Spain's Stunning Region Entices European Travelers Seeking Art, History, and Natural Scenery
Discover the beauty of Asturias, a region located on Spain's northern coast between Galicia and Cantabria, with its medieval towns, rugged coastline, and verdant landscapes. This hidden gem offers a refreshing dose of the real Spain, with untamed landscapes and authentic cultural rhythms.
Asturias is easily accessible by direct long-distance Alsa buses from Madrid, which take around five hours to reach Oviedo and run multiple times daily. Additional service is available from cities like Bilbao, Seville, and Barcelona. For a more luxurious journey, consider the Costa Verde Express, a scenic train experience that offers panoramic views of the coastline and mountains, blending authentic local culture and natural beauty on a comfortable, upscale train.
The Costa Verde Express is characterized by its leisurely travel pace, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the landscape along the northern coast of Spain. Onboard amenities are reminiscent of other high-end trains like El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, including fine dining with regional specialties such as Asturian seafood and tapas, complemented by fine wines. The train connects various Asturian coastal towns and scenic areas, making it an exquisite way to experience Asturias’s green landscapes and coastal charm.
Travelers can combine the Costa Verde Express experience with visits to charming towns and natural sites in Asturias. Oviedo, the capital city, is home to pre-Romanesque churches like Santa María del Naranco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cudillero is a colorful beachside fishing village perched on scenic cliffs known for its fresh seafood and photogenic harbor. Llanes is an underrated coastal town with golden sands, secluded beaches, and medieval towers.
Asturias is also famous for its cuisine, which includes hearty dishes like fabada asturiana, a slow-cooked bean stew, and queso Cabrales, a strong blue cheese aged in mountain caves. For a gastronomic treat, visit Casa Marcial, a three Michelin-starred restaurant in Arriondas, which reimagines traditional Asturian dishes with elegance and creativity.
Asturias enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with the best weather between May and October. During this period, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in Picos de Europa National Park, known for its jagged limestone peaks, deep gorges, high-altitude meadows, and glacial lakes.
For accommodations, mid-range hotels in Asturias cost between $80 and $130 a night, and rural B&Bs offer a cozy, budget-friendly alternative.
The Fiesta de la Sidra Natural in Gijón is a festival where traditional Asturian bagpipes and folk dancing take center stage. Visitors can also try regional cider during this lively celebration.
Asturias Airport (OVD) is located approximately 30 minutes from the capital city of Oviedo and has direct flights from Madrid and Barcelona. For a faster journey, Renfe's Alvia service offers a high-speed train from Madrid to Oviedo in 3.5 hours via the Pajares Base Tunnel.
In summary, the Costa Verde Express offers a luxurious, scenic rail journey through Asturias, pairing world-class onboard hospitality with visits to beautiful coastal and mountain landscapes. It is ideal for travelers looking to explore northern Spain in comfort and style. Asturias delivers on rich cultural experiences steeped in history, art, and tradition, making it a must-visit destination for any discerning traveler.
The luxurious Costa Verde Express journey combines scenic views of Asturias' coastal and mountain landscapes with fine dining and regional specialties, making it an exquisite way to savor asturian cuisine during travel. Travelers visiting Asturias can immerse themselves in the region's rich cultural experiences, including charming towns, natural sites, and distinctive festivals like the Fiesta de la Sidra Natural.
