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An overview of the Principado de Asturias

by Admin

Imagen de la Basílica de Covadonga vista desde la Cueva

Elaboración de queso Cabrales (Cabrales)

The Principado de Asturias is located in the North of Spain occupying a territory of 10.603 km2 which is home to 1.081.000 people. It is bordered to 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. Its capital is Oviedo, with Gijón being the most populous city; other important towns are Avilés, Langreo, Mieres, Pola de Siero, Cangas de Narcea, Navia, Luarca, Grado, Arriondas, Cangas de Onís and Llanes.

The Principado de Asturias has a international airport of Asturias is located in the locality of Santiago del Monte, Castrillón, at the center of the province, a 10 minutes drive by car from Avilés and 30 minutes from Oviedo and Gijón. It has domestic flights to Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Alicante, Valencia, Ibiza, Mallorca and international connections to London, Paris, Geneva and Lisbon. Asturias also has the Morgal airfield in Llanera which is a few minutes’ drive from Oviedo.

There is also an extensive network of rail services managed by FEVE at regional level.

RENFE offers long distance rail services to Alicante, Barcelona, Ferrol, León, Madrid and Santander. Currently an AVE high-speed train line is under construction to reduce travel time with Madrid.

In the Principado de Asturias there are two main routes of national motorways crossing the province: the A-66 crosses the region from North to South, and the A-8 from the East to the West. In addition there are some regional highways and a wide and well maintained network of roads managed by the local Government. You can cross Asturias from one extreme to another in a maximum of three hours.

The electricity and water supply is guaranteed by the abundance of mineral, hydrographic and hydraulic resources.

There is a significant reserve of industrial land resource, both in already existing industrial parks and in suggested industrial areas. There are also two technology parks, one in Gijón and another in Llanera.

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

There are numerous industrial and scientific research centers from the University of Oviedo to private institutions such as as ArcelorMittal, Saint-Gobain, the Cellulose National Enterprise (ENCE) or ThyssenKrupp. Companies can choose from a plentiful stock of well qualified workers, both with professional skills as well as of people with university education.

Asturias 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.

The Principado de Asturias is also the province in Spain with the highest rate of public health care per capita, counting 21 hospitals of which 14 are public and 7 private, including the world-famous Ophthalmic Institute “Fernandez Vega”.

As a consequence of an amazing environment of mountains, valleys, rivers, sea, fauna and flora, 40% of the territory is designated as a natural reserve, the highest rate of any European province.

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

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

Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Fundación Príncipe de Asturias, Arcerol Mittal, Fundación Oso and Turismo Asturias.

ESSENTIAL INFO GENERAL INFO PHOTOS

Industry and services in Asturias

by Admin

Industry in Asturias. There are some 68.000 companies operating in the productive and service sectors in Asturias.

The entrepreneurial vocation of the people of Asturias has been transmitted to the genetics of their companies, which gives them advantages in export skills and external relations. This quality is recognized internationally and each day it is more and more common to find Asturian products throughout the European marketplace, given its quality of products, ease in business relations and the enforcement of contracts.

The most representative sectors of Industry in Asturias are the following:

AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY:

– Dairy products, with a production of more than 620.000 tons of dairy products each year.

– Meat, passing through all stages of the production process, with more than 68.500 tons per year. Both in pre-cooked products, as well as in cured, cooked and cold meat.

– Canneries, is an expanding sector with great increase in business that focuses on the “gourmet” quality product.

– Other products. Like cider, the traditional drink of Asturias, and therefore a very powerful industry which has obtained the Protected Designation of Origin. Also, mineral water and the manufacture of foodstuffs for livestock are important growing industries.

METAL INDUSTRY IN ASTURIAS

– Steel industry, it is one of the most important industrial activities since the nineteenth century. It produces mainly steel, tinplate and heavy plates.

– Metallurgy, with the manufacture of aluminum, zinc and copper, as well as alloys and derivatives. Asturias produces 20% of the zinc at European level and 6,4% at global level.

– Equipment, implementation of «turnkey» projects for mining industry, construction, defence, environment, etc. We can also find important companies in engineering, assembly, maintenance, etc.

– Naval Industry. Large yards for vessels of up to 40 thousand tons, as well as yachts, fishing boats, frigates, etc.

– Automotive Industry. The manufacturing of mopeds, coachworks, windscreens, shock absorbers, gearboxes, etc.

CHEMICAL INDUSTRY IN ASTURIAS:

– Industrial carbon chemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceutical products, synthetic fibres, etc.

MINING INDUSTRY IN ASTURIAS:

– Mining is in the DNA of Asturias, and besides coal, other raw materials are extracted such as kaolin, marble, slate, limestone, dolomite or quartzite.

OTHER SECTORS:

– Glass, cement, plastics, textiles, electronic equipment, household appliances, toys and jewelry.

– Renewable Energies: Asturias is one of the most important manufacturers of solar panels and wind mills of Europe. It is also involved in very ambitious projects of Offshore Wind Energy and Cogeneration.

SERVICES:

– The Information and Communications Technology sector (ICT) represents the 10% of turnover in the Asturian services sector.

An important number of companies in the sector have joined the Asturian Knowledge Innovating Business Group in order to improve their competiveness. In addition, there is an ICT cluster (clustertic.net) of around 82 companies.

Besides that, Asturias welcomes the W3C (World Wide Web) Consortium, (w3c.es), the most important international organization in the field of standardization of the internet.

– A wide range of other services like: civil, agricultural, electrical, industrial and computer engineering; consulting, quality and environmental management, business consulting, human resources, security, graphic design, advertising and outsourcing of different services.

Internationally well known companies in Asturias

Some of the leading companies in Asturias at international level are:

CAPSA Corporación Alimentaria Peñasanta (mainly owned by CLAS Central Lechera Asturiana and by CLE Compagnie Laitière Européenne), ILAS Industrias Lácteas Asturias – Reny Picot -, Danone, Nestlé, ArcelorMittal, Alcoa, AZSA Asturiana de Zinc, Duro Felguera, ThyssenKrupp, General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas, Suzuki Motor España, Saint-Gobain Cristalería, Tenneco Automotive, PMG Asturias Powder Metal, Industrial Química del Nalón, Bayer, ENCE Empresa Nacional de Celulosa, DuPont, Fluor, HUNOSA Hulleras del Norte, Grupo Masaveu, Tudela Veguín, Linpac Packaging Spain, CSC Computer Sciences Corporation, Capgemini, T-Systems, Software AG, Indra, Satec, Grupo Sonae, Hc Energía (EDP Electricidade de Portugal), STB, Air Liquide España, Hanson Hispania, Phoenix Contact (Elecktrophoenix), Obo Bettermann, STR, Agip España (ENI Group) , Sociedad Española Carburos Metálicos (Air Products & Chemicals), Agar de Asturias (Becton Dickinson), Praxair Ibérica, Calderys Ibérica Refractarios (Imerys), Vesuvius Ibérica Refractarios (Cookson Group), Atos Origin, Alsa Grupo (National Express Group), Delfín Tubes, Vitro Cristalglass, Windar Renovables, IMASA, Eolo Sport Industrias, MBA Incorporado, Patric Sports, Julián Rus Cañibano, Slashwear, etc…

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

Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Arcelor Mittal, Escuela Politécnica de Ingenieros de Gijón, Parque Tecnológico de Llanera

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS PHOTOS

The council of Siero and Pola de Siero

by Admin

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.

More info: Siero Tourist Office

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.

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS PHOTOS

The council and town of Noreña (Norena)

by Admin

Noreña is very important for business due to it strategic location between the three main cities in Asturias, Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés 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.

The council and area of Noreña is a part of the Nora Region which is made up by the towns of Noreña, Llanera and Siero and is situated on the banks of the River Nora.

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 town of Noreña is home to interesting and historic buildings such as; the Town Council, the clock tower, the music kiosk, The Rebollin Palace, The Miraflores Palace, the Church of Santa Maria, the Chapel of the Soledad and the Chapel of San Joaquin among others.

Also, you can find in Noreña some fine examples of Indiano Architecture such as The Pedro Alonso House and the Rionda Alonso Foundation.

The local food of Noreña is a traditional Asturian fare, with stews, Asturian reared beef, chicken dishes, and fresh fish from the sea and rivers. The area offers plenty of very good restaurants because of the proximity to the highly populated business and industrial areas.

But if this place is known for one thing then it’s the quality of the local Pork industry and their cured meats and offal. In fact Noreña has a monument in the middle of the town in honour of the Pig. Their most popular dish is a type of tripe, which is highly regarded throughout Asturias and Noreña is one of the best places to eat it.

More info: Noreña Tourist Office

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

Images by Tomás Fano and Turismo Asturias: Camilo Alonso