36 Te Travel Guide Worldwide travel
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Hiking through a pasture by the Lakes of Covadonga, Asturias PHOTOGRAPH: AMAR HERNÁNDEZ
northern Spain that’s best experi- enced outdoors. Tink spotting bear cubs snuffling about in spring, surfing some of the region’s 200 beaches in summer or hiking through the Peloño Forest Nature Reserve in autumn before feasting on hearty fabada bean stew. Rubicund faces and robust spirits abound here — it’s evident in the fishermen hauling in their catch
Top seven wild-at-heart things to do in Asturias I
From searching for brown bears in the Cantabrian Mountains to cycling along ancient bridle ways, adventure awaits in this Spanish Principality
n between the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Mountains is Asturias, a green-blue patch of
at Puerto de Vega and Avilés markets and in the farmers working the land in the shadow of the Picos de Europa mountain range.
1. Picos of the parks Tere are seven UNESCO Biosphere Reserves packed into this Principality. Chief among them is Picos de Europa National Park, which was created in 1918. Tis hikers’ hinterland is laced with trails, such as the 7.5-mile Cares river route, which takes
about six hours. Inside the park, you’ll also find the high-altitude Lakes of Covadonga — well known to cyclists all over the world — next to the town of Cangas de Onís. Keen climbers, meanwhile, can tackle
the fabled
limestone peak of the 8,264ft Naranjo de Bulnes.
Located in northern Spain, Asturias is a beautiful
region to visit year-round. It’s easily accessible from the UK with direct flights to Asturias airport.
2. Cut-above coast Te region’s sea-faring heritage comes to life in fishing villages such as Llanes, Ribadesella, Cudillero and Luarca — which you can drive east to west in one day. Don’t miss the chance to see mack- erel, sardines and red mullet being traded at the lively rula (auctions) in Puerto
de Vega and Avilés. When you’re not feasting on boat-fresh spider crabs (fished from December to July), there are also some 200 golden beaches to explore. Favourite stretches among surfers are the left-hand river break of La Barra off Rodiles and the consistent reef break of Tapia.
3. Bear in mind Somiedo Natural Park is home to Western Europe’s last-remaining stronghold of Eurasian brown bears.
View of Asturias’ seaside PHOTOGRAPH: AMAR HERNÁNDEZ
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