The autonomous region of Asturias is located in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula, washed by the Bay of Biscay.
In ancient times, until 924, this area was called the Kingdom of Asturias, and now it bears the status of a principality of Spain.
The autonomy borders on Cantabria (in the east), Castile and Leon (in the south) and Galicia (in the west).
A distinctive feature of the region is mountainous landscapes and rocky coastline.
The highest peak in Asturias is Torreserredo Peak.
The entire coastline of the region is dotted with cliffs and bays, territorially autonomy is located in the very heart of “green” Spain.
The region got its name in honor of the Spanish Prince of Asturias.
Capital and major major cities
The capital of Asturias is Oviedo, a beautiful city surrounded by greenery.
However, the most populated city in the province is Gijón , which is located on the sea coast and is famous for its picturesque beaches and old quarters.
Also, the following cities of the autonomy can boast of the population size:
- Aviles;
- Langreo;
- Mieres del Camino;
- San Martin del Rey Aurelio;
- La Corredoria.
The main attractions of the region
Perhaps only the Kingdom of Asturias can boast of so many preserved buildings from the pre-Romanesque period. First of all, these are architectural monuments.
For example, in the provincial capital, you should definitely look at the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador and the churches of Santa Maria and San Miguel.
It is impossible not to mention such sights:
- the monastery of San Ledro;
- the churches of San Esteban and San Juan;
- baroque palaces Camposagro and Velarde.
And, of course, the sites included in UNESCO:
- Basilica of San Julian;
- Cathedral of Santa Cristina;
- an ancient source from the era of Alfonso III Foncalada.
Reserves and natural parks
Despite its small territorial area, Asturias has many beautiful natural places.
For example, biosphere reserves:
- Somiedo Park;
- Redes Park;
- Park Peaks of Europe.
Also in the autonomy is the only marine protected area in Spain – El Cachucho.
Other equally interesting scenic spots:
- the fishing village of Cudillero;
- the cliffs of Cabo Vidio;
- observation deck Santa Espirito;
- Aguilar beach;
- Cape Cabo Peñas.
And also the famous Covadonga Valley with lakes and the Temple of the Virgin Mary – a holy place for all Catholic pilgrims.
Airports and transport areas
The autonomy’s international airport is called Santiago del Monte and is located 15 km from the city of Aviles, 40 km from the city of Gijón and 47 km from the provincial capital of Oviedo. From it, not only domestic flights throughout Spain are carried out, but also to foreign countries.
Cruise ships leave from the port of Gijón and there are regular train and bus connections.
Domestic trains operate throughout the country, while international trains run to Madrid and the Iberian Peninsula.
Services such as car and boat rental are very popular.
Weather and climatic conditions
The climate in Asturias is mild Atlantic with warm, humid summers filled with sunshine.
Winters are cool, in the mountains it can be very snowy and cold. In winter, the region is characterized by precipitation in the form of snow and rain.
There are strong temperature fluctuations, and precipitation can fall all year round.
In general, the annual temperature does not differ in moderation, the maximum can fluctuate up to + 36 ° С (in the hottest time), the minimum in mountainous regions often drops to -10 ° С.
On the hills, snow can lie throughout the autumn, winter and spring periods.
