavia eran del Apóstol Santiago. Viajó desde Oviedo, capital de su reino hasta Iria Flavia (actual Santiago de Compostela), y ordenó la construcción de una iglesia para proteger las reliquias del Apóstol, sobre sus ruinas está edificada hoy en día la Catedral de Santiago de Compostela. Esta ruta que comenzó en Oviedo  se llama “El Camino Primitivo”.  Poco después, personas de muchas otras ciudades europeas comenzaron a peregrinar a Santiago por las antiguas rutas existentes que bordeaban la costa cantábrica y que conformarían el hoy llamado Camino Santiago del Norte.

Asturias se convirtió en Principado en 1388 debido a la guerra de sucesión entre la duquesa Constanza de Lancaster, esposa del duque de Lancaster e hija de Pedro I, y su tío Enrique II, hijo ilegítimo del rey y asesino de su hermano. La disputa finalmente terminó con el matrimonio concertado entre el nieto de Pedro I y Enrique II, que permitió a Catalina de Lancaster y Enrique III convertirse en los primeros Príncipes de Asturias. Desde entonces, el primer hijo del Rey de España tiene el título de heredero al trono español como Príncipe de Asturias.

Antes de los primeros monarcas, Asturias estaba bien poblada y se consideraba un territorio deseable para muchas culturas diferentes a lo largo de los siglos. Fue codiciada y conquistada por su situación geográfica, la fertilidad de la tierra y sobre todo por la riqueza de sus recursos naturales, entre ellos el oro y otros metales preciosos. Los asturianos, antiguos astures convivieron con otras culturas como íberos, vascones, celtas y romanos. Remontándonos aún más en el tiempo, Asturias fue el hogar del hombre primitivo y más allá, el período jurásico los dinosaurios poblaron la región, y sus huellas todavía se pueden ver en las rocas de las playas y acantilados de lo que hoy llamamos «Costa Jurásica».

Esta variada historia ha dejado una región rica en cultura e historia: pinturas rupestres paleolíticas, asentamientos celtas, arte prerrománico, antiguas rutas romanas, arquitectura religiosa y civil, o patrimonio industrial, entre otros.

Más recientemente, el Principado de Asturias fue un lugar prominente durante la Revolución Industrial, que trajo riqueza a la región y grandes desarrollos industriales. Los asturianos que habían emigrado a América regresaron, trayendo consigo riquezas y la maravillosa arquitectura indiana que salpica nuestro paisajes de hermosas casonas y palacios palacios.

Asturias, con sus frondosas tierras verdes y un extenso litoral, es hogar de agricultores y pescadores, con estilos etnográficos muy característicos de construcciones clásicas y rurales, como los “hórreos” graneros elevados cuya construcción  aún se practica y utiliza.

Como consecuencia de este asombroso entorno de montañas, valles, ríos, mar, fauna y flora, el 40% del territorio es reserva natural, el porcentaje más alto de Europa. Esto hace que Asturias sea ideal para todo tipo de actividades deportivas como senderismo, escalada, ciclismo, piragüismo, BTT, surf, esquí, pesca y caza, etc…

¿DÓNDE ESTÁ ASTURIAS – HOY?

Hoy en día, el Principado de Asturias cuenta con ciudades y villas modernas y cosmopolitas, majestuosas montañas, parques naturales y reservas de la biosfera, paisajes costeros protegidos y monumentos naturales, increíbles playas con bandera azul, gente muy acogedora y muchas actividades para ofrecer al visitante.

El Principado de Asturias cuenta con un gran sector empresarial e industrial dedicado a la industria del acero, agroalimentaria, metal-mecánica, química, vidrio y minería, así como a las energías renovables. Está en auge el desarrollo y aprovechamiento de energías limpias con proyectos innovadores en energía eólica marina y un centro de recogida, tratamiento y disposición de residuos, modelo medioambiental puntero en España.

El 95% de la población tiene acceso a servicios de Internet de banda ancha de alta velocidad, lo que convierte a Asturias en la región española con la mayor tasa de acceso a Internet de banda ancha por cable.

También es la provincia de España con mayor calidad de atención sanitaria pública per cápita, ofreciendo acceso a 21 hospitales de los cuales 14 son públicos y 7 privados, incluido el mundialmente conocido Instituto Oftalmológico “Fernández Vega”.

Añada a todo esto una gran infraestructura cultural, una excelente gastronomía y la bondad innata de sus habitantes y comprenderá por qué la calidad de vida en Asturias es posiblemente una de las mejores de España.

Gracias a nuestro seguidor Osvaldo Guillermo Florez Pérez, asturiano y residente en Santa Fe, Argentina, por sus útiles referencias históricas.

Si quieres más información contacta con Where is Asturias en el mail: info@whereisasturias.com

 

 

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ESSENTIAL INFOFEATURED HOMEGENERAL INFOVIDEOS

So, Where is Asturias?

by Admin

SO WHERE IS THE PRINCIPALITY OF ASTURIAS 

Where is Asturias? The Principality of Asturias is located in the North of Spain occupying a territory of 10,603 km2 and is home to 1,022,000 people. It is bordered on the West by Galicia, on the North by the Cantabrian Sea, on the East by Cantabria and to the South by the province of León. The capital of the Principality of Asturias is Oviedo, with Gijón being the largest city. Other significant towns  in the region are Aviles, Langreo, Mieres, Pola de Siero, Cangas de Narcea, Navia, Luarca, Grado, Ribadesella, Arriondas, Cangas de Onís and Llanes.

The international airport of de Principality of Asturias is located in the locality of Santiago del Monte, Castrillón which is at the center of the province and is only a 10 minutes drive by car from Avilés and 30 minutes from Oviedo and Gijón. Asturias also has the Morgal airfield in Llanera which is a few minutes’ drive from Oviedo.

There is an extensive rail network managed by FEVE at a regional and local level and RENFE providing national services. Currently an AVE high-speed train line is under construction which will reduce travel time between Asturias – Madrid.

There are two main national motorways crossing the province and a wide and well maintained network of roads. You can cross Asturias from one extreme to another in a maximum of three hours.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

Where is Asturias? The history is linked to the symbol of the foundation and rebirth of the New Spain. This started when King Pelayo, who previously founded the Kingdom of Asturias, initiated the re-conquest of an occupied Spain by the Moorish by winning the Battle of Covadonga on the 28th of May, 722AD. It was for this reason and while Spain was been re-conquered that the territory of Asturias became the Kingdom of Asturias and Castilla and Leon.

The Principality of Asturias is also at the origin of the “Santiago or Saint James Route» thanks to King Alfonso II, King of Asturias and Galicia who was the first person to initiate the pilgrimage to Santiago from the city of Oviedo and was also the one who ordered the construction of a church in Compostela to protect the relics of the Apostle Santiago. This Route started in Oviedo and it is called “The Primitive Route”. Shortly afterwards, people from many other European towns started to make the pilgrimage to Santiago along with the old existing routes from Rome and Jerusalem.

Asturias became a Principality in 1388 due to the war of succession  between Duchess Constance of Lancaster, wife of the Duke of Lancaster and daughter of Pedro I,  the rightful heir  and her uncle Enrique II who was the illegitimate son of the King and also the assassin of his brother Pedro I. The dispute was finally put to rest with the arranged marriage between the grandchild of Pedro I and Enrique II allowing Catalina of Lancaster and Enrique III to become the first Prince and Princess of Asturias.  Since then, the first son of the King of Spain has both the title of heir to the Spanish throne and also serves as the Prince of Asturias.

Prior to the first monarchs, Asturias was well populated and considered a desirable territory for many different cultures throughout the ages. It was conquered and fought over due to its geographical situation, the fertility of the land and especially for the richness of its natural resources, gold and other precious metals. The inhabitants of Asturias were called Astures but they had to coexist with a other cultures passing through such as Iberians, Vascones, Celts and Romans among others.  Going back even further in time, Asturias was home to early man and further again, the Jurassic period of which traces can still be seen in region today.

These varied history has left the region rich in culture and history you can even experience excellent examples of Dinosaur Traces, Palaeolithic Cave Paintings and Celtic Settlements. Also, you will find wonderful examples of Pre-Romanesque Art, Old Roman Routes and religious and civil architecture.

More recently, the Principality of Asturias was an important location during the Industrial Revolution bringing wealth to the area and many large Industrial developments. Asturians who had once emigrated to the Americas returned, bringing with them the wonderful Indiano architecture and dotting the landscape with churches, large estates and palaces.

With its lush green lands and a vast coastline, Asturias is home to many farmers and fisherman with very distinctive ethnographic styles of classical and rural constructions, characteristic “Horreos” which are food stores and still practiced traditions.

As a consequence of this amazing environment of mountains, valleys, rivers, sea, fauna and flora, 40% of the territory is designated as natural reserve, the highest percentage of any European region. This makes Asturias ideal for all kinds of sporting activities including hiking, climbing, cycling, canoeing, MTB, surfing, skiing, fishing and hunting………. the list goes on.

WHERE IS ASTURIAS –  NOWADAYS

Nowadays the Principality of Asturias boasts modern and cosmopolitan cities and towns, Majestic Mountains, Natural Parks & Biosphere Reserves, Protected Coastal Landscapes and Natural Monuments, amazing Blue Flag Beaches, very welcoming people and plenty of activities to offer tourists.

The Principality of Asturias doesn’t just live from tourism and services. It also has a large entrepreneurial and industrial sector dedicated to the agri-food industry, metal, chemical, glass and mining industries as well as renewable energies. It is dedicated to the development and use of clean energy with innovative projects in offshore wind energy and a centre of collection, treatment and disposal of waste, which is a leading environmental model in Spain.

95% of the population has access to high-speed broadband internet services which makes Asturias the Spanish region with the highest rate of broadband cable internet access.

It is also the province in Spain with the highest quality of public health care per capita, offering access to 21 hospitals of which 14 are public and 7 private, including the world-famous Ophthalmic Institute “Fernandez Vega”.

Add a large cultural infrastructure, excellent cuisine and the innate kindness of its inhabitants and you will understand why the quality of life in Asturias is arguably one of the best in Spain.

Thank you to our follower Osvaldo Guillermo Florez Perez, Asturian born and living in Santa Fe, Argentina, for his useful historic references.

For more information 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.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

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CAMINO DE COVADONGACOMMUNITIES AND COUNCILSFEATURED HOMEVIDEOS

Covadonga, Heart of Asturias

by Admin

THE ROYAL SITE OF COVADONGA

Based at the foot of the Picos de Europa and an entrance to the “Royal Site” of Covadonga, Cangas de Onis is one of the main gateways into this mountainous region. From here you can also enjoy the beaches of the eastern coastline of Asturias as it is just a short journey away by car.

Cangas de Onís was the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias from which most of the important symbols of the Principality originate and it is also one of the favourite places for tourism in the region.

You can access Cangas de Onís and Covadonga from the Airport of Asturias or the Airport of Santander, the later being the closest.

Cangas de Onis is a lively town and there are lots of services to avail from. It is also quite an enchanting town with historic buildings, churches and palaces in very picturesque surroundings. At the entrance of Cangas you will see one of the most important symbols of the region, The Roman Style Bridge with the replica of the Victory Cross, which was declared a historic monument in 1931. Another place to visit is the Monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva which now functions as a luxury Parador hotel.

A short distance from Cangas de Onís is the religious sanctuary of Covadonga, which is considered to be one of the most important and historic locations when telling the story of Spain. It is here where King Pelayo managed to defeat the then ruling Moors (Circa 722AD) during the Battle of Covadonga and started the 770 year long campaign to recover the Iberian Peninsula back to Christian rule known as the “Reconquista”

Nowadays Covadonga is a place of pilgrimage for the devotees of the Virgin of Covadonga, known locally as “La Santina”. The statue of “la Santina” is housed in a Cave built into the rock surrounded by waterfalls. This together with the basilica which is a beautiful pink stone church makes this historic and religious site a place of peace, beauty and spirituality.

Covadonga is not only about religion or history; it is one of the main entrances to the stunning Picos de Europa. The Lakes of Covadonga and surrounding mountains where declared a National Park in 1918 which was one of the first dedicated national parks in Spain. The two lakes Enol and Ercina are great places for visitors to take in the wonderful landscapes of majestic mountains, valleys and meadows or, you can do a wide variety of sporting activities organized around this area. One of the most important peaks is the Peña Santa de Enol with a height of 2,476 metres. (8124 feet)

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Due to it’s ideal location, Cangas de Onís and Covadonga are home to many outdoor pursuit companies who offer all kinds of sports and adventure activities such as trekking, mountaineering, climbing, mountain biking, quads, horses riding, canoeing, spelunking, etc….. basically everything to cater for even the most adventurous of spirits no matter the age.

Also, the rivers and mountains of this area are ideal for fishing and hunting. The Rivers Sella and Gueña are very popular and recognized internationally for the quality and quantity of salmon and trout, amongst other fish.

Other places to visit in the area are The Cave of Buxu, with examples of Palaeolithic Art and many beautiful country towns.

From Cangas de Onís and Covdonga you can also drive to some of the most amazing places in Asturias such as The Beyos Route and the National Park of Ponga, or the very popular Cares Route. It is also recommended that you visit the towns of Onís or Cabrales where you will find good places to eat and relax. You can also travel from the Picos de Europa towards the coast and enjoy the amazing beaches of the eastern Asturias.

During the month of May the International Cycling Tour to the Lakes of Covadonga takes place with more than 3,000 participants cycling from Cangas de Onís to the Lakes of Covadonga.

The gastronomy of the area is a traditional fare of Asturian food with a lot of emphasis placed on local style casseroles, beef, fresh fish from the rivers, and organic vegetables. It is highly recommended to sample the local cheeses on offer such as Gamoneu cheese, Beyos Cheese or the most popular cheese in Asturias “Cabrales Cheese”, which is an intense and unique blue cheese of extraordinary quality.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Cangas de Onís Tourism

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ADVENTUREFEATURED HOMEMOUNTAINSVIDEOS

Rock Climbing in Asturias

by Admin

ROCK CLIMBING IN ASTURIAS

Rock climbing in Asturias. The rugged and mountainous nature of the Asturian landscape lends itself perfectly to Rock Climbing and is becoming a destination of choice for serious climbers from all over the world who are looking for something a bit different. That said, Asturias as a climbing destination is still relativity unknown except for those in the know.

The local Spanish climbers have been very busy over the past few decades bolting and developing many of the crags and now there are literary hundreds of routes to choose from.

CLIMBING GRADES

In terms of climbing grades, Asturias has it all. From easy learning grade climbs to the hair raising multi-pitch routes of Naranjo De Bulnes (Picu Urriellu) in the Picos de Europa which is now seen as one of the most difficult climbs in Europe if not the world. Every type of climbing is catered for and there are plenty of facilities on offer for climbers visiting the region. Asturias has a good network of “Refugios” which are mountain hostels that are normally situated at or close to most of the best climbing areas. These hostels are very reasonably priced which is a bonus in these times. If you are looking for more salubrious accommodation then you’ll never be short of places to stay as nearly all of the climbing areas in Asturias are situated in nature reserves and protected biospheres where tourism is already well developed.

A couple of important things to note about rock climbing in Asturias is that firstly, the local climbers are very easy going and very welcoming and provided language isn’t a barrier, they will be happy and in many ways quite proud to part with any information they might have about routes, weather etc. Secondly, you will never be competing with others to get access to the routes. There are now so many bolted routes that you’ll be guaranteed full days of uninterrupted climbing. It should also be mentioned that despite been Spain, the local weather is much more comfortable to climb in due to its northerly position…. Basically, you won’t be baked onto the rock like you would in the south of the country.

The beauty about climbing here in Asturias is that it’s not just about rock climbing. The adrenaline junkies amongst you will appreciate all the other extreme sports you can avail of like caving, pot holing, canoeing, white water rafting, surfing, paragliding etc. Asturias is a paradise for any activity you can think of.

You’ll also be well fed and watered. The food is wonderful and varied in Asturias and is also incredibly well priced. A three course lunch called «Menu del dia» (including wine) will start from about €10 upwards. At night, when you are relaxing from a full days climbing, then the local cider will refresh you and thankfully, doesn’t induce much of a hangover.

Getting to Asturias is now a relatively easy affair with regular flights from London Stansted to Asturias Airport and ferry services from the UK to Santander which is only two hours away from the Picos de Europa. There are also many internal flights from Madrid and Barcelona servicing the region. The motorway network is good and well signposted but it is recommended that if you are travelling by car then bring a GPS as signposts on secondary roads are more or less non-existent.

The video above is an overview of what to expect when planning your trip to Asturias. This is the first of many posts we’ll be putting up about climbing in Asturias and we intend to post more detailed information about established routes. If you wish to share your climbing experiences with us or if you want us to help you to organize your rock climbing trip to Asturias then send us an email at info@whereisasturias.com and we will put you in contact with the right people.

Happy rock climbing and remember to adhere to the mountain safety code and please respect the environment as many of the areas you will be climbing in are highly protected.

Locations included in the Video are:

Poo de Cabrales Crag. Cabrales District. Picos de Europa

Quiros Crag. Quiros District

Cuevas del Mar Sea Cliffs. Llanes District

Other impotant places in Asturias to Climb are:

Naranjo de Bulnes. Pico Urriellu. Cabrales District

Pelugano. Aller District

Cordal de Sobia, Pena Gradura and Villa del sub. Teverga District

Valle del Lago. Somiedo District

Thank you very much to everyone who helped us produce this video, especially:

Nacho Jimenez from Urban Monkey

Irene Ribelles, Chechu and the Quiros Adventure Hostal

Victor Sanchez Martinez. Picos de Europa Guide

and to Julieta and Martin Filomena  for all their help organizing this video

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

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DISCOVERFEATURED HOMENATUREVIDEOS

The Picos de Europa National Park

by Admin

PICOS DE EUROPA

The Picos de Europa National Park covers the south-western area of Asturias, separating it from the neighbour regions of León and Cantabria. It was the first National Park of Spain, and it was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2003 by the UNESCO.

It crosses the municipalities of Amieva, Cangas de Onis, Onis, Cabrales, Peñamellera Alta and Peñamellera Baja . Its limits are marked by the river Sella on the west, and the river Deva on the East, with a total extension of 550 square kilometres only in Asturias. The highest point in the park is at more than 2600 meters high.

Here you can find some of the best sightseeing in Asturias, including the Pico Urriellu, the Sanctuary of Covadonga, the Lakes of Covadonga or the Cares Gorge.

Historically, Picos de Europa is one of the most important sites in Spain, as it was here where the “Reconquista” began with King Pelayo of Asturias and the Battle of Covadonga.

The Park is populated by many species of wildlife, such as the Western Capercaillie, the Iberian Wolf, the Cantabrian Brown Bear, the Cantabrian Chamois or the Spanish Ibex. All these species can be roaming the oak and beech forests and mountains that cover most of the territory of the park. There are also different species of trout and salmons in the different rivers that cross the Park. Picos de Europa has a representation of most of the wildlife present in Spain.

The geography of the park is very influenced by glacier modifications, giving the land its shape, divided in three different massifs separated by rivers that formed those glaciers: the rivers Sella, Cares, Duje and Deva.

There are plenty of wonderful places to visit in the National Park. The Marian shrine in Covadonga, where the “Santina” rests in her sanctuary carved in the mountain stone by a natural waterfall, is one of the most visited places in Asturias, and it is considered the “cradle” of the Reconquista, as the myth says that in that cave the Virgin Mary visited Pelayo and gave him the wooden cross that would lead him to defeat the Moors.

The Lakes Enol and Ercina in the mountains near Covadonga are another point of interest. The ascent to the lakes is made by mountain road that provides some of the best views of the Picos. The Vuelta A España Cycling Race has this ascent as its most iconic stage, and is present in the Race most of the years.

La Loja (Peñamellera Baja) is a cave where you can admire cave art made thousands of years ago. These paintings are carvings had been discovered in 1909, and have been studied by experts since then.

The “Interpretation Centre of the Picos de Europa” is located in Cangas de Onís, and will provide tourists with information about the National Park of Picos de Europa.

THE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

If you want to enjoy this Natural Paradise doing activities you have a wide variety of things to choose from:

The Cares Route (Cabrales) is a 12 kilometre hiking route carved in the stones of the gorge of the River Cares. Its ease of access makes it perfect for everyone.

The Mythological Route of the Beyu Pen (Amieva) is a route that goes though enchanted forests where you will meet the different characters of Asturian mythology, such as the Diañu Burlón (or “the joker devil”) , Busgosu (“the forest spirit”), or Xana (“the river fairy”), while you enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Picos de Europa is an area internationally known for its perfects sports for rock climbing, having one of the best climbing spots in Europe: the Pico Urriellu.

The rivers that give the Park its shape are perfect to practice canoeing and other activities such as rafting or canyoning. The River Sella hosts one of the most important river descents: the International Descent of the River Sella, which takes place on the first Saturday of August.

The gastronomy of the Picos de Europa is based on the traditional Asturian dishes. You can find stews like Fabada, Pote de Berzas or meat casseroles, natural cider, and, mostly, cheese. This mountain region is well known for the variety of the cheese that is produced, from the Cabrales, to the Gamoneu, both recognised with a PDO by the European Union, but without forgetting the rest of the varieties.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Web Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa

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The fabada asturiana and its recipe

by Admin

Made internationally infamous by Hannibal Lecter’s odd choice of diet in Silence of the Lambs, the Fabada asturiana bean casserole is the signature dish of Asturias and is enjoyed throughout all of Spain and is recognized as one of the most important dishes of the Spanish cuisine par excellence.

Fabada asturiana is made with fabes (white beans in Asturian), several types of sausages and pork, as well as spices such as saffron. These extra ingredients are often called the Compango. It’s so popular that several brands of processed food have it in their catalogues and sold in cans in supermarkets. It is a rich hearty meal that is great for replenishing energy stocks after rigorous activities.

Some say it is similar to Cassoulet from France that likely entered Spain though the French that took Camino de Santiago during the middle ages.

Every year the «Best Fabada of the World» competition is held in Asturias. The winners of the last years are:

  • 2021 – (Mieres) Restaurante La Consistorial
  • 2020 – (Soto del Barco) Restaurante El Cruce
  • 2019 – (Buelles – Panes) Restaurante La Sauceda
  • 2018 – (Granda – Siero) Restaurante El Gaucho Fierro
  • 2017 – (La Arquera – Oviedo) – Cerrado en la actualidad – Restaurante Casa Chema
  • 2016 – (Playa de la Griega – Colunga) Restaurante Vista Alegre
  • 2015 – Restaurante El Horru
  • 2014 – (Villaviciosa) Restaurante Sidrería Bedriñana
  • 2013 – (Candamo) Restaurante El Llar de Viri
  • 2012 – (El Puntal – Villaviciosa) Restaurante El Moreno
  • 2011 – (La Arquera – Oviedo) – Cerrado en la actualidad – Restaurante Casa Chema 

Ramon Huerta Nicholson introduces us to this classic dish and tells us what it takes to make the perfect Fabada Asturiana
Thanks to casachema.com for all their help.

Fabada Asturiana Recipe:

Ingredients (6 portions):

  • 500 grams of white beans
  • 250 of streaky bacon
  • 2 chorizos
  • 2 blood sausages
  • 200 grams of ham bone
  • 3 strands of saffron
  • Water
  • Salt

Preparation:

  • Extend the white beans on a flat surface. Remove those that are damaged. Wash them and leave them soaking for some 12 hours.
  • Soak the streaky bacon, and the ham bone the night before to the preparation.
  • In a pan, better if it’s low and wide (and even better if it’s a clay pot) add the beans with the same water in which they soaked. They must be covered with two fingers of water. Stir well and cook at high heat until it starts to boil.
  • Once the water begins to boil add the streaky bacon, the chorizos, the ham bones and the blood sausages. Be sure to puncture the chorizos and blood sausages previously. Make sure that these two ingredients are always closer to the surface, as with too much heat they can break, which would ruin the fabada.
  • Occasionally skim the broth, to make sure we remove the foam and also some fat.
  • Lower the heat and add salt to taste, make sure you taste it first though, as the ham bone is quite salty.
  • Let the fabada cook for two hours at low heat stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, careful not to damage the white beans. Add cold water twice.
  • After two hours taste the fabada to check if the beans are tender (if not let it cook for a while longer) and add more salt if necessary. Once it’s ready remove from the fire and let it settle for an hour
  • Remove the meat and sausages and dice, then they can be added to the fabes.

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

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BEACHESDISCOVERDRONE VIEW

Playa del Silencio in Cudillero

by Admin

The Silencio Beach

Playa del Silencio, Silencio in Spanish means Silence and, although you will find peace and silence everywhere in Asturias, this beach is special…Some say it’s the most beautiful beach on the Western coast of Asturias (in spite of becoming more and more crowded each year) but you will have to see it for yourself and decide. You will also find this beach under the name of Gaviero.

You get to the Playa del Silencio from the village of Castañeras, by foot or by car – the parking is not very big (it is non existent actually, you can park on the road) and during the summer you might find it full so it’s better if you leave the car in the village and walk to the beach.

It’s quite a long walk but it’s well worth it – the coastline of Cudillero is unique in Asturias, with high cliffs and spectacular islets that will take your breath away (the walk to the beach too, it’s uphill…).

Besides the “small” parking the Playa del Silencio has no amenities – no lifeguard, no showers or toilets and no nearby bars or restaurants – which would be impossible to build since the beach is so secluded and hidden behind the cliffs. And we would like it to stay this way!

There’s a viewpoint built on the cliffs along the trail that goes down from where you can take truly spectacular pictures. The descent is rather long but made of stone and cements so you can walk with high heels if you wish.

The Playa del Silencio is a 330 meters long, 32 meters wide (smaller with a high tide) beach of boulders and gravel… sorry, no sand here, just some hidden rocks scattered in the water.

Actually sandy beaches are pretty hard to find in this part of Asturias. The Playa del Silencio is not 100% nudist beach but it is used by naturists.

It’s perfect for swimming and loved by children cause the waves are not really big but be careful with the rocks hidden in the water that “hide” with high tide. By the way, with high tide the beach completely disappears so you will have to admire it from above.

The rocks at its Western side are a very good fishing point and the beach is also a favorite for people who love to practice diving. Or so I heard.

The islets surrounding the beach are also contributing to its charm and in case you wish to know their names I shall mention them here: towards West the headland is called La Forcada and is separating the Playa del Silencio from its neighbor Ribera Del Molín beach.

Towards East we have the popular and beloved Nocedal headland with an islet in front called the Cogolla Island. The cliffs here are truly impressive, around 60-80 meters high. And also peculiar, loo how the look from above…

A small secret

Very few tourists know but near the Playa del Silencio, a few minutes away, you can discover another beach and a hidden cove – all you have to do is walk from the viewpoint towards East (do you see the trail in the picture?), cross the grass field on top of the Nocedal headland and after 2 minutes you’ll discover the cove of El Riego and the (almost inaccessible) beach of La Barquera.

The legend says that in this headland there is a hidden treasure – if you happen to find one, please remember who told you about it first!

Video supplied by Objetivo Drone

Article by AsturPlaya:  AsturPlaya Blog

AsturPlaya ghaters all asturian beaches in one APP and offers you all the information to love them even more. Photo galleries, maps, descriptions & much more in one APP only.

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If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

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ADVENTUREFEATURED HOMESEAVIDEOS

Deep sea fishing in Asturias

by Admin

Deep Sea Fishing

A day out deep sea fishing in Asturias for Tuna is a wonderful experience. Once you are 30km from the Asturian coastline, you will chance upon whale pods surfacing for air and an incredible amount of seabirds scouring the sea looking for small fish forced to the surface by the tuna. Once you see this you’ll know that you are about to catch some big fish…..it’s all very Hemingwayesque.

Every aspect of life in Asturias is influenced by the Cantabric Sea (Bay of Biscay) from its unique weather patterns and temperate climate to industry, food and more recently, tourism and leisure.

Asturias has an extensive coastline with many beautiful beaches and fishing towns to explore. It also has an incredible network of rivers meandering through the mountainous landscapes and washing nutrients and food into the sea which creates a frenzy of sea life and makes Asturias a sea fishing enthusiasts dream.

You can fish just about anywhere there is water provided you have the right licence which is easy and cheap to obtain. It is common to see the locals beach casting and spinning along the coastline or pole and fly fishing on the rivers but if you are after big game fish then you’ll need a boat to take you out to deep water to find Tuna or Bonito del Norte.

There are quite a few species of tuna that feed close to the Asturian coast, the most popular been Bonito del Norte or small Tuna known locally as “Monos”. The best time to fish for Tuna is towards the end of the summer or early autumn mainly because the sea is at its calmest.

Boat rental is available from the marina of Gijon. The boat can accommodate up to 10 people. Being part of a larger group will help keep prices per person down. Lunch is usually provided along with drinks (Champagne, beers, soft drinks etc.) making it a great day out for a group of friends.

To give you a taste of what to expect when deep sea fishing in Asturias we joined up with keen fisherman Ramon Nicholson and hitched a ride on one of the boats competing in a local sea fishing competition from the port of Gijon. Filming this was a real joy and the guys on the boat easy going and great fun. From the moment you set off you get a sense of adventure and within a short distance from the coast you’ll start to see seascapes and nature that is normally only available to us via documentaries on TV.

If you wish to try deep sea fishing in Asturias for yourself and need more information then contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

There isn’t any set rental company that deals with the boats so you will need a bit of local knowledge to organise it and that’s what we are here for.

Enjoy the video and let us know what you think.

Thunnus Alalunga

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