Asturias is one of the most appreciated and loved provinces, especially by tourists and pilgrims, which is characterized by having a special green and natural environment with the perfect mix between sea and mountains.
Climate in Asturias
Summers are mild and, on the coast, winters also have relatively good temperatures, which rarely include frost. The cold is especially felt in the mountains, where snow is present from October to May. In coastal or near-coastal areas, maximum daytime temperatures generally average around 12ºC to 13ºC during winter and 22ºC to 23ºC in summer.
Transport in Asturias
Public transport in Asturias is not the best. The bus company is Alsa and the train companies are Feve for the interior of the area and Renfe to travel between regions. The three cities are well connected with Alsa buses every 30 minutes throughout the day.
In addition, renting a car is quite easy, you can do it from Asturias Airport (OVD) or in one of the main cities: Oviedo, Gijón or Avilés.
Gastronomy in Asturias
Asturian gastronomy is known throughout the country for its variety and high quality of typical cuisine that should not be missed. Since ancient times, Asturian gastronomy has been a mixture of Celtic, Roman, Muslim and Christian influences, which has led it to have a unique and varied cuisine.
As for the raw material, it is exceptional in quality and variety: fish, shellfish, fruits, berries, vegetables, legumes, meats, milk, honey, etc. Although each season is different, when it comes to fish and seafood, each month the species that we can find in the fishmongers are different.
Places to visit in Asturias
Los Lagos de Covadonga
Visiting Lake Enol and Lake Erina is a must for anyone who goes to Asturias. In spring and summer road access is restricted, in autumn and winter you can go up by car without major problems (unless the weather does not allow it). It is best to walk the section between both lakes.
Los Lagos de Saliencia
They are located in the council of Somiedo, within the natural park of the same name. There are four lakes of glacial origin in whose valley we can find bears, otters, Egyptian vultures or salamanders, among other species. It is recommended to go to the interpretation center located in the capital of the council, Pola de Somiedo.
El Bosque de Muniellos
It is the largest oak forest in Spain, and one of the best preserved in Europe. Visiting it is complicated, since they only allow 20 visits a day, so it is advisable to make a reservation well in advance.
Las Fuentes del Narcea
They are located in the same natural park as the Muniellos Forest, the Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Natural Park. But in this case we are referring to the sources themselves, which can be accessed by car from the capital Cangas del Narcea.
El Desfiladero de las Xanas
This route located in the municipality of Santo Adriano connects the towns of Pedroveya, Rebollada and Dosango for about 4 kilometers, half of which run along a path carved into the rock that overlooks a precipice not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo. Even so, it is one of the most beautiful routes in Asturias.
Los Bufones de Pria
Located near Llames (in the council of Llanes), there are cracks and open chimneys in the rock of the cliffs, which are connected to sea chasms through which the waves push water and air with great force. This produces fountains of sprayed water that can reach great heights and are spectacular.
La Cuevona de Ardines
It is part of the Tito Bustillo cave system, in Ribadesella, and its main room is about 80 meters in diameter. It is a cave of stalactites and stalagmites, of great natural beauty, which can be visited on weekends by only 20 people a day, so it is necessary to reserve well in advance.
La playa de Gulpiyuri
It is a small beach located in the council of Llanes. It is a beach that, apparently, has no communication with the sea, the water entering through a tunnel in the rocks.
La Hoya de San Vicente
It is one of the places most frequented by Asturians in the summer. It is a natural pool formed by the Dobra River in Cangas de Onís, famous for the emerald green color of its waters and its depth that reaches five meters.
Properties in Asturias
In Asturias, finding a home that suits your needs will not be difficult. The region offers a wide variety of housing options, from city center flats to country houses in smaller towns.
Asturias is an autonomous community in which housing prices have risen less than others. Although it has increased by 1.5% compared to the previous year, the average price per square meter is €1,369, according to a study carried out by Idealista that collects data from February 2024.
House prices can vary significantly depending on location and the type of property you are looking for. House prices in cities such as Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés can be higher than in smaller towns. In general, you will find a wide variety of properties for rent or sale throughout the region, from one-bedroom apartments to large garden villas.
In the smaller towns, you will find a wide variety of stone and adobe houses with gardens, often at more affordable prices than in the cities.
Cost of living in Asturias
The cost of living in Asturias is generally lower than in other regions of Spain, although it can vary depending on your lifestyle and the area in which you decide to settle.
Regarding housing, the cost of rentals in Asturias is generally lower than in other regions of Spain. Prices may vary depending on location, size and quality of the home, as well as the time of year. In general, the average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of a city like Oviedo is around €400-€500 per month.
Regarding food, it is generally lower than in other regions of Spain, especially when it comes to local products.
As for transportation, public transportation ticket prices in Asturias are affordable compared to other regions. In addition, the price of gasoline and parking is also lower than in other regions.
Disadvantages of living in Asturias
Despite being a region that offers many advantages to its residents, moving to Asturias can also present certain challenges. Some of the possible drawbacks that you should take into account before making the decision to move to this region are the following:
- Climate: It is a region known for its humid and rainy climate, especially during the winter months. If you are not used to this climate, it can be a challenge to adapt to it.
- Work: Although there are job opportunities, the labor market may be more limited compared to other regions of Spain, especially in certain sectors. Additionally, salaries tend to be lower than in other regions of the country.
- Transportation: While public transportation in Asturias is affordable, it can be less convenient in certain rural areas. Additionally, roads in some areas can be narrow and winding, which can be a challenge for drivers not accustomed to these types of roads.
- Mass tourism: During the summer months, the region can be inundated with tourists, especially in popular coastal areas such as Gijón or Llanes. This can result in increased traffic, difficulty finding accommodation and increased congestion at tourist locations.
It is important to keep these potential drawbacks in mind when considering moving to Asturias. However, many people find that the benefits of living in the region far outweigh any challenges that may arise.
